BOYAR of SERET.
According to the regulations of Gregory Gyka, prince of Moldavia, the holders of land are bound to labour twelve days in the year, and the holders of houses six days, for their lord, besides paying him the tithe of all their field-crops and fruit, and also of the produce of their gardens when they deal in such articles. According to ancient custom, every vassal holding grants of land gives, moreover, as a yearly acknowledgment, a hen, and a certain quantity of yarn; and if he keeps a cart or wagon, he must carry home for his lord a load of wood from his forest, or if there be none on his domains, from that which lies nearest to them.
WOMAN OF SZUCSAWICZA.
Szucsawicza, pronounced Szutzawitza, is celebrated as the ancient residence of the princes of Moldavia. On a hill near the place are still to be seen the ruins of a strong castle which they inhabited. It seems to have been destroyed by violence, probably in one of the frequent incursions of the Turks and Poles into this province. Whether the destruction of this castle, or as some assert, the commands of the Porte, caused the princes of Moldavia to change their place of abode, we shall not pretend to determine. So much at any rate is certain, that, till the middle of the sixteenth century, the Woywodes or Hospodars of Moldavia resided at Szucsawicza; and consequently it was not till the latter half of that century that they removed from this place to Yassy.
On a gentle eminence near the town there is a convent of monks of St. Basil, belonging to the not united Greek church, which, in regard to the number of its members, predominates in the Bukowina. This edifice stands in a dreary, melancholy country, and makes an extraordinary impression on the traveller with its numerous towers, crosses, and bells, and the paintings on the outside of the church. It is surrounded by walls and towers, as a defence against sudden attacks of banditti; and owes its existence to the pious donations of several Moldavian princes who are interred in it.
The women of Szucsawicza wrap a handkerchief about the head, and wear trowsers, slippers turned up at the toe, and a jacket bordered with fur in the Greek fashion. In their manners and customs these people closely resemble the Moldavians.
UNMARRIED FEMALE OF JAKOBENY.
Jakobeny is a place situated in the mountains and inhabited by miners. The females of the lower class here as every where else, are fond of finery. To the decorations of their persons belong indispensably numerous necklaces and other ornaments made of beads, coins, crosses, rich embroidery, and in summer fresh flowers and sprigs of plants for their hair. The gown is coloured and striped, and a red sash encircles the waist.
The engraving represents an unmarried female; the dress of the married woman is destitute alike of ornament and taste. The coarse gown is commonly of a dark colour with blue stripes, and in cold weather they wear over it a loose shapeless brown coat.