WHAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE DISTRICT JUDGE OF MIRGOROD A wonderful town is Mirgorod! How many buildings are there with straw, rush, and even wooden roofs! On the right is a street, on the left a street, and fine fences everywhere.

Over them twine hop-vines, upon them hang pots; from behind them the sunflowers show their sun-like heads, poppies blush, fat pumpkins peep; all is luxury itself! The fence is invariably garnished with articles which render it still more picturesque: woman's widespread undergarments of checked woollen stuff, shirts, or trousers.

There is no such thing as theft or rascality in Mirgorod, so everybody hangs upon his fence whatever strikes his fancy.
If you go on to the square, you will surely stop and admire the view: such a wonderful pool is there! The finest you ever saw.

It occupies nearly the whole of the square.

A truly magnificent pool! The houses and cottages, which at a distance might be mistaken for hayricks, stand around it, lost in admiration of its beauty.
But I agree with those who think that there is no better house than that of the district judge.