Gorales

Gorales, Polish Communities of the Berkid Mountains (Western Carpathians), Galicia, who, despite the almost troglodyte existence which they lead in these remote uplands, have the reputation of being physically the finest, and morally the most intelligent, of all the Galician populations. Like their Slovak neighbours, they leave their villages periodically in search of employment in Poland, Germany, and Hungary, never failing to return with their earnings to their mountain homes. They also act as guides to wayfarers across their almost trackless forests, and are much addicted to the contraband trade carried on across the political frontiers. The national name means "Highlanders," from the Slavonic word gora, a mountain.