53 M. Beudant's Travels in Hungary. 



which, ""grubbing up the earth, made bare the indications of a 

 famous treasure of minerals, near the place where now stands 

 the principal inn of the town. 



The gosition is somewhat disagreeable, from its lying open 

 to the north winds, and being excluded from the south by 

 mountains ; the weather is eold in all seasons. There is 

 nothing in the interior to invite attention, no pleasant pro- 

 menade to recreate the inhabitants during or after their la- 

 bours. There is, universally, an arid appearance on which 

 ever side we turn ; mountains of rubbish covered with ochre, 

 and exhaling a sulphureous scent. All around we must scale 

 more elevated situations to come at a temperature more re- 

 freshing, trees, green grass, and the sweets of vegetation. 



The valleys which descend to the S. W. are agreeable, 

 though in their higher parts less pleasing; thick forests of 

 pines cover the declivities as well as the tops of the mountains, 

 and appear as if intended to conceal the depths of the adjacent 

 precipices. The lower parts are more agreeable, the declivi- 

 ties more gentle, and various parts are covered with oaks, 

 birch, and beach trees, whose lighter foliage contrasts with the 

 darker tints of other trees. 



The valleys of Eisenbach and Glasshutte contain baths of 

 great celebrity, and much frequented in the fair season ; they 

 then become points of assemblage very entertaining. But we 

 do not find in these establishments all the conveniences that 

 might be wished. Throughout Hungary the traveller takes 

 with him his bed, linen, and other articles of prime necessity. 

 Woe to one that arrives without this immense luggage, for a 

 wooden bed, often too short by a foot, straw, two or three bad 

 chairs, and a coffer or chest of fir, constitute the whole furni- 

 ture of a chamber, though always very neatly white-washed ; 

 and the baths here can offer him no better. 



The school of mines established at Schemnitz, by the em- 

 press Maria Theresa, acquired, at its outset, a well-merited 

 reputation. The encouragements given to the students, the 

 talents cf the professors, the curious improvements in the 

 processes of extraction, &c. attracted from all parts a numer- 

 ous concourse of pupils, as also of eminent scientific characters. 

 At present, few traces remain of that transient splendour. They 

 are now more intent on realising products than propagating 

 useful knowledge. The chamber of mines is chiefly or wholly 

 occupied in financial arrangements; all that regards science 

 and the practical improvements of art, are subordinate objects 

 hardly deserving notice. Here are no professors devoted to 

 the study of different branches of mining as a science ; some 

 officers go through some courses, but it is like works of super- 



