The troupe of Cossacks which have recently joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, under the leadership of Prince Ivan Makhavadye (of

[drawing]

PRINCE IVAN MAKHAVADYE, Leader of the Cossacks.

whom we give a portrait), have introduced some quaint novelties into the exhibition of riding with which the public are familiar at Earl's Court. Starting with a kind of musical ride, in which every member joins in a wild chant, they sweep round the arena two or three times at full speed, and with drawn swords. At a given signal they suddenly stop, and, dismounting, a portion of the band, including the princely chief, treat the spectators to a selection of their national dances—

[drawing]

THE COSSACK LEADER DANCING.

the remainder, meanwhile, standing round and keeping time by clapping their hands. Mounting again, they perform several strange feats—such as riding at a swift pace on their heads, with legs in the air; or, with their faces to the tails of the horses, picking up whips, handkerchiefs, &c., from the ground while in full career; and a variety of other tricks to show their complete mastery of the equestrian art.