Journey from Vienna. 77 



other parts, as also in the plains of Hungary, but, more com- 

 monly, in the soil of alluvion than in masses of freestone. 



To other observations made in and about the mountains of 

 Dregely may be added some notice of Acsa. It is chiefly re- 

 markable for the castle and park of Baron de Pronay. From 

 the terrace there is a fine view over the surrounding moun- 

 tains. The little town of Watz is deserving of notice, being 

 one of the most agreeable in Hungary. According to history, 

 it was built in the reign of Geysa I. who, on gaining a decisive 

 victory over Salomon, caused a church to be erected in the 

 midst of the forest that covered this country. The name of 

 Watz was that of a solitaire or recluse who lived in the forest. 

 It became afterwards a considerable place, and the see of a 

 bishop ; and later, the cradle of letters and philosophy. The 

 town suffered much in the invasion of the Mongols, notwith- 

 standing the vigorous resistance of the inhabitants. It was 

 exposed to similar disasters in the reign of John de Zapola, 

 in his wars with Ferdinand of Austria. It was taken also and 

 retaken several times by the Turks ; their incursions, whether 

 as enemies or allies, contributed to retard theprpgress of civi- 

 lization. The entrance of the town is distinguished by a 

 beautiful triumphal arch at the extremity of a fine avenue of 

 trees ; this is on the side of the Danube. There are several very 

 good houses,and some public buildings, for affording the means 

 of instruction. Among others is an institution for the deaf and 

 dumb, founded by the Emperor Francis, in 1802. And what is 

 not the least recommendation to a traveller, here are several 

 good inns. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE MOUNTAINS OF MATRA, AND THE EN VI RON'S OF ERLAU. 



I arrived at Pest, July 17th, towards evening, and on the 20th, 

 in the morning, I was on the road for Aszod, where an an- 

 nouncement to the Baron Charles Podmaniczky had already 

 preceded me. The two intermediate days had been devoted to 

 the arrangement of my pecuniary concerns, to visiting the 

 museum of natural history and that of the observatory, as also 

 to an acquaintance 1 had formed with Dr. Haberle, Director of 

 the Botanic Garden. I obtained here some valuable informa- 

 tion relative to certain parts of Hungary, and for which I have 

 also to thank M. Schuster, Professor of Chemistry in the 

 University. 



