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INTRODUCTION. 



Fairs. 



Leipsic Fairs. — The Leipsic Fairs, although not of the 

 same importance as in former years, are still the chief 

 medium through which business is transacted in 

 Germany. 



The hrst fair in the year is that of the New Year ; it 

 is now of little importance, and visited by few merchants. 



The Michaelmas Fair, which is held in September, has 

 also lost some of its importance. 



The Easter Fair, which commences the first week after 

 Easter, and lasts a fortnight, is the chief mart in the 

 year. It has maintained its status to a great degree, 

 and is visited by merchants, traders, and furriers from 

 all parts of Europe and America, France, England, 

 Russia, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Canada, United States, 

 etc. 



Furs from most parts of the world are here dealt 

 with : Cat, Squirrel, Persian Lamb, and Asiatic furs as 

 well as American. 



Many quaint costumes are then seen, and the Briihl, 

 the street where most of the fur warehouses are situated, 

 becomes a scene of bustle and activity. Booths are 

 erected there, and the whole of the Augustus Platz and 

 other squares are covered with similar erections. 



Goods are sometimes bartered, but the general 

 payment is by cash, which is, as usual, due at the 

 ensuing fair ; that is, the produce of one fair is paid for 

 at the next. The purchases are usually effected through 

 a broker, who, after a good deal of haggling, eventually 

 settles the bargain between the buyer and seller. 



Frankfurt Fair. — The fair of Frankfurt-on-the-Oder 



