1936 On the Continent

which has been world famous for decades and has an increasing number of visitors year by year. The mud baths have up-to-date equipment, while the large Kurhotel accommodates the visitors. Kemeri is situated some 25 miles from Riga and about 4 miles from the sea, in the middle of a lovely wood. It can be reached from Riga either by fast trains or by car. All information can be obtained from the management, but in regard to Kemeri’s therapeutic value it may be said here that for centuries past it has been the one sure hope of sufferers from rheumatism and gout. The spa is managed by a tried physician in conjunction with the Balneological Association.
    Another famous sulphur baths is at Baldone, 20 miles from Riga. Among the seaside resorts Vecaki, on the right bank of the Daugava, has in recent years become popular with people who prefer restfulness to “high life.”
    The province of Largale offers you the most fascinating scenery. The railways run conducted week-end excursions through districts that may be of interest to visitors by reason of their scenery and historical associations.
Sporting Facilities
    Latvia is just as much an Eldorado for the hunter as for the fisherman, for the country is rich in game and various methods of hunting unknown in Western Europe are practised here. The shooting season begins in spring, when black fowl is shot. There are large quantities of these in Latvia. In the autumn the hunters turn their attention to grouse, wild duck and hare. There is also deer, wild boar, elk and lynx. In the woods and on the moors of Latgale there are many wolves, while the large Latvian lakes are rich in waterfowl. If you enjoy shooting waterfowl, the Babit lake near Riga, which is very beautifully situated, is an ideal place for you.
    The angler can catch salmon trout and carp in the Latvian rivers, or harpoon salmon. This is done from boats, the necessary light being obtained by burning resinous pinewood. Crab fishing is also intensely interesting.
    Naturally, hunting and fishing in Latvia must be preceded by certain official formalities, and it is best to get in touch with the established hunting and angling organisations for the purpose. Addresses may be obtained from the Latvian Legation in your country.
    Riga is connected by direct expresses with most European centres. All information concerning passports, visas, fees, etc., can be obtained from the diplomatic and consular offices abroad, who will also supply free of charge travel guides in various foreign languages.
    English visitors coming to Latvia for a cure or a holiday will find English colonies in the large towns. Before the world war there were 500 British subjects living in Riga. To-day there may be from two to three hundred English people in the capital. Riga is the seat of the British Embassyto the three Baltic States, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Riga also has an English church and an English club.
    The history of the English church in Riga is very interesting. It was built from contributions made by the congregation itself in the course of fifty-three years. The fund was started in 1806 by English merchants living in Riga; in 1829 the first English priest, the Rev. John Ellis, M.A., was appointed chaplain to the English congregation in Riga, and in 1857 the foundation stone of the church was laid. In order to lay the foundation stone on British soil a whole shipload of earth was brought from England. The bricks from which the church was built were also brought over from England, although they could have been bought far cheaper locally. The church is close to the Presidential palace and seats 200. The English club, built in 1900, is also on the same site. According to the club’s statutes, one-third of the membership may be foreign.
    There are war graves of British soldiers at the Jelgava cemetery, where thirty-six gravestones mark the last resting-place of British soldiers who died in German captivity. Near them lie Latvians who fell in the Latvian war of liberation.
    It was not the writer’s object to write a guide through Latvia, as such guides are available in all European languages at the consulates, where they are supplied free of charge. The foregoing is merely designed to convey to the foreigner a few impressions of this little known Baltic State and to show him that Latvia is a country well worth a visit.

ESTONIA
by
JUHAN JAIK
    TABLE OF CONTENTS

ESTONIA
    W HEN the old Vikings were searching for trade routes through the