The greater number of priests are so poor, that they and their families dress exactly like the peasants, from whom they can scarcely be distinguished.

The clergyman's wife looks after the cattle, and milks cows and ewes like a maid-servant; while her husband proceeds to the meadow, and mows the grass with the labourer.

The intercourse of the pastor is wholly confined to the society of peasants; and this constitutes the chief element of that "patriarchal life" which so many travellers describe as charming.

I should like to know which of them would wish to lead such a life! The poor priest has, besides, frequently to officiate in two, three, or even four districts, distant from four to twelve miles from his residence.

Every Sunday he must do duty at one or other of these districts, taking them in turn, so that divine service is only performed at each place once in every three or four weeks.