Note 28 — Chapter IV · HABITS AND CUSTOMS.
Reading edition
The miners in Germany form almost a particular caste, and are distinguished from every other artizan by the peculiarities of their dress. It consists of a black half smock of glazed linen, with wide sleeves, contracted at the wrist, decorated with innumerable buttons, and reaches to the waist, where it is fastened by a broad belt. A leather apron, worn either in front, or, during their work, reversed, completes the uniform. The latter article of dress is essential to them in their occupation, which consists of sitting on the hard rock and breaking the ore away with their hammers. The head is covered with a thick felt hat, without a brim, on the crown of which the lantern or candle is placed, during their descent into the mines.—Tr.