There are at Geneva many pleasant circles or societies, who have a common apartment to meet in within the city, where the papers are taken in; and often a garden in the neighbourhood for their recreation.  I was introduced to one of these circles, and went to their garden, which was large and well-shaded with walnut trees.  About the centre was a large pleasure house, furnished with billiard, chess, and backgammon tables.  Some of the party were engaged at bowls; their game differs from ours in many respects, as here they prefer a gravel walk or uneven surface, and they throw the bowl a considerable height into the air, instead of letting it glide gently along.  I became acquainted with a French gentleman, much advanced in years, who had resided here chiefly since the French Revolution.  He told me his head had been twice laid on the block for execution, and that the whole of his family had perished during the troubles in France:  he therefore did not wish to return into his country, which would only recall melancholy recollections; but he rejoiced much to see the royal family again seated on the throne.  It is to be feared, that there are, in many parts of Europe, several individuals in equally unfortunate circumstances, after the dreadful carnage occasioned by the continued succession of wars with which it has been ravaged.  I must not take my leave of Geneva without mentioning, that there are few places which afford more of the requisites to a pleasant residence.  The walks and rides in its vicinity, are very numerous, and abound with interesting prospects.  The view of the city from the village of Coligny, on the Savoy side of the lake, is highly impressive.  The junction of the rivers Arve and Rhone forms another very fine scene.  The waters of the Rhone are at least three times greater than those of the Arve, and are of a transparent blue colour, whilst those of the Arve are of a milky hue, something like the appearance of the Rhone when it first enters the Lake of Geneva, where it leaves the tint it acquired from the mountain snows and torrents.  The Rhone seems for a considerable distance to retire from any amalgamation with the Arve, but at length assumes a less transparent aspect.

About half a league from Geneva is the town of Carrouge, which at one period was in some degree its rival in trade, but is at present by no means in a flourishing state.  Its future destiny remains to be decided along with those of more important states, at the approaching Congress of Vienna.  The general opinion seems to be that the Carrougians wish to be reunited to France; but the King of Sardinia has invited them to submit to his authority.