with those of the French, and, as far as I have had opportunity to observe, they lose very much by the comparison.  We not only found the French a much less imposing people, but that politeness diffused through the lowest ranks had an air so engaging that you could scarce attribute it to any other cause than real benevolence.  During the time, which was near a month, that we were in France, we had not once to complain of the smallest deficiency in courtesy in any person, much less of any positive rudeness.  We had also perpetual occasion to observe that cheerfulness and sprightliness for which the French have always been remarkable.  But I must remind you that we crossed at the time when the whole nation was mad with joy in consequence of the Revolution.  It was a most interesting period to be in France; and we had many delightful scenes, where the interest of the picture was owing solely to this cause.  I was also much pleased with what I saw of the Italians during the short time we were among them.  We had several times occasion to observe a softness and elegance which contrasted strongly with the severe austereness of their neighbours on the other side of the Alps.  It was with pleasure I observed, at a small inn on the lake of Como, the master of it playing upon his harpsichord, with a large collection of Italian music about him.  The outside of the instrument was such that it would not much have graced an English drawing-room; but the tones that he drew from it were by no means contemptible.

But it is time to talk about England.  When you write to my brothers, I must beg of you to give my love, and tell them I am sorry it has not been in my power to write to them.  Kit will be surprised he has not heard from me, as we were almost upon terms of regular correspondence.  I had not heard from Richard for some time before I set out.  I did not call upon him when I was in London; not so much because we were determined to hurry through London, but because he, as many of our friends at Cambridge did, would look upon our scheme as mad and impracticable.  I expect great pleasure, on my return to Cambridge, in exulting over those of my friends who threatened us with such an accumulation of difficulties as must undoubtedly render it impossible for us to perform the tour.  Every thing, however, has succeeded with us far beyond my most sanguine expectations.  We have, it is true, met with little disasters occasionally, but far from distressing, and they rather gave us additional resolution and spirits.  We have both enjoyed most excellent health; and we have been so inured to walking, that we are become almost insensible to fatigue.  We have several times performed a journey of thirteen leagues over the most mountainous parts of Switzerland without any more weariness than if we had been walking an hour in the groves of Cambridge.  Our appearance is singular; and we have often observed, that, in passing through a village, we have excited a general smile.  Our coats, which we had made