The Hurtz. 107 



I 



ated near the village of the same name, which is never neglected by 

 the German traveller, being the traditionary spot frequented by the 

 fabulous Der Freyshutz. The curious who visit the Hartz, generally 

 ascend the Brocken to enjoy the beauties of a setting and rising sun. 

 The mountain as well as the inn which is constructed on the peak, 

 appertains to the count of Wernigerode, to whom a list of the 

 names, profession, &c. of those who may have passed the night 

 there, is daily sent, bearing such remarks, complaints, et cetera, as 

 those who attach their name to it may deem proper to make. A 

 view from the summit of this mountain is as essential to the geologist 

 as it is gratifying to the lover of nature, inasmuch as this is the only 

 point from which a correct idea of the disposition of this interesting 

 group can be attained. 



Hartz. 



'en an 



ments or districts, (Bergwerkzuge ;) six of these are in active op- 

 eration. A number of the villages are distinguished by the enjoy- 

 ment of certain privileges, and are termed mine cities, (Bergstadt ;) 

 they generally owe their origin to the exploration of a vein. Thus 

 the mines near Clausthal and Zellerfeld were opened in the year 

 1600, and the above places were then founded. The veins at An- 

 dreasberg were discovered in 1520, and the cities founded the follow- 

 ing year. They are the following, Clausthal, Zellerfeld, Wilderman, 

 Grund, Lautenthal, Andreasberg, and Altenau. The mines and works 

 are under the direction of a council which holds its meetings at 

 Clausthal, where there is a school of mines possessing an extensive 

 mineralogical cabinet, and a remarkably fine collection of models of 

 the different machines used in the working of mines. Those min- 

 erals found in the mines, and possessing a certain intrinsic value, 

 are sent to the school where they are taxed, and exhibited for 



sale. 



The administration of the mines is worthy of the highest praise ; 



the different situations are accorded only to those persons who have 

 proved their capability, by long and particular practice, seconded by 

 theoretical information respecting their occupation. Each indi- 

 vidual has his immediate calling, and gives himself entirely to the 

 acquisition of that kind of knowledge which his department de- 

 mands. Thus there are special engineers for the iron works, for 



