196 TAVISTOCK. 



feeling and discernment should so disfigure the birth- 

 place of their fathers ! However, the patch-work 

 is gradually improving, and some handsome shops, 

 a new and commodious market-house, and a cas- 

 tellated hotel, furnish some redeeming points in the 

 crooked features of the town. We shall be perfect 

 in time, but all things are not performed in a day. 

 If the outer-work of reformation proceed but slowly, 

 I am happy to state that, the mental process is gain- 

 ing ground continually. The increase of inteUigence 

 amongst the lower classes is visible to every eye. 

 By the assistance of some gentlemen, a mechanics' 

 library and reading room has been opened, which 

 undoubtedly increases the enlightenment, and con- 

 sequent happiness of its members. A public school, 

 on the Bell and Lancastrian system, also gives im- 

 petus to the rapid strides towards perfection, made 

 by the operatives of the place. 



I have lately had means of ascertaining that both 

 disease and poverty are much lessened in this neigh- 

 bourhood. This may be partly attributed to the 

 charitable institutions, established by benevolent 

 individuals ; but it may also be imputed to the in- 

 crease of information and good sense amongst the 

 lower orders ; for, where intelligence is most rife, 

 where reason is most cultivated, there will be found 

 habits of the greatest industry, and there will ever 

 dwell the greatest comfort and peace. Happily the 

 present flourishing state of the mines and woollen 

 manufactures (which principally support the poor of 

 Tavistock) affords ample employment to all who. 

 desire it. New work is added at this time by some 

 structures about to be erected in the environs of the 

 town. Amongst these, towards the East, grounds 

 are laid out for a residence, in the Tudor style of 

 architecture, by your accomplished townsman, Mr. 

 Wightwick ; its simplicity will well accord with the 

 pastoral scenery by which it is surrounded. Farther 

 Westward lies, almost hidden by embowering trees, 

 the little woodland nook, occupied by Tavy cottage. ^ 



