TO THE MINES OF CREMNITZ. 351 
carbonate and of the muriate*. The Danube is chap. 
here of very extraordinary breadth, compared . 
with its general appearance : we passed it by 
means of a Jlying-bridge, consisting of a large Fiying- 
platform constructed across two barges, and 
held by other boats at anchor ; — the most con- 
venient kind of ferry known for the passage 
of large and rapid rivers. This kind of bridge 
is capable of conveying, at the same time, a 
great number of carriages, cattle, and passen- 
gers. The flying-bridge of Gran was provided 
with several small houses, a large beil and cupola, 
images, &c. — In the evening we arrived at 
Parkany, situate, with regard to Gran, as Pest is 
with respect to Buda, It is a small village, at 
the confluence of the Gran with the Danube, 
containing an excellent inn. Here, having left 
the post-road, we hired horses according to what 
is called the P^orspan^ in Germany; a species of 
impost upon the peasants; the price being by 
one-third less than the expense of post-horses'^. 
(4) For other circumstances relating to its natural history, the Reader 
is referred to Dr. Townsons Travels in Hungary, chap. 3. 
(5) The Vorspaji is used as a substitute for post-horses, where the 
latter cannot be had. The word Vorspan is likewise used for those 
horses which, during war, are required by Government for the transport 
of stores, ammunition, sick, wounded, &c. This Vorspan is seldom paid. 
(6) We paid only two florins for eight horses, one post, from Parkany 
to Komenil. Where great expedition is not required, a reduction of 
expense, equal to two-thirds of the price of posting, may be effected by 
traTclUng with the Vorspan horses. 
