At another gate, a woman was detected in carrying quantities of brandy under her petticoats, and only passing for a large woman.  I knew of a woman who, in passing the Liverpool custom house, sewed cigars to a great number into her skirt, but was, to her great chagrin, detected, and also to the dismay of her husband, whom she intended to benefit.

Such taxes would not be endured in any American city, but the old world is used to taxation.  In the very out-skirts of London there are toll-gates in the busiest of streets, but that is not so bad as the local tariff system.

I soon came, in my walk, to the fortifications of Paris.  They were constructed by Louis Phillippe, and are magnificent works of defense.  There is one peculiar feature of this chain of defense which has excited a great deal of remark.  It is quite evident that a part of the fortifications were constructed with a view to defend one’s self from enemies within, as well as without.  Louis Phillippe evidently remembered the past history of Paris, and felt the possibility of a future in which he might like to have the command of Paris with his guns, as well as an enemy outside the wall.  But the fortifications and the cannon were of no manner of use to him.  So, very possibly, the grand army which Louis Napoleon has raised may be of no use to him, and the little prince, the young king of Algeria, may end his days a wanderer in the United States, as his father was before him.  It is to be hoped, if he does, that he will pay his bills.

The fortifications of Paris extend entirely around the city, and are seventeen miles in length.  I went to the top of them, but I had not stood there five minutes before the soldiers warned me off.  The approach to the city side of the wall is very gradual, by means of a grass-covered bank.  While standing upon the summit, a train of cars—­came whizzing along at a fine rate.  I saw for the first time people riding on the tops of cars as on a coach.  The train was bound to Versailles, and as the distance is short, and probably the speed attained not great, seats are attached to the tops of the cars, and for a very small sum the poorer classes can ride in them.  In fine weather it is said that this kind of riding is very pleasant.

I passed out through the gates beyond the fortifications, and was in the open country—­among the trees, the birds and flowers, and the cultivated fields.  The contrast between what I saw and the city, was great.  Here, all was beautiful nature.  There, all that is grand and exquisite in art.  The fields around me were green with leaves and plants; the branches of the trees swayed to and fro in the restless breeze; the little peasant huts had a picturesque appearance in the distance, and the laborers at work seemed more healthy than the artisans of Paris.  I approached a peasant who was following the plow.  I was surprised to find the plow he used to be altogether too heavy for the use to which it was put.  Yet I was in