that throughout America, it seemed to be considered a sufficient answer to any exceptions taken by a stranger to what was passing, if it could be shown, -as, of course, it almost always could,-that some petty detail had been left out of sight. Many of these conversations, accordingly, were more like tussles between barristers fighting for their clients, than discussions where truth and justice were the sole objects.

It may be mentioned, by the way, that the inhabitants of Philadelphia, perhaps from being more stationary than those of any other part of America, seem at times to forget how liable they are to fall into those very mistakes which they deprecate so much in travellers. Permanent residents on any spot, indeed, become so intimately acquainted with what they see immediately round them, that they often take it for granted they know about every thing else at home, whether they have seen it or not. When any part of a stranger's information, therefore, respecting those parts of the country which these fixed residenters have not themselves visited, does not happen to square with their own preconceived notions, they instantly, and without much consideration, set down the whole of his opinions as erroneous.

If a man were to devote eight or ten years of his life exclusively to travelling up and down any

foreign country, there can be no doubt he would accumulate a much greater stock of particulars, than if his time were limited to eight or ten months. He would see more, it is true; but there is reason to doubt whether, in the end, his means of giving a correct general account of the country would be improved in the same ratio; because, along with his knowledge, he would probably imbibe a due share of local prejudices, quite as unfavourable to distinct vision, as those which obscured his eyes at first landing. The very multiplicity of the observed facts would in many cases distract his judgment, and lead him into error, by counteracting those habits of generalizing, which are so important to the formation of a clear and comprehensive narrative. All description, it may be observed, is a species of interpretation; and in this sense, the traveller, after a time, may be said to forget some portion of his native language-at least the tone and turn of his sentiments become insensibly changed, and with them the character of his expressions is altered likewise. Thus, one side of the interpreter's office may lose fully as much as the other gains. Besides which, if he be honest, he will be obliged to confess at last, that he has still much to learn, before he can feel as well acquainted with the whole country, as the

different residents must be with their own parti cular spots respectively.

There is a limit, no doubt, to this argument, be yond which it becomes a mere fanciful paradox. To assert, for instance, that such a country as America could be fairly judged of in six weeks, would be more absurd, than to say that justice could not be done to it in six years. There is some intermediate point, probably, in all these matters, where the best chance for a correct esti¬ mate will be found to lie; and this golden medium will vary with the different capacity of the obser vers, their previous experience, and the nature of their opportunities.

In discussing this point, I beg it may be understood, that I am not inventing difficulties, or hunting for speculations on a subject, which to some . persons may seem clear enough. I feel in a mea sure obliged to discuss it; for, in almost every company in America, I had the mortification to hear it stated, that my stay was far too limited-that the country could not be seen under three or four years--that such a hasty visit as mine would only tend to confirm prejudices—and so on, through an endless chain of difficulties, the object of which was to show, that all the pains I was taking, or could possibly take, to understand the subject, must prove fruitless. Where the truth lies, I cannot pre

tend to say--but of this I am quite sure-an account which should please every body, would require, not months or years, or even a whole lifeit must not be the work of a mortal, but of an angel and a hard task he would have of it!

On the 3d of December, we visited the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, which, like most of the charitable institutions in America, is admirably managed. The building is not only handsome in its external appearance, but skilfully and commodiously arranged within. The silence and order of a deaf and dumb establishment, give it a sort of enchanted appearance, which is very pleasing, when things are so ordered as to make the inmates happy. This excellent asylum is amply sustained by voluntary subscriptions, judiciously aided by eight thousand dollars a-year from the State Go

vernment.

We afterwards visited several of the schools in Philadelphia, in company with a friend, with whom, in the course of the morning, I fell into conversation upon the subject of American education in all its branches. This led, I forget how, to various discussions on the form of government, and many other collateral topics, which I have not room for here. But I cannot resist putting down the observation of another gentleman, who joined us during the day." I think," said he, " that many of our

institutions are a-head of our morals. We are, in fact, as yet only in our chrysalis state, and though, as you may have observed, we boast a good deal, we are, generally speaking, well aware of the disadvantages under which we now labour, and must long continue to labour. Society here is running the same course as it has done in other countriesonly somewhat more rapidly-and Time will tell us the result."

On the 4th of December, we visited the new Penitentiary, in company with one of the principal managers. The building is of considerable extent, and is not without architectural beauty; but, I am sorry to say, I think it entitled to no further praise. There cannot be, and indeed, as far as I know, there has never been, a shadow of doubt cast on the public spirit, and the benevolence of the motives, that have led to the erection of this expensive establishment, which, when completed, is, I understand, to hold only 250 prisoners, though estimated to cost five hundred thousand dollars. The new State prison at Sing Sing, formerly described, adapted to the safe custody of 800 convicts, will cost little more than one hundred thousand ; while that which we visited near Hartford, for the reception of 136 prisoners, has cost under forty thousand dollars. This consideration of expense, however, is immaterial, or would be so considered,