Remarks on America.

I have several times crossed the Atlantic on visits to the United States and Canada, seeing most of the cities and States. Although I am not disposed to make so much of Americans as some writers do at the present time, yet I can testify, with all my heart, that both in the United States and in Canada sensible travellers who conduct themselves with becoming regard for the peculiarities and views of the people they meet with are sure to find kind consideration and intelligent aid and information regarding the institutions of those countries. As regards hotels, railways, and passenger steamers in America, every accommodation is provided at moderate rates for those who are content with plain fare, but in the great cities of the Eastern States, the palatial and truly superb hotels—such as those of New York and Washington—are very expensive indeed. I sailed on the lakes and on the great rivers, and have spent a few days in most of the principal cities in America, which for regularity and spaciousness of streets and page 81 squares much resemble each other; therefore I do not wonder that so many Americans come every season to enjoy the instructive and abiding pleasure of visiting the picturesque and historical places to be seen in every country of the Old World. In Canada the cities of Quebec and Montreal, founded by the early French colonists, are more attractive and picturesque than most of those of the United States; and the scenery of the great St Lawrence River, the lakes and canals, and, above all, the Falls of Niagara, are truly magnificent and impressive. The manners and habits of the Canadians are naturally more in accord with those of English and Scottish folks, and I have good cause to cherish a most grateful recollection of friendship and hospitality enjoyed during more than one visit to that British colony, through which I travelled as far as Winnipeg, in Manitoba. The beauty and splendour of the foliage 011 the trees along the bauks of the noble Rivers Hudson and St Lawrence, the lakes, and other parts of the United States and Canada in the fall of the year might well repay a lover of forest scenery for making a visit to America at that season.