Once I had a good opportunity of observing this on board a large steamer on the Volga.

It was a very hot day in the early autumn.

As it was well known that there was a great deal of Asiatic cholera all over the country, prudent people refrained from eating much raw fruit; but Russian peasants are not generally prudent men, and I noticed that those on board were consuming enormous quantities of raw cucumbers and water-melons.

This imprudence was soon followed by its natural punishment.

I refrain from describing the scene that ensued, but I may say that those who were attacked received from the others every possible assistance.