I.

because the most common plants are here CHAP. made interesting by the circumstances of their locality and association. We had several fine views, from the openings of a narrow defile of the Balkan, as we began to descend towards a

A non-descript species of Periwinkle (VINCA, Linn.) differing from the VINCA MINOR (which it resembles in size) in having blunt oval leaves, ciliated at the edges; and not inclining to lanceolate, or pointed, as in that species; and from the VINCA MAJOR also differing, in having the calyx scarcely half the length of the tube of the blossom, and the leaves regularly oval, not enlarging towards the base, and only about a fourth part so large: the stems measure from four to nine inches in length, and the largest leaves about an inch and a quarter. We have called it VINCA PUMILA.

Vinca pumila, foliis ovalibus oblongo-ovatibusque obtusis, margine ciliatis; calycis laciniis corollæ tubo dimidio brevioribus, ciliatis.

The others collected in this route were,

The two-leaved Squill-Scilla bifolia, Linn.

Dwarf Star of Bethlehem-Ornithogalum nanum, Sibth.
Common Lungwort-Pulmonaria officinalis, Linn.
Crowfoot-leaved Anemone-Anemone ranunculoides, Linn.
Meadow rue-leaved Isopyrum-Isopyrum thalictroides, Linn.
Green Hellebore-Helleborus viridis, Linn.

Ground Ivy-Glechoma hederaica, Linn.

Pilewort Crowfoot-Ranunculus ficaria, Linn.

Common Violet-Viola odorata, Linn.

Spring Vetch-Vicia lathyroides, Linn.

Rock Ragwort-Senecio rupestris, Waldstein et Kilaibel.

Barren Strawberry-Fragaria sterilis, Linn.

Spurge Adonis, or Pheasant's Eye-Adonis vernalis, Linn.
Blue-bottle-Centaurea cyanus, Linn.

Spring Crocus-Crocus vernus, Linn.

VOL. VIII.

I.

CHAP. plain, and to the village of Dragoelu, inhabited by Bulgarians, where we halted for dinner. In Dragoela. the plain around this village, and the whole way hence as far as Shumla, the land is cultivated like a garden. The increasing appearances of industry, and of its blessed companions, health and cleanliness, began to suggest to us that we were leaving Turkey, as the blighting influence of its government was becoming gradually less visible. In descending to Dragoelu, the eye may be said to revel in the delightful prospect which this change exhibits. As far as the sight extends, but at a great depth below the traveller, rich plains are seen, spreading before the view all the wealth of husbandry in its utmost abundance. The mountains are cultivated even to their summits, and covered with vineyards, and the plains with plantations of fruit-trees, growing among the green corn: being now in blossom, their gaudy flowers, above the deep verdure of the fields, exhibited the most cheerful smiling aspect imaginable.

After having taken our refreshment, we proceeded along the valley, and over a level country, with broad and good roads, four hours.

Shumla. farther, to Shumla. One hour before we reached

.I.

this place, we again crossed the river Kamtchi- CHAP. sù; and close to it there was a small village, where we saw a large camp of Gipsies, who are the smiths of Bulgaria. They had placed their waggons so as to form a square court, with covered sides like sheds, in the middle of the village. In these courts of the Hamaxobii, we have the original form of all the Greek houses, and of all Northern nations; like those now seen even in Finland and Lapland, and among all the Scythian tribes. For the rest, the Bulgarian Gipsies are exactly like those of England; the women were squalling about, telling fortunes, with their usual wild and tawny complexions. Here they are called Tchinganéi. The town of Shumla is very considerable, and it is well fortified, with ramparts and a double fosse. As we drew nigh to the works, four of its principal inhabitants, accompanied by about fifty soldiers bearing arms, came to meet the Ambassador at the gate of the town; and having kissed the hem of his robes, after the Turkish manner, mounted their horses, and conducted him to the house prepared for his reception. We had excellent quarters assigned for us, in the house of a Greek, close to that of the Ambassador, who sent a message to us, saying, that it was his intention to remain the following day in

CHAP. Shumla, for the ceremony and festival of the COURBAN BAIRAM'.

I.

Festival of the Courban Bairam.

(1) Meaning the Lesser Bairam, which takes place seventy days after the Greater festival. Upon this occasion there is a cessation from labour during three days; rejoicings are made, and presents distributed. Corban, or Courban, signifies a sacrifice; it is generally the sacrifice of a lamb, which is sent to some one as a gift.

Veronica Pumila, according to its` natural size.

CHAP. II.

FROM THE PASSAGE OF MOUNT HÆMUS, TO BÛKOREST.

Occurrences at Shumla-Medals-Electrum-Marcianopolis-Situation of Shumla-Scordisci―Comparative Vocabulary of the English, Bulgarian, Albanian, Erse, and Turkish Languages-Population and Trade of Shumla-Courban Bairam-Tatchekeui-Remarkable

Quadruped-Lazgarat-Torlach-Pisanitza-Rustchûk -River Danube-Trade of Rustchûk-Passage of the River—Giurdzgio-Change in the mode of travelling —Tïya, or Tiasum —Breaking of a Bridge—Kapûka, or Napouka - General description of WalachiaCondition