Royal Memoirs (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 Excerpt: ...Ilm. It was found at a time when, estranged from such subjects, I took little interest in them. The finders took the material for meerschaum, and sent the pieces to Eisenach; only a few fragments reached me, which I left to themselves. Councillor of Mines Werner, however, on a second instructive visit, at once settled the matter, and we were delighted by the solution of a master in his department. The relations into which my possession of the Rossla freehold brought me demanded much attention for some time, and the days which thus seemed plundered from me were yet turned to useful account in many ways. The first tenant was to be sued at law, a new tenant to be installed, and the experience gradually acquired in such foreign affairs could not go for naught. By the end of March there was already sufficient feeling of recreation in a country residence. Business was given over to agriculturists and lawyers, and in the meantime it was a pleasure to expatiate in the open air. Ergo bibamus, too, being a fit conclusion to all premises, many a customary and extemporized feast was celebrated. There was no want of visitors, and the costs of a well-furnished table increased the deficit the old tenant had left behind him. The new one was passionately fond of tree-nurseries, and a pleasant slip of valley of the most fruitful soil gave scope for the gratification of his tastes in this direction. The bushy side df the declivity, graced with a bubbling spring, called forth, on the other hand, my old park-fancies for winding paths and social spaces. In short, all that was wanting was the element of profit to make this little possession highly desirable. The neighborhood, too, of an important little town and smaller communities, made social by sensible functionaries and able ...