252 SALMONIA. 



their manners. It is a country in which I 

 should like to live ; the scenery is so beauti- 

 ful, the people so amiable and good-natured, 

 and their attentions to strangers so marked 

 by courtesy and disinterestedness. 



Phys. — They appear to me very amiable 

 and good ; but all classes seem little in- 

 -structed. 



Poiet. — There are few philosophers 

 amongst them, certainly; but they appear 

 very happy, and 



Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise. 



We have neither seen nor heard of any in- 

 stances of crime since we have been here. 

 They fear their God, love their sovereign, 

 are obedient to the laws, and seem perfectly 

 contented. I know you would contrast 

 them with the active and educated peasantry 

 of the manufacturing districts of England; 

 but I believe they are much happier, and I 

 am sure they are generally better. 



Phys. — I doubt this : the sphere of enjoy- 

 ment, as well as of benevolence, is enlarged 

 by education. 



