34 



India, have a population of 210 millions only. The vast popu- 

 lations of Asia have din-iug the present century absorbed an 

 enormous quantity of gold. They clearly could not be brought 

 under any treaty, and the hard-headed European would find 

 once more that the heathen Chinee, so child-like and bland, had 

 been too much for him. 



THE RIVIERA. 



By JAMES LANCASTER. February 22nd, 1887. 



The paper consisted largely of personal recollections of a trip 

 to the Riviera made during the spring of 1886. 



We left England in the rigours of an exceptionally severe 

 winter. Great was the contrast on arriving at Marseilles with 

 its almost tropical temperature, cloudless sky and streets filled 

 with the gaiety and fashion of a wealthy city. 



The railway journey h-om Marseilles to Hyeres, the first town 

 in the Riviera, was exceedingly interesting and diversified. The 

 rich colouring of the landscape and the glories of the sunset were 

 a delightful contrast to our dull leaden sky and murky atmos- 

 phere. 



Hyeres is a perfect paradise, where the quiet of nature can be 

 enjoyed in all its fulness. The view from the Old Castle here is 

 truly magnificent. The pine-covered slopes of the mountains, 

 the prettily situated villages, the luxuriant vegetation, together 

 with the blue expanse of the Mediterranean and the serene 

 sky combine to present ever-varying pictures of beauty. The 

 Riviera extends 300 miles from Hyeres to Leghorn, and is cradled 

 between the snow-covered Alps and Apennines, and the soft 

 waters of the Mediterranean. Cannes was next visited, and the 

 strongly marked contrast between the old and new town was 

 noticed, a feature to be found in nearly all the towns of the 

 Riviera. Cannes has a population of 10,000 and is beautifully 

 situated. Its famous orange grove (possessing over 1,000 trees) 

 is one of its chief attractions. After a notice of the Island of 

 Marguerite, famous for its connection with the story of " the 

 Man with the Iron Mask," — and a reference to the manufacture 

 of perfumery, and the battle of flowers, the journey was con- 

 tinued to Nice. This important city possesses a splendid esplan- 

 ade lined with palms and oleanders. Its castle, situated on an 

 imposing rock, has for centuries been a landmark, and is a deeply 

 interesting spot in history. Its history in geological times is 

 traced in the fissures and caverns along its seaway sides, which 



