Even in pictures which we comparatively reject, because we see them, in the presence of superior ones, there is a wealth of beauty which would grow on us from day to day, could we see them, often.  When I give a sigh to the thought that in our country we are of necessity, to a great extent, shut from the world of art, I then rejoice in the inspiriting thought that Nature is ever the superior.  No tree painting can compare with a splendid elm, in the plenitude of its majesty.  There are colorings beyond those of Rubens poured forth around us in every autumn scene; there are Murillos smiling by our household firesides; and as for Madonnas and Venuses, I think with Byron,—­

  “I’ve seen more splendid women, ripe and real,
  Than all the nonsense of their stone ideal.”

Still, I long for the full advent of our American, day of art, already dawning auspiciously.

After finishing our inspection, we went back to Stafford House to lunch.

In the evening we went to Lord John Russell’s.  We found Lady Russell and her daughters sitting quietly around the evening lamp, quite by themselves.  She is elegant and interesting in her personal appearance, and has the same charm of simplicity and sincerity of manner which we have found in so marry of the upper sphere.  She is the daughter of the Earl of Minto, and the second wife of Lord John.  We passed here an entirely quiet and domestic evening, with only the family circle.  The conversation turned on various topics of practical benevolence, connected with the care and education of the poorer classes.  Allusion being made to Mrs. Tyler’s letter, Lady Russell expressed some concern lest the sincere and well-intended expression of the feeling of the English ladies might have done harm.  I said that I did not think the spirit of Mrs. Tyler’s letter was to be taken as representing the feeling of American ladies generally,—­only of that class who are determined to maintain the rightfulness of slavery.

It seems to me that the better and more thinking part of the higher classes in England have conscientiously accepted the responsibility which the world has charged upon them of elevating and educating the poorer classes.  In every circle since I have been here in England, I have heard the subject discussed as one of paramount importance.

One or two young gentlemen dropped in in the course of the evening, and the discourse branched out on the various topics of the day; such as the weather, literature, art, spiritual rappings, and table turnings, and all the floating et ceteras of life.  Lady Russell apologized for the absence of Lord John in Parliament, and invited us to dine with, them at their residence in Richmond Park next week, when there is to be a parliamentary recess.

We left about ten o’clock, and went to pass the night with our friends Mr. and Mrs. Cropper at their hotel, being engaged to breakfast at the West End in the morning.