A Modern Arcadia.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 130, 9 May 1883, Page 2

A Modern Arcadia.

According to a paper lately communicated 10 the French Geographical Society by Dr. Le Bon, there exists high up among the Carpathian Moun* tains ot G-alicia, m a distrist known as Tatras, one of the most primitive and unsophisticated .. communities m Europe. The population of this remote region numbers several hundred thousand individuals. They neigther use strong drink nor eat animal food. Riches have no charm for them. Though poor, they are contented, and though their diet is spare and monotonous, they enjoy perfect health and live long lives. The food of these Arcadians is principally oats, either simply boiled, or ground and converted into cakes. During four or five months m the year those of them thrt accompany their flocks and herds to the mountain patnres lire exclusvely on goat milk whey, of which each man consumes from three to four litres daily. Practically therefore, these goatherds live on the sugar and mineral salts contained m the whey. They do not consider this regimen a privation, and, says Dr. Le Bon, who nas been among them when they returned to the yalleys at the end of the season they are as strong and as vigorous as when they set out. The entire race of Poihalians (as the people Tatras call themselves) are remarkable for their vigor and energy, and are incontestable . superior, physically and intellectually, to the neighbouring populations. The lives of the Podhalians are easy and tranquil, not because of the abundance of their resources —for they are a poor people inhabiting an arid region — bnt because their neads are few, and they are free from the craving for stimulants, which is the curse of working people m other parts of Europe. Their (physique is of a remarkable purity ; they ar* quick of apprehension, and fraok m manners. Thongh far from being highly cultured, the Podhalians are found of dancing, and ofttm, when labours of the day are over meet to indulge m their favourite diversion. They are born improvisatpres, too, and many of them can sing their own songs set to music of their own composition I Their poerry says Ur.'jLe Bon,is teuder and artless m sentiment, generous and elevated m style— finalities which he attributes to the " wealth of spontaneous resources'' possessed by natures that know neither violent passions nor unnatural excite^ ments. — Londnn