The Guard Regiments enjoy many privileges denied to the rest, and their officers rank one step higher in the Army.

Cossack of the Guard.

Many alterations in the uniform have been made by the present Czar. The dark green colour has been preserved, but the cut of the tunic has been altered from that of the Prussian tunic to a loose double-breasted jacket fastened with hook and eye, and with no buttons. The head-gear is a round fur-cap, white in the case of Generals and Staff-officers, and black in all others. The soldier has little to do in the way of metal-polishing, it is true, but still the eye misses the accustomed glint which one usually associates with a military uniform. The Regiments of the Guard and Grenadiers have special distinguishing marks on their uniform.

The Infantry rifle is a useful breech-loader with bayonet, on the system of the American General Berdan. Regarding the question of magazine-rifles, the Government has not yet made up its mind; so that, for the present at all events, Russia is rather behindhand in the matter.

Cavalry.

The Cavalry of the Field Forces consists of:—

Guard Cavalry:—

4RegimentsofCuirassiers,
2””Dragoons,
2””Hussars,
2””Lancers,

and 46 regiments of Dragoons of the Line.