384 MINES OF SCHEMNITZ. 
descent. The floor and sides of this mine 
were so clean, that a lady in her court apparel 
might have accompanied us, as easily as through 
the apartments of a palace. We continued to 
proceed to a very great distance along this 
level, conducted by the light of torches. When 
we reached the vein at its termination, the 
Archduke Anton asked several questions re- 
specting the produce and associations of the 
ore, proving that he was well acquainted with 
mineralogy. By the answers given to his High- 
ness, we learned that the richest ores of this 
mine lie much lower than the level by which 
we entered ; — that the ore upon a level with 
the horizon does not contain more than from 
Jive to eight lotos of silver in the quintal. After 
having visited two or three veins, in different 
directions, (those of the JVind-schadt Mine being 
various in their determination,) we were con- 
ducted to a chamber brilliantly illuminated and 
prepared for the reception of their Highnesses. 
Subterra- ^g y^Q approaclicd the entrance, a larsfe trans- 
neous re- * * ~ 
cepuon parent painting exhibited an inscription, men- 
Arcbdukes. tiouiug the day on which the two Archdukes 
had honoured the Wind-schadt Mine with their 
presence. As soon as they entered the illumi- 
nated chamber, a band of musicians, stationed 
in an elevated gallery of the mine, above our 
