The Alfold is the real home of the Magyars. They live here in great, united masses, which are only divided here and there, by little districts speaking other dialects. The Magyars are a Ural-Altaic tribe, whose language is related to the Ugric languages, while their ethnographical character is more Turkish. They settled in their new country at the end of the 9th Century, and especially occupied the Lowlands, which were most suitable to their habits of life, and the fertility of which, attached them to the district. They numbered at that time, hardly more than one or two thousand souls, but in spite of the devastation by Tartars, Turks and other enemies, they increased rapidly and their number today, amounts to more than ten millions.

The Magyar is an astonishing mixture of vivacity and coolness. He is easily susceptible to outward influence, quickly enthusiastic, and in his enthusiasm is capable of accomplishing great deeds with ease. But his inspiration is often, only a fire of straw, quickly flaring up, and just as quickly dying out. Perseverance is not his virtue, he only likes work which promises much success, but when he once sets himself to it, he displays a vigour, worthy of admiration. These characteristics are, to be sure, well suited to his traditional occupations, cattle-breeding and agriculture, which in a country as fertile as this, require no great exertion. The thoroughbred Magyar is full of nobility: he is sincere, prudent, manly, and even a little proud; he loves his Fatherland above everything, he is courageous, bold, hospitable, and capable of self-sacrifice. His ideas are natural, his logic clear, and his judgment keen. In family life he is moral and God-fearing, indulgent to the views of others, and in religious affairs, unusually tolerant. With corresponding instruction, he is fit for any career or calling, to be sure, least inclined for a business life, the calculating nature of which is foreign to his honest character. The Magyar has also much artistic taste; many parts of the country are famous for their highly-developed art industries (embroidery, weaving), which also find expression in the national costumes; lastly Hungarian poetry and music are appreciated everywhere.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital