MINES OF CREMNITZ. 336 
sylvcttiia, the art of mining is conducted upon so chap. 
magnificent a scale, and at the same time with ^ 
such discreet economy, that it must be con- 
fessed the Germans have left other nations far 
behind them in managing these important re- 
sources of national wealth. This is the first 
impression, made by viewing their superior 
skill and industry in the art of mining; the 
apparent ease, neatness, and advantage, with 
which the works are carried on ; the spacious 
entrances to their mines ; their dry, airy, and 
cleanly levels; and the great encouragement 
given to the study of mineralogy, and to all mining 
speculations. But, upon a strict inquiry made statistical^ 
into the statistics of the mines of Cremnitz, a the :^iijies. 
second impression followed : it then seemed to 
us as if their golden age was passed ; owing to 
the conviction we had of the poverty of the 
German Government, and of its inability to 
advance the sums necessary for carrying on the 
works. There are several mines at Cremnitz; 
jSome belonging to individuals, others to the 
Croum. With regard to those belonging to the 
Crown, upon the success of which the welfare of 
all the others depended, such had been the dis- 
tracted state of Continental affairs, that Govern- 
ment, of late years, had been compelled to appro- 
priate to other purposes the money necessary 
