OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. " This is an exceedingly interesting and well-written series of sketches of Hungarian domestic life. Miss Birkbeck modestly confesses that the scenes and incidents she describes are not the fruit of her own personal observation ; but so genially has she made use of the excellent materials at her command, that we scarcely think the work has suffered be- cause its authoress never scampered across the Puszta, or shared in the rude sports of the Pasztorok, which she de- scribes with such picturesque gusto. The latter portion of the volume is chiefly occupied with a touching narrative of the sufferings inflicted on the patriots after the fatal trea- chery of Vilagos. interspersed with glowing anecdotes of the heroism of the Magyars." — Morning Advertiser. " Without any attempt at formal narrative or systematic description, graphic sketches are given of the past history and of the present condition of Hungary and its people. No one can read this volume without having a warmer feeling towards the land of the Magyars, and being inspired with some of the author's enthusiasm for a nation whose history, even down to our own days, is so full of romantic interest." — The Literary Gazette. " This is a work of singular and sterling merit. Miss Birkbeck, who appears to possess in great perfection the rare power of realising to herself from accurate description things that she has not seen, tells what she has learnt in a series of charming essays. The effect of them all is to give an account of Hungary so full of life and truth, that we have had, since Mr. Paget's book, no picture of the land of the Magyar equally full and suggestive. The matter of them throughout is picturesque and always thoroughly effective, inasmuch as they abound in well-felt description and striking traits of character, in incidents narrated with real graphic power, in anecdotes of which the point is not marred by the telling, and in popular tales chosen with the best discretion." — Examiner. " This volume is perhaps the most complete compendium of the ancient and modern history of the traditions, of the man- ners and customs, and generally of the state of Hungary, past and present, that has appeared in any language. Truthful in its descriptions and natural in its sentiments, it is tho- roughly informed with a spirit of philosophy simple and earnest, and interpenetrated with an unswerving love of free- dom and an unwavering belief in human progression, which cannot fail to recommend it to all thoughtful readers. The subjects embraced in its pages are as varied as the life of the gallant and glorious nation of which it treats ; so that the attention is not fatigued by dwelling too much upon any pecu- liar topic. Town and country life are also prefigured in these pages with much vividness and effect, and, in one instance, that of the story of Szoroi, with profound pathos. Szoroi is an episode in exile life which would form the subject for as lofty a tragedy as ever Sophocles constructed." — Obseevee. " This is decidedly to be counted among the most interesting little books we have ever met with ; it conveys a more faithful picture of Hungarian rural and domestic life than a score of volumes of greater bulk and pretence. We here learn in simple language how the various tribes of Hungary live and think and speak ; how they woo and marry ; what are their toils and recreations ; how they love their country, and fight and die for it ; and last, though by no means the least, how foully Austria breaks every compact, how cruelly she treats the fallen." — Atlas. " The sketches of the several races given are full of informa- tion, and the illustrations of Austrian tyranny and national patriotism are put in the most forcible contrast. The names of Haynau and Gorgey on the one hand, of Bern and Klapka on the other, are to be met with in close connexion with seve- ral breathless episodes, which are delineated with a spirit and vigour which rouses the sympathies of the reader almost beyond control." — Weekly Dispatch. " Most heartily do we recommend Miss Birkbeck's work to our readers. With the value of historic and social truth, it contains many of the charms of the most romantic story. In this manner may it be received, and, we hope, presented as a welcome gift to hundreds of youthful readers." — Lloyd's Newspapeb. " The ' Gleanings ' constitute a pleasant and informing book." — Spectatob. KURAL AND HISTORICAL GLEANINGS Eastern Europe. RURAL AND HISTORICAL GLEANINGS EASTERN EUROPE. BY MISS A. M. BIEKBECK. Pko Patria et Libertate."— Bdkoczi. ScconU Oitton. LONDON : PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY DAETON AND CO., 58, HOLBOKN HILL. MDCCCLIV. {Translation reserved.) .B6I LONDON : WILLIAM STEVENS, PRINTER, 37, BELL YARD, TEMPLE EAR. // HISTOEICAL GLEA^I^GS the 1st of October, which so completely tore and scattered the white flag hoisted on the ramparts, that in the morning nought but the staff was to be seen. The people fully believed that the storm was the last protest of departing freedom against the occupation of the fortress by its hereditary enemy. Too proud to avail himself of the advantages of an amnesty at the hands of the Austrians, Klapka went into exile there to share the fate of many of his brave compatriots. But even as a houseless fugitive he did not cease to labour for the benefit of his country. As his sword was sheathed he took up the pen, and with great care and research col- lected the materials for the history of the late struggle, which he presented to the world in two different works : the first in English and German, and the second in G-erman, French, and Swedish. These works may be regarded as the most authentic accounts of the warlike events of that period. When the present war in the East promised a fair field for the display of his talents both in the council and on the battle-field, Klapka hastened to Constantinople to offer his services to the Sultan against Russia. After protracted negotiations, on the very eve of taking command, the alliance be- tween Austria and Turkey was concluded. At this ■ - .1946 FKOM EASTERN EUROPE. 447 urn in affairs Klapka deemed it incompatible with lis patriotic duty and honour to accept the prof- ered post ; and he immediately left the capital as veil as the land of the Moslems. THE end.