GRATZ. 6 



in Europe. The fine old city of Gratz, the 

 capital of Lower Styria, is also in itself Avell 

 worthy of notice, and is the residence of many 

 foreigners who have been tempted there to fix 

 themselves by the beauty of the spot, the facility 

 of obtaining education for their families, and 

 the cheapness of living ; the latter advantage 

 has, however, been gradually diminishing by 

 the presence of strangers. Nothing indeed can 

 be more striking than the appearance of Gratz, 

 which stands in an extensive plain, from which 

 rises abru2:)tly a lofty pyramidal rock, precipit- 

 ous on all sides, upon the summit of which tow- 

 ers the citadel. This commands a magnificent 

 view of the valley of the Muhr, teeming with 

 grain and fruit up to the far-distant hill-sides, 

 which, as we passed, appeared clothed almost to 

 their summits with the vine and olive, witli 

 peaceful hamlets in every sheltered nook and 

 handsome chateaux on all sides. Passing rapidly 

 on through the same description of scenery, the 

 population appearing more numerous as we ad- 

 vanced, the smaller rivers more rapid, and mills 

 and factories increasing in number, — an autumn 

 evening closed in upon us, and we reached 

 Trieste considerably after nightfall. 



