|science and. literature we have not been 
compelled to look from home; and while 
e now admire the many distinguished 
ters which France has produced, they are 
‘not our only models, and with Locke and 
Newton, Milton and Shakspeare, we cannot 
y that unbounded homage to the genius 
d learning of our neighbours; which they 
“are apttodemand. The freedom and excel- 
ence of our constitution accustoms us to a 
degree of unrestrained conversation seldom 
et with at Paris; and the general diffusion 
of wealth in London, has introduced, among 
all orders; a degree of comfort which is sel- 
om found even in the proudest houses of 
he French capital. 
«© The beauty of our women, and the de- 
icacy of their behaviour, render us less en- 
siastic admirers of Parisian belles, 
ian fashions, than the strangers of other 
tries. 
«« The perfection to which the stage has ad- 
anced in London, and the splendid manner 
n which our theatres are lighted, prevents 
ur being greatly struck with the renowned 
ectacles of this place; and the taste, pro- 
fusion, and magnificence, displayed in our 
ivate entértainments, oppose too powerful 
@ constrast to the gayeties of Paris, to allow 
us to be much delighted with the latter. 
‘Our race of horses, and our manufacture of 
carriages, are beth too perfect to render it 
possible for us to admire the wretched equi- 
_ pages which are here considered as the acme 
of elegance. It is equally impossible for us 
to praise the gardens of the Zhwilleries, the 
Champs Elisées, or the Bois de Boulogne, as 
jong as we remember Hyde Park, or Ken- 
“‘sington Gardens. Nor can the lighting and 
| paving of Paris excite the admiration of 
___ those who have been used to the comfortable 
| trottoir and brilliant lamps of the streets of 
| London. ay 
rs «* Having thus stated the reasons, good 
and bad, for the tameness- with which Eng- 
+ lishmen often speak of Paris, I shall endea- 
-y6ur to divest myself, as much as'possible, 
of national prejudice, and to lay before you 
‘the advantages and disadvantages: attendant 
on a residence in this city. 
' ‘In respect to literature, the arts and 
* sciences, certainly every opportunity is offer- 
ed which knowledge can afford, or which 
a zeal for letters can desire. In this respect 
1 think Paris is superior to London. Be- 
sides the immense acquisitions which it has 
y made, and the great and: wonderful 
collections that are’ constantly open to the 
"public, there are so many private institutions 
within the reach of men of moderate fortune, 
4 
Ps AS the use of this little volume has 
been wholly destroyed by the war, we 
copy from it the only facts of general 
tterest, ; ' . ; 
MORRICE’S VIEW OF MODERN FRANCE. 
F- Arr. XIX. 4 View of Modern France; 
er to Paris, Sc. *By Davin Morrice. 
age. 
87 
that this city would soon rival all the univer- 
sities of Europe, did not the pleasures of the 
place hold out temptations dangerous to the 
morals of youth. 
«« Literary men aiso are’ more respected 
than in England; and, instead of abandon- 
ing society (which is too much the case with 
men of learning in our country), the iadus- 
trious, but unprotected Frenchman, who 
engages in the career of letters, finds his way 
into the most brilliant cireles of the capital. 
Even the haughtiest of the old nobility ad- 
mit into their most intimate coferies, those 
who have attained any literary fame, how- 
ever low their origin, or however mean their 
appearance. On this head I have given un~ 
qualified and unrivalled praise to Paris.” 
«© Asto society, that material ingredient 
ancin the happiness of man, of which every one 
who has a head or heart feels the vast ime 
portance, I conceive that foreigners arriving 
either in. London or in Paris, without. pres- 
sing recommendations or exalted rank, may 
be much embarrassed, and may in both 
places pass months and even years, without 
making one proper acquaintance. Yet it 
appears to me that there is this great and 
distinguishing difference between the man- 
ners of the two capitals, that a person pro- 
perly introduced to.a few families of fashion 
in London, will rapidly find his way into 
every society which he wishes to frequent; 
whereas, in Paris, however well individuals 
may be received in one or two of the most 
esteemed houses, that circumstance will not 
contribute to their introduction to any 
others; and if a stranger arrives with a cer- 
tain number of recommendations, he may, 
after a six months residence, quit Paris with- 
out having increased the list of his acquaint- 
ance. I speak on this subject from experi- 
ence. Besidesa near relation of my own, 
two or three families long connected with 
mine, have still establishments here, and 
live in the best company of the place. By 
all these Mrs- and myself were well 
and hospitably received, but the persons 
whom we met at their houses, neither paid 
‘us visits, or in other respects showed us the 
most trifling civilities.” 
The relative advantages and disad- 
vantages of a residence in London and 
in Paris are fully detailed ; the compa- 
_Tison seems to be fair and unprejudiced ; 
for this reason it is with great pride and 
pleasure that we see the palm of pre- 
eminence bestowed on our own metro- 
polis. 
. 
and British Traveller's Guide from London 
8vo. pp. 360, 
«« Atthe battle of Marengo, all-the kettle 
drummers of a division of cavalry were 
killed, except one about fourteen years of 
This boy, without orders, beat a 
G+ 
