2992. the traveller. Nov. 319 
people are much better informed in respect to the 
important transactions in their own country, than 
‘any where else that I have ever been. This know- 
ledge is not obtained by means of books ; but by 
pictures, and traditionary -histories connected with 
these, handed down from father to son, with the 
most faithful punctuality. . There is not a child of 
‘ten years old, in those districts I have lately visited, 
who does not know the whole history of the cir- 
cumstances that led to the establifhment of the 
Helvetic liberties; or the glorious battles that were 
fought and won by their predecefsors, in defence of 
that freedom which they then had not, and now en. 
joy, with as much accuracy as the best informed 
historian could narrate it. Their youthful minds 
thus catch the ardour of freedom at an early period ; 
which is afterwards preserved by a frequent repe» 
tition of the same, which is the only historical sub- 
ject that engrofses their attention. Whoever mix- 
es among the people, must learn these incidents 
with the most perfect accuracy ; though, as to the 
history.of other nations, you scarcely hear any more 
than if they had never existed. 
The story of William Tell is well known even in 
other parts of the world; for, like the history of 
Joseph. and his brethern, it can never fail to prove 
interesting to all who hear it. It ought to afford a 
lefson to all sovereigns, amd to every person intrust- 
ed with power, that never fhould be forgotten. 
The bow may be bent toa certain degree without 
gouch injury; but if it be puthed farther, it will 
