Whilst we are speaking on this subject it may not be uninteresting to add a few words on the mode and cost of living generally.  The upper classes, and such middle classes as exist, are remarkably hospitable and social; they live in great comfort, and some of them in luxury, which we fear is not always warranted by their revenues.  The style of living is Franco-German, in fact pretty much the same as in St. Petersburg.  Many people dine regularly at the large hotels, especially in those which have open-air conveniences for that purpose during the summer months.  The theatres are well frequented, and in summer the favourite resort is an open-air theatre of varieties near the St. George’s Garden, where native as well as French plays are performed, and where the songs of ‘Erin and Albion,’ sung by natives of these shores, are well appreciated.  Here may be seen grave diplomats sitting side by side with the bourgeoisie, and the only objectionable feature is the doubtful character of certain of the plays, which resemble some that are from time to time performed at our English theatres; both have a common origin, and would be better left in the place of their conception, that boasted centre of civilisation, Paris.

Whilst the upper and middle classes in Bucarest live in the style of many large continental cities, and often in great luxury, the poorer population are by no means so badly circumstanced as some writers have represented.  A great many of the higher class of artisans occupy their own houses.  Land is comparatively cheap, and a workman may procure a cottage with a couple of parlours, a small kitchen, and a little garden, for about 3,000 francs, or 125L.  The cost of a residence in the best part of the city where land is comparatively dear, with six rooms, stable, and garden, averages 80,000 francs, or 3,200L., land varying in value in the city from two to twelve francs per square yard.

Much of the rougher work is done by gipsies, but the better class of Roumanian artisans, such as carpenters, joiners, painters, tin workers (who cover the roofs of buildings), receive from five to seven francs per day, working from sunrise to sunset, with two hours for meals, or on an average twelve hours per day.  Italians and Germans, of whom many are employed, receive one or two francs more than natives, whilst engineers and fitters are paid eight to ten francs per day.  A great deal of time is lost in Roumania through feasts and holidays, of which there are, including Sundays, over a hundred in the year.  During this time not only is there no production, but time spent in idleness leads to the same demoralising waste there as elsewhere.  The working classes are seen hanging about wine-shops, as they congregate about public-houses here; and, although it is a very rare thing to see people drunk in the streets, many are heavy drinkers, consuming large quantities of rachin (grain-spirit) and sour wine.[34]