respect to a nation able to look beyond, the binding of a book.  If anything is to be sent, let persons of ability be deputed to make a selection honorable to us and of value to the French.  They would like documents from our Congress,—­what is important as to commerce and manufactures; they would also like much what can throw light on the history and character of our aborigines.  This project of international exchange could not be carried on to any permanent advantage without accredited agents on either side, but in its present shape it wears an aspect of good feeling that is valuable, and may give a very desirable impulse to thought and knowledge.  M. Vattemare has given himself to the plan with indefatigable perseverance, and I hope our country will not be backward to accord him that furtherance he has known how to conquer from his countrymen.

To his complaisance I was indebted for opportunity of a leisurely survey of the Imprimeri Royale, which gave me several suggestions I shall impart at a more favorable time, and of the operations of the Mint also.  It was at his request that the Librarian of the Chamber showed me the manuscripts of Rousseau, which are not always seen by the traveller.  He also introduced me to one of the evening schools of the Freres Chretiens, where I saw, with pleasure, how much can be done for the working classes only by evening lessons.  In reading and writing, adults had made surprising progress, and still more so in drawing.  I saw with the highest pleasure, excellent copies of good models, made by hard-handed porters and errand-boys with their brass badges on their breasts.  The benefits of such an accomplishment are, in my eyes, of the highest value, giving them, by insensible degrees, their part in the glories of art and science, and in the tranquil refinements of home.  Visions rose in my mind of all that might be done in our country by associations of men and women who have received the benefits of literary culture, giving such evening lessons throughout our cities and villages.  Should I ever return, I shall propose to some of the like-minded an association for such a purpose, and try the experiment of one of these schools of Christian brothers, with the vow of disinterestedness, but without the robe and the subdued priestly manner, which even in these men, some of whom seemed to me truly good, I could not away with.

I visited also a Protestant institution, called that of the Deaconesses, which pleased me in some respects.  Beside the regular Creche, they take the sick children of the poor, and nurse them till they are well.  They have also a refuge like that of the Home which, the ladies of New York have provided, through which members of the most unjustly treated class of society may return to peace and usefulness.  There are institutions of the kind in Paris, but too formal,—­and the treatment shows ignorance of human nature.  I see nothing that shows so enlightened a spirit as the Home, a little germ of