GOOCH. 331 are dragged to see, are, in my mind, not worth seeing. The pleasantest day I spent in France was in travelHng from Paris to Rouen, sitting on the outside of the carriage, and looking about on a beautiful and ever-changing country, observing the grotesque appearance of the peasantry, and pass- ing through towns interesting from historical association. I shall take the hint, and if ever I leave town again for health and relaxation, it shall be for an unhurried tour through Wales or Cum- berland, or some of the beautiful counties of England. Horace Walpole said, that after Calais there was nothing in France striking ; and I can understand what he means, for our first day in Calais was the most striking day I experienced ; even the crossing was exciting and agreeable : I had never before been on board a steam packet, and without the aid of wind or tide, or any visible means, to see it turn round and walk over the waters, gave me a lively sense of the power of man. It was a glorious morning ; the sea was green, and scarcely more ruffled than a lake ; the deck was crowded with well-dressed passengers, and the scene was indescribably lively. We entered Calais harbour, playing the popular tune of Henry IV. — between the piers on each side, a mile long, thronged with people. On landing, the first aspect of the town — its ramparts — as yon pass along the streets, the dresses of the people, their long-eared caps, gold ear-rings, blue stockings, and wooden shoes, ugly faces and strange tongue, all so entirely different from what you left four hours ago — it was a striking moment ; but alas ! it was only a moment. The eye soon gets accus-
