extremely communicative, and shewed us some of the apartments of the castle, as well as the garden, where is a terrace washed by the lake, which as the sun had long set, and at its waters presented an unruffled surface, was altogether one of the most tranquillizing scenes which I have ever witnessed, and which was heightened by the venerable and mouldering appearance of this part of the castle.  We contemplated the scene for some time in silence, and it was not without regret that we left it.  We arrived at an early hour next morning at Nyon, which is also built on the margin of the lake.  It is chiefly remarkable for its Porcelain manufactory, and for the handsome appearance of its castle, situated above the town.  Very near it is the Chateau de Prangin, which has been purchased within the last few months by Joseph Buonaparte, who proposes to console himself in this retirement for the loss of regal power.  His carriage passed us just before we entered Nyon; and we were told he was on his way to another house which he has in this neighbourhood, where he mostly resides, to superintend the alteration he is now carrying on at Prangin.  We went to see the chateau, and found a considerable number of men employed about it.  It is a large building, with a tower at each angle, and surrounds a paved court.  The terrace commands a charming prospect, and no man could desire a more agreeable residence.  We entered into conversation with an officer of his titular majesty’s household, who said it was very natural we should desire to see one of the members of a family which had of late years acted so distinguished a part in Europe.  He told us that King Joseph was extremely fond of hunting, and intended to enclose a large portion of the land he had purchased with a wall, in order to form a chasse pour les betes sauvages.  This will be a great novelty in this highly improved country, and the wall must cost a vast sum of money.

We waited some time, but without success, in the hope of seeing his Majesty.  He will be probably much happier in this retirement than if the armies of his brother had succeeded in placing him on a throne which he wanted ability to fill with honour to himself, or with advantage to the people over whom Buonaparte designed he should act as governor and promulgator of his oppressive system.  The Spaniards despised Joseph extremely, and gave him the appellation of El Rey Botelli, from his love of wine; drunkenness being a vice to which the Spaniards are not addicted.

The hills which bound the lake near Nyon produce excellent wine, when compared with the rest of the Pays de Vaud.  The vin de la Cote is much esteemed; I cannot, however, with all the partiality I feel for Switzerland, contend for the general excellence of its wines; and although it is said, “Bacchus amat colles,” yet I think the hills of the Pays de Vaud will hardly contend for this favour with those of the Rhingau and of Burgundy.  Between Nyon and Copet we saw some of the artillery of this canton practising at a mark, and were informed that they exercise here in turns, and that they are great proficients in the art of taking a correct aim.  It is doubtless well to be prepared to resist any enemy who may wish to seize and oppress one’s country; but I hope Switzerland may not soon have to contend with the overwhelming armies of France.