The land beyond the forest; facts, figures, and fancies from Transylvania . thecorrect formula of address. In one village it is customary for the newlyelected Hann to be placed on a harrow (the pointsturned upwards), and thus drawn in triumph roundthe village. The election takes place by votes, muchin the same way as the nomination of a pastor, andwith like circumspection. It is by no means easyto find a man well qualified for the office, for theHann requires to have a very remarkable assort-ment of the choicest virtues in order to fit him forthe place. He must be upright, honest, energetic,an
The land beyond the forest; facts, figures, and fancies from Transylvania . thecorrect formula of address. In one village it is customary for the newlyelected Hann to be placed on a harrow (the pointsturned upwards), and thus drawn in triumph roundthe village. The election takes place by votes, muchin the same way as the nomination of a pastor, andwith like circumspection. It is by no means easyto find a man well qualified for the office, for theHann requires to have a very remarkable assort-ment of the choicest virtues in order to fit him forthe place. He must be upright, honest, energetic,and practical, impervious to bribery, and absolutelyimpartial; moreover, he must not be poor, fornoblesse oblige, and his new dignity brings manyoutlays in its train. The modest supply of crockerywhich has hitherto been ample for the requirements THE SAXON BROTHERHOODS, ETC. 141 of his family no longer suffices, for a Hann mustbe prepared to receive guests; such luxuries ascoffee, loaf-sugar, and an occasional packet of cigars,must now find their way into his house, to say. Saxon Peasant going to work. nothing of paper, pens, and ink : who knows whe-ther even a new table or an additional couple ofchairs may not become necessary ? Of course the Hann can only be chosen from 1 1L THE LAND BEYOND THE FOREST. among those residing in the principal street, and it is considered bo lie rather an indignity if he hastaken his wife from some side-street family—a dis-advantage only to be condoned for by very excep-tional merit on his own part. It would be endless were I to attempt enumer-ating all the duties of a village Hann, so let itsuffice to say that the whole responsibility of thearrangements for the health, security, cleanliness,and general welfare of the village rests upon hisshoulders. School attendance, military conscription,and tax-collecting are but a few of the many dutieswhich devolve on him. His it is to decide on whatday the corn is to be cut or the hay brought home ;through
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