[67] Bourgueville describes this river, in the sixteenth century, as being
    “aucune fois iaulne, autrefois rouge, verte, bleuee, violee & autres
    couleurs, selon qu’vn grand nombre de teinturiers qui sont dessus, la
    diuersifient par interualles en faisant leurs maneures.” Antiquitez
    de Caen, p. 36.

[68] expedition thither.]—­When John Evelyn visited this
    neighbourhood, in 1644, “the country so abounded with wolves, that a
    shepherd, whom he met, told him that one of his companions was
    strangled by one of them the day before—­and that, in the midst of the
    flock!  The fields (continues he) are mostly planted with pears and
    apples and other cider fruits.  It is plentifully furnished with
    quarries of stone and slate, and hath iron in abundance.” Memoirs of
    the Life and Writings of John Evelyn, vol. i. p. 50.  Edit. 1818.  My
    friend Mr. J. H. Markland visited Mont St. Catharine the year after
    the visit above described.  He was of course enchanted with the view;
    and told me, that a friend whom he met there, and who had travelled
    pretty much in Italy, assured him there was nothing like it on the
    banks of either the Arno or the Po.  In short, it is quite peculiar
    to itself—­and cannot be surpassed.

[69] It is thus prettily observed in the little Itineraire de Rouen
    —­“Ces agreables maisons de plaisance appartiennent a des habitants de
    Rouen qui y viennent en famille, dans la belle saison, se delasser des
    embarras de la ville et des fatigues du commerce.” p. 153.

[70] race-ground]—­When the English cavalry were quartered here in
    1814-5, the officers were in the frequent habit of racing with each
    other.  These races were gaily attended by the inhabitants; and I
    heard, from more than one mouth, the warmest commendations bestowed
    upon the fleetness of the coursers and the skill of the riders.

LETTER VIII.

EARLY TYPOGRAPHY AT ROUEN.  MODERN PRINTERS.  CHAP BOOKS.  BOOKSELLERS.  BOOK
COLLECTORS.

Now for a little gossip and chit-chat about Paper, Ink, Books, Printing-Offices, and curiosities of a GRAPHIC description.  Perhaps the most regular method would be to speak of a few of the principal Presses, before we take the productions of these presses into consideration.  And first, as to the antiquity of printing in Rouen.[71] The art of printing is supposed to have been introduced here, by a citizen of the name of MAUFER, between the years 1470 and 1480.  Some of the specimens of Rouen Missals and Breviaries, especially of those by MORIN, who was the second printer in this city, are very splendid.  His device, which is not common, and rather striking, is here enclosed for your gratification.