reply to the General and Mrs. De Brooke's inquiries concerning his parents. At length, however, with a modest and prepossessing grace, whilst satisfaction illumined his countenance, he was not deficient in offering remarks, naturally drawn from the occasion and circumstances under which he met the friends of his family.
"Your cottage. General," said he, "exhibits to my view all that the most enwrapt or glowing fancy might conceive of an Elysium; 'tis truly an earthly Paradise."
"The description may be somewhat exalted," replied the General; "I must confess, however, I have rarely beheld more fascinating scenery than that in the vicinity of your friend's cottage and mine."
"How few," continued Philimore, "take pleasuire in exploring beauties near their homes! Admirers of nature might, by a tour through Wales, be gratified according to the prevalence of their taste; whether the interesting and engaging, the lovely and the picturesque charm them. South Wales displays such landscapes in abundance. If to grandeur they give the preference, how bold are those sublime and stupendous objects in the North! Commanding indeed are its scenes, the misty sum-
