of officials, mostly Germans, who manage the woods and forests on a
very complicated system, which pays well, but would probably pay better
if simplified. It has also a monopoly of certain things in its own
district, such as salt, &c.

The prevalence of bribery is one of the causes seriously retarding
progress in Hungary. There is as yet no wholesome feeling against this
corruption, even amongst those who ought to show an example to the
community. They have also a droll way of cooking accounts down in these
parts, but there is a vast deal of human nature everywhere, so "let no
more be said."

[Footnote 9: A Short Trip in Hungary and Transylvania.]




CHAPTER VI.

Mineral wealth of the Banat--Wild ride to Dognacska--Equipment for
a riding tour--An afternoon nap and its consequences--Copper
mines--Self-help--Bare insects--Moravicza--Rare minerals--Deutsch
Bogsan--Reschitza.


The neighbourhood of Oravicza is well worth exploring, especially by
those who like knocking about with a geological hammer. The mines in the
Banat were perhaps worked earlier than any other in this part of Europe.
The minerals of the district present a very remarkable variety. Von
Cotta, I imagine, is the best authority upon the Banat ore deposits.