much tends to strengthen the supposition of its originating in local causes, such as marsh-miasma, &c., particularly when we remember, that the inhabitants of marshy districts, and the banks of rivers, which in this flat country annually overflow their banks, are peculiarly liable to it, more especially those on the banks of the Weichse, (Vistula) where it appears in its most malignant form, and which has given its name to the disease itself, Weichsel-zopf. Although the lower classes are most frequently the sufferers, on account probably of their filthy habits, yet some of the noblest and wealthiest families in Russia and Poland are not exempt: the Jews, who in these countries are perfect idolaters of dirt and oil, are likewise very often its victims; and it is a fact, that persons with a blonde complexion and light hair seldom exhibit it. Neither is it hereditary in families of this description. Every instance I myself witnessed was in persons of dark hair and sombre complexions, and more melancholy specimens of suffering humanity I never beheld: they appeared as if in the last stage of a consumption, cadaverous and emaciated. I regret to say, that little hope can be entertained of its eradication; for under some circumstances, and to certain constitutions, it is contagious, and decidedly hereditary. On these two points I made the most minute inquiries, which were invariably answered in the affirmative.

When propagated by contagion, it appears in eight days, and in some instances even in three or four: in such cases it is invariably preceded by a violent fever, head-ache, noise in the ears, &c.; but when self-en

gendered, let the local causes be what they may, it usually commences with the most complicated symptoms, such as violent pains in the head, ears, joints, eyes, muscles, in short the whole system is affected; even the nails on the fingers and feet fall off, or assume unnatural forms: these symptoms usually continue for about three or four weeks, from all of which the unfortunate patient is immediately relieved when the virus of the disease makes its appearance. It is now that the deepest horror of the afflicted sufferer begins, for a pus emitting a most intolerable smell is exuded from the head, and then descends into the hair, till every separate fibre is sensible to pain, and the hairs twist themselves together till they form a clotted mass of living corruption, which has been known to grow upwards of ten feet in length; but these are cases of extraordinary malignity. The most general form is, however, that of an entangled zopf (tuft) at the top of the head, susceptible of the slightest touch, even to the influence of the weather, thereby rendering the unhappy sufferers the most unerring barometers. The hair, however, though the seat of suffering, is the channel through which the disease is carried off, as the moment the separate fibres begin to enlarge, the other painful symptoms gradually disappear; hence, when it is supposed that this virus is lurking in the frame, every means are adopted to encourage the formation of the Plica.

After the disease has run its course, which, however, is uncertain in its duration, the entangled mass gradually dries, new hair grows underneath, and its separation

may now be attempted with safety, as these symptoms indicate that the malady is terminated, though in some cases it has been known to return; it is, however, advisable that the operation should not be delayed, otherwise the new hair will unite firmly with the diseased mass, and continue for years. But the great danger lies in dividing it prematurely, when convulsions, blindness, apoplexy, madness, or even instantaneous death ensues. The medicine which the Poles use as a preventive against this disease, is a decoction of the herba plicaria, lycopodium, selago C. with branca ursina, vinca pervinca, or helleborus, to which is added yeast, and then left to ferment like beer, and drank as the ordinary beverage. When the Plica exists in a mild form, it is by no means considered to abridge the duration of life. I witnessed it in a peasant, who had been slightly afflicted for forty years, and in a Jew upwards of eighty years old; the latter had periodical attacks in his beard. Both these persons declared that otherwise they had enjoyed excellent health their whole life time, with the single exception of being tormented with an unnaturally voracious appetite, which is invariably an accompanying symptom. The more ignorant classes of the people are so impressed with the belief of its being a preventive of every other disease, that it is no uncommon thing for them to adorn themselves with an inoculated plica!

Ophthalmia is also a very common disease in Poland; but of late years it appears to be on the increase. It exhibits, however, a much more malignant form when

attacking foreigners than natives; as a Russian officer, while I was at Warsaw, informed me that upwards of ten thousand of his countrymen were then its victims, many of whom, it was feared, would never recover their eye-sight.

COSTUMES OF POLAND.

Silesia-Battle-field of Lissa-Breslau-Kälisch-Tomb of BlucherZobtenberg-Schweidnitz-Mineral bath of Salzbrun-Castle of Fürstenstein Landshut

Riesengebirge

- Decline of Schmiedeberg Trade-Historical Sketch of Silesia-Character of the PeopleCemeteries.

I was not a little pleased to leave Sarmatia's luckless land behind me, if for nothing else than that I should henceforth be spared the humiliation of having my passport examined at every stage, and of answering all the silly questions of the vulgar postmasters, who are also police officers; for although the Prussian authorities are strict in the discharge of their duties, yet their conduct is gentlemanly, compared with that of the petty tyrants in Russia, to say nothing of the pleasing aspect of the country, particularly on entering Silesia, where the difference is peculiarly striking. Towns, villages, and hamlets multiply; the peasantry are clean, and better clad; and, increased comfort bringing with it increased merriment, music and dancing were frequently heard-sounds, alas! now seldom met with among the once happy inhabitants of Poland; and by