t. In places more
remote the simplicity of ancient manners still prevails: commutation of
property is their only traffic. Where money passes in the way of barter
our old coin is the most acceptable, particularly that which is indented
at the edge, or stamped with the impression of a chariot and two horses,
called the Serrati and Bigati. Silver is preferred to gold, not from
caprice or fancy, but because the inferior metal is of more expeditious
use in the purchase of low-priced commodities.

Ancient German Weapons

"Iron does not abound in Germany, if we may judge from the weapons in
general use. Swords and large lances are seldom seen. The soldier
grasps his javelin, or, as it is called in their language, his fram--an
instrument tipped with a short and narrow piece of iron, sharply
pointed, and so commodious that, as occasion requires, he can manage
it in close engagement or in distant combat. With this and a shield the
cavalry are completely armed. The infantry have an addition of missive
weapons. Each man carries a considerable number, and being naked, or,
at least, not encumbered by his light mantle, he throws his weapon to a
distance almost incredible. A German pays no attention to the ornament
of his person; his shield is the object of his care, and this he
decorates with the liveliest colours. Breastplates are uncommon. In a
whole army you will not see more than one or two helmets. Their horses
have neither swiftness nor elegance, nor are they trained to the various
evolutions of the Roman cavalry. To advance in a direct line, or wheel
suddenly to the right, is the whole of their skill, and this they
perform in so compact a body that not one is thrown out of his rank.
According to the best estimate, the infantry comprise the national
strength, and, for that reason, always fight intermixed with the
cavalry. The flower of their youth, able by their vigour and activity
to keep pace with the movements of the horse, are selected for this
purpose, and placed in the front of the lines. The number of these is
fixed and certain: each canton sends a hundred, from that circumstance
called Hundreders by the army. The name was at first numerical only: it
is now a title of honour. Their order of battle presents the form of a
wedge. To give ground in the heat of action, provided you return to the
charge, is military skill, not fear or cowardice. In the most fierce and
obstinate engagement, even when the fortune of the day is d