PEASANT OF THE BANAT FRONTIER.
The coat and pantaloons of the Walachian, the original native of the country, in his holiday dress, are of white cloth, the ornaments being neatly worked by the women in coloured worsted. In fashion this dress resembles the costume of his progenitors, the ancient Dacians, as delineated on Trajan’s pillar. The head is covered either with a round hat, or the still more ancient sheep-skin cap.
The Walachian styles himself a Roman in his language, which is a medley of corrupt Latin and Illyrian; but it is very rarely that Roman valour can be discovered in him. He dislikes the military profession, and it is very long before he becomes habituated to its hardships: but yet none endures with greater fortitude, sufferings and privations which cannot be avoided. His wants are very moderate. He cheerfully and thoughtlessly consumes what he has as long as it lasts, and afterwards fasts with exemplary resignation. He does not always duly respect the property of others, but cheerfully shares what he possesses with those who need relief.