Chapter I: Preface

NORTHERN LANDS, the second volume of the second series of "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD," describes the varied experience of the juvenile tourists of the Academy Squadron in the Baltic, and during their journeys in Russia and Prussia, and their voyages between the different ports in these countries. Compared with most other countries of Europe, but little has been written about Russia, and the greater portion of this volume related to that interesting nation. The author writes from his own notes and recollection, so far as scenery, manners and customs are concerned, but he has made diligent study and use of all the material within his reach, including much that was gathered abroad. Perhaps the young people will vote that this is the dryest book the author has ever presented to them, because it contains the most useful information; but he hopes they will not neglect the historical part, which is sometimes stranger than any fiction.

But the volume is not without its story, which may be regarded as a reflection, on a small scale, of the political experience of the American citizen. Doubtless our young friends will sympathize with Scott the Joker in his devotion to fair play; and well will it be for our country when this spirit shall pervade the caucus and the voting places, and those who are selfishly striving for office are as effectually rebuked and ignored as they were in the Academy Squadron. The next volume of the series, from the nature of the circumstances, rather than from any fixed intention on the part of the writer, will contain much more of stirring incident than the present.

The author, who has so long been before the public as a writer of juvenile books, and who has so often "launched a volume," has felt that his welcome must be nearly worn out, and that he had no right to expect the continued favor of his army of young friends. He was therefore very agreeably surprised at the kind reception given to "UP THE BALTIC," the sale of which was fully equal to the most fortunate of its predecessors in the first series. The author is very grateful for this new exhibition of kindness on the part of his young friends, and he hopes that the present volume will not only interest, but instruct and benefit them.

HARRISON SQUARE, BOSTON,
December 18, 1871.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE

I. AT THE PICNIC IN THE ISLAND. 11

II. AN EXCITED MEETING OF OFFICERS AND SEAMEN. 29

III. FINLAND AND THE AGITATORS. 49

IV. TWO HOURS IN ÅBO, AND THE BANGWHANGERS. 68

V. AN EXCITING ELECTION. 86

VI. A CALL AT HELSINGFORS. 105

VII. WYBORG AND THE SECOND DEGREE. 122

VIII. THE LECTURE ON RUSSIA. 141

IX. SIGHTS IN ST. PETERSBURG. 171

X. BILLY BOBSTAY AND FRIENDS. 191

XI. PALACES AND GARDENS. 209

XII. THE JOURNEY TO MOSCOW. 226

XIII. IN THE KREMLIN OF MOSCOW. 244

XIV. DOWN THE VOLGA. 261

XV. THE MOVEMENTS OF THE RUNAWAYS. 279

XVI. SOMETHING ABOUT PRUSSIA AND GERMANY. 295

XVII. FROM KÖNIGSBERG TO DANZIG. 309

XVIII. THE STRANDED STEAMER IN THE BALTIC. 323

XIX. BERLIN, POTSDAM, AND DRESDEN. 336

XX. GREAT CHANGES IN THE SQUADRON. 353

NORTHERN LANDS;

OR,

YOUNG AMERICA IN RUSSIA AND PRUSSIA.