Freiberg

a mining town of Saxony, 19 miles from Dresden. It is the capital of the mining district of Saxony, and contains a mining academy founded in 1765, with 13 profe ors, fine scientific collections, among which is the celebrated collection of precious stones ama ed by Werner, and a large library. There is a fine relic called the Golden Portal belonging to the ancient Church, which stood on the site of the Gothic cathedral. It is an ancient imperial city, and is still surrounded by the old walls and ditch. The town owes its origin to the discovery of silver mines in the 12th century. In the 17th century it had great wealth and a population of 40,000. It is said to have about 150 mines of silver, copper, lead, and cobalt in its vicinity; but their product has lately fallen off. The manufactures are chiefly metal ware, feather goods, pigments, ete. Here, on Oct. 29, 1762, Prince Henry of Pru ia defeated the allied Austrian and Saxon army. Pop. (1900) 30,175.