I know of one case where an itinerant photographer was severely maltreated in consequence of such suspicions; and once, in St.
Petersburg, during the reign of Nicholas I., a serious riot took place.
The excited populace had already thrown several doctors out of the windows of the hospital, when the Emperor arrived, unattended, in an open carriage, and quelled the disturbance by his simple presence, aided by his stentorian voice.
Of the ignorant credulity of the Russian peasantry I might relate many curious illustrations.

The most absurd rumours sometimes awaken consternation throughout a whole district.

One of the most common reports of this kind is that a female conscription is about to take place.

About the time of the Duke of Edinburgh's marriage with the daughter of Alexander II.

this report was specially frequent.