BADEN. 509 



the surrounding country, which abounds in pleasant 

 walks, charming scenery, and picturesque old ruins. 

 The baths are celebrated throughout Southern 

 Germany, and both sexes, being suitably dressed, 

 bathe promiscuously, having separate entrances 

 and dressing-rooms. The waters, which are im- 

 pregnated with sulphur, are considered a specific 



against almost all ailments, and Count O i, a 



staunch believer in their efficacy, assured me that 

 even barren women find relief; but whether this 

 proceeds from the virtue of the waters, or the 

 company, or the change of air, or what not, he 

 could not absolutely determine. Baden is very 

 gay, and a great place of resort of the beau monde 

 during the hot weather, who stroll about under the 

 trees of the " Theresien-garten," listening to de- 

 lightful music, or enjoying the dolce far niente in 

 the more secluded " Helen-enthal," a beautiful 

 valley about a mile from the town, called after " la 

 belle Helene." I also visited the Emperor's summer 

 residence of " Laxenbourg," and spent a very 

 pleasant day in rambling over the castle and park. 

 Amongst the many sterling good friends I made in 



