Colston’s Tonr throiigh Fraiite, Switzerland, and Italy. 
onall the representations of his physiogno- 
my, We were shewn, likewise, a book on 
which were fastened a collection ofthe seals 
of all the individuals from whom Voltaire 
was accustomed to receive letters, with the 
names ofthe writers; underwritten in his own 
hand, In many instances, a short account 
of the correspondent was likewise given, 
and that of ** un fou’ was one of the most 
usual, His design in adopting this singu- 
lar custom was, that when he received let- 
ters from a correspondent who did not 
please him, he might know by the seal, 
without opening the letter, and be able to 
send it back by post to the writer. 
Lyons.—Our approach to Lyons was 
marked by a very long and pretty promen- 
ade, between an avenue of trees, and by a 
number of manufactories, and many hand- 
some houses. As we entered it, we passed 
a very fine wooden bridge of sixteen arches, 
The number and gaiety of the shops, and 
the bustling activity in the streets, at once 
indicated the commerce and industry of 
the inhabitants. 
Lyons is most agreeably situated on the 
banks of two noble rivers, the Rhone and 
the Saone, which, with the numerous 
handsome bridges over them, give a'lively 
and varied appearance to this city. Some 
of the streets are built on a hill, which rises 
on’ the opposite bank of the Saone; and 
the whole range of hills on this side the 
river is chequered with the country-houses 
of the optlent inhabitants, 
‘During our stay in this city, we walked 
to sé the junction of these two fine rivers, 
which ‘is one of the most gratifying sights 
that its environs afford. The promenade 
which leads to this spot is about four miles 
in length; it is a fine gravel walk aiong 
the side ofthe Rhone, bordered by trees 
through its whole extent. On the Sunday 
it seemed as if every house in Lyons had 
sent forth its inmates, so great was the mul- 
titude of persons promenading on this prin- 
cipal publie walk, most of whom appeared. 
to belong to the lower and middling ranks, 
Some extended their excursion beyond the 
limits of a walk, and, in froops, entered 
huge, lumbering ‘vehicles, in which the 
seats are §0 arranged, that the occupiers sit 
baek to back. In one of these we counted 
fourteen persons; and it was curious to ob- 
serve what siiiartly-dréssed dames, in silks 
and satins, with blond-lace trimmings, got 
into-vehicles so dirty, that I should have 
feared to venture in one, however tired, 
Here are baths, ealled les Bains du 
Rhone, constructed in the river, on boats, 
which are fastened to’ the shore by stron 
iron chains, and which are pretty, as we 
as singular buildings. There are likewise 
flour “mills, dying-houses, and washing- 
635 
houses, built in the river in the same, man- 
her, From the church of Fourvieres, a 
delightful view :s enjoyed; but a deep fall 
of snow occurring whilst we -were at -Ly- 
ons, prevented. our climbing the steep as- 
cent which leads to it, This city has nine 
bridges, seven of which are over.the Saone, 
and two over the Rhone. .The greater 
number are of wood, and those of. stone 
will not beara comparison with our Lon- 
don bridges. 
This is one of the most mercantile cities 
of France; its silk manufactories are parti- 
cularly celebrated. We witnessed the man- 
ner in which the rich silks, used for furni- 
ture, are woven, and those with gold and 
silver flowers. 
NisMES.—Through a plain filled with 
olive-trees, an old Roman road led to the 
city of Nismes, 
November 23.—The greater part of the 
villages and towns through which we had 
passed between Lyons and Nismes, were 
such wretched, deserted-looking _ places, 
that'we were the more sensible of the con- 
trast which the latter city afforded. It is 
large and well built, containing some fine 
streets, and beautiful modern edifices ;. but 
its highest interest is derived from. the 
remains it boasts of Roman grandeur. 
These are some of the most perfect and 
striking that I have seen; and were they 
situated in any part.of the classic land it- 
self, 1 have no doubt that they would 
become the centre of pilgrimages from 
every country. «j 
MonvTPELLIER, March 8.—In this city 
we have now passed more than three 
months; and of a residence which I have 
found extremely agreeable, 1 must not omit 
to transcribe some particulars, which may 
serye hereafter to assist my recollections, . 
The streets of this city are ill built, an 
so exceedingly narrow, that it is barely 
possible to get a carriage up to the en- 
trances of some of the best houses, many of 
which are large, and even noble in their 
dimensions and style of architecture, This 
apparent inconsistency was explained by 
one of the most respectable inhabitants, 
who told me, that in former times sedan 
chairs were the only means of conveyance 
used for the purposes of visiting, &c. Each 
pemesnen and lady in the beau monde 
iad their own chair and bearers, just as in 
India they have their palanquins, The 
few individuals who kept carriages, never 
thought of using them, excepting to convey 
themselves and families to their country- 
houses, ‘The great advantage enjoyed by 
the inhabitants of Montpellier is their de- 
lightful climate; at least, considered as a 
winter residence, one may with propriety 
apply this epithet. At Florence, last win- 
ter 
