the second place of their countrymen who have travelled in Europe, and thus, in the opinion of many, lost part of the genuine American character.

At an early period of life, however, the lady is usually united in the matrimonial tie. This arrangement, prompted by the facility of subsistence, is alleged to take place often prematurely, before the parties are fully qualified to fulfil the parental duties. From this time, however, she renounces those gayeties which had been thought not unsuitable to her single state; and to dance in public is, even in a youthful matron, considered no longer becoming. Her conduct as a wife and a mother is, generally speaking, exemplary. There is said to be an unusual proportion of happy marriages; and the prevailing good temper displays itself in the domestic circle, which appears thus the most advantageous light under which an American can be viewed. His home is described as in many cases resembling an earthly paradise. The world without may be for him a scene of turbulence, and even conflict; but that within is all harmony and peace. Instances of matrimonial infidelity are extremely rare; and if it be true that the few cases which do occur are passed over more easily than in this country, the inference is, that the prevailing good conduct is founded on principle rather than fear. These virtues are practised under the influence of a deep sense of religion, which, as already observed, prevails generally among the respectable class of society, but more especially females. Even those men who themselves feel little of this spirit, show their sense of its influence on their domestic wellbeing, by encouraging it in their wives. Under this sacred influence, much of their time is spent in works of kindness, and in the management of institutions for the improvement and relief of their fellow-creatures. While the American ladies display so many estimable qualities, as good wives, good mothers, and good members of society, they may allow Mrs Trollope to criticize their want of grace, animation, and attractiveness; of those qualities which embellish

the gay leisure of a European drawing-room. Even this censure seems passed on a somewhat superficial view. Individuals qualified to judge, have considered their manners, if somewhat cold, so marked by good sense, information, and genuine courtesy, as to be extremely agreeable. Hence, accomplished Europeans have chosen partners out of their number, without having any cause for repentance.

We have already observed that meals and other entertainments do not bear the same social character as with us, the victuals being usually consumed with extreme rapidity, after which the party instantly break up. But among the genteeler classes in the large towns, it is now customary to prepare elaborate and splendid entertainments after the European model. The most prevalent mode, however, appears to be that of evening parties, after the manner of conversazioni, with only slight refreshment, which meet frequently, and upon general invitation. The hours are late, from ten to two or three, yet, though too crowded, they are conducted with great decorum; cards are seldom introduced; oaths are never heard. Even there the merchant is said often to display an anxious and care-worn countenance, and a mind little at ease for cheerful conversation. Yet it is generally agreed by travellers, that there is a circle composed of the best-informed among this class, combined with professional and literary men, among whom subjects are discussed with a manly frankness, intelligence, and courtesy, which render the intercourse singularly agreeable. Even Mrs Trollope bears this testimony with warmth; and Mr Buckingham declares that, after experience of similar parties both in London and Paris, he inclines to give the preference to those of New York and Boston. The present writer, from his observation of individuals of this class, whom he has met in this country and on the Continent, does not hesitate to concur. There was exhibited a love of conversing on important subjects, with large and liberal views, which gave to their conversation a superior stamp to

that prevalent among us, where even that of intelligent men often takes a frivolous turn. A somewhat lengthy and oratorical strain, almost as if they felt themselves on the floor of congress, appeared the only blemish.

There are some minor defects in manners and deportment, which have been criticized perhaps with extreme severity. In countries, where a court and body of nobility reside, a large circle is formed, within which it becomes a special study to perform their parts gracefully, and without giving offence; and a standard is thus established, which the other classes more or less strive to imitate. But where all are busied in serious occupations, and can spare only a few hours for social relaxation, there cannot be the same attention bestowed upon outward forms. A man will be disposed to adjust them rather as may be commodious and gratifying to himself, than likely to gain the favour of others. The chewing or smoking of tobacco is almost universal, and the consequent spitting indulged in with little regard to the annoyance of the company. Among enumerated offences are, wearing the hat on the most ceremonious occasions; in public places turning the back to the audience or company; balancing the person on a chair, with the legs thrown up; lifting the food with the knife, and thrusting it deep into the mouth. The Americans have not borne these charges very patiently, nor even pleaded guilty. Yet it is remarked, that considerable anxiety is shown to remove the grounds of offence, and that they are not slow to ridicule each other, in case of any palpable failure. It is mentioned, that in the theatre at New York, a gentleman in one of the boxes having placed himself in a peculiarly uncouth attitude, the audience saluted him with cries of 66 Trollope! Trollope!"

Foreigners complain also of rude provision for the conveniences and comforts of life, and the neglect of little niceties and delicacies, which are felt as necessary by those accustomed to a more refined circle. These deficiencies almost irresistibly arise from the train of colonial life.

The new settler has indeed the means of plenty before him; but to make them available, he must engage in a rough struggle with nature, to which his time and powers are scarcely adequate; while help cannot be obtained without great difficulty and expense. He must content himself, therefore, with hastily getting through the most essential processes, omitting matters of ornament and indulgence. Becoming accustomed to live without these, he ceases to feel them needful to his comfort, and even when he reaches abundance or wealth, cares not to take the additional trouble of procuring them. In the maritime cities, indeed, which constantly communicate with Europe, this obvious imperfection has been greatly removed; but in the interior, and still more in the west, it is still noticed. As a specimen, Mr Stuart mentions, that beyond Albany bells were not used, while the place of egg-cups was inconveniently supplied by glasses. Washington describes a ball at Alexandria, where the tables were covered with pockethandkerchiefs instead of cloths; but this, we presume, would not now occur. The steam-vessels are fitted up with studied splendour and every conveniency; but in the canal-boats the old system still flourishes. Mr Stevenson mentions, that the captain of one in which he sailed assumed the entire command over the passengers, and did not exercise it with much civility. The cabin was completely filled with hammocks, arranged in three tiers, the heaviest persons being made to occupy the lowest, with the view of ballasting the vessel. At five in the morning, they were all summoned to come on deck, till the sleeping apparatus could be removed, and the apartment prepared for breakfast; and at nine in the evening, all were again called up till the beds could be replaced, which they were then obliged to occupy. One towel, brush, and comb were hung at the cabin-door, for the general use of the party; and for their common ablutions, a gigantic tin vessel, filled with water, was fastened to the stern. Mr Combe further relates, that the beds, on being taken down, were piled together in a heap,

and when replaced, no attention was paid that each should receive his own; a good fortune for which, from the great number, no one could reasonably hope. The doors and windows of the apartment, forty-two feet long, in which thirty-five men were sleeping, being kept fast closed, the air became infected, and a painful sense of suffocation ensued; while on the couches being removed, horrid effluvia were exhaled. The ladies' cabin, though only twelve feet, contained nineteen, and ten children. These circumstances severely affected the health of a number of the passengers, though they appeared insensible of the cause.

The inns and hotels, of course, occupy much of the attention of foreigners; and indeed the constant movement for political, commercial, and emigrant purposes, requires them to be more numerous, and on a greater scale than in any other country. Astor House, in New York, makes up 500 beds. The imperfection of those in the west will be presently noticed; but in the old states they are provided with every European accommodation. Some of the arrangements are, however, peculiar. Every meal is taken by the whole company in public, at a common table; and it is very difficult to procure refreshments at any intermediate period. There is no drinking after dinner, the company beginning even to break up before the meal is concluded; but liquors can always be had at the bar, around which a social circle is sometimes formed. Complaints are made by some of want of civility in the attendants. It is admitted, that there is an absence of that obsequious courtesy which is shown in this country to persons of high rank; and that this, when claimed with airs of superiority, will be very decidedly repelled. A stranger, however, who conforms to the ideas of the country, and deals with the servant as man with man, will be coldly, perhaps, but satisfactorily attended to. The females who, in every rank, are accustomed to particular respect, discharge the duties of waiting with especial coolness, and hesitate not to sit down in the apartment