1792. different manners of mankind. 317 
ate superior to the former in fire and spirit, without 
levity or frivolity; and to the latter in depth and 
‘solidity, without sullen and overbearing solemnity’; 
though they certainly are not exempted from a great 
degree of national pride. 
It is, moreover, observable, that the Englifh pof- 
sefs a sensibility of nerves that is peculiarly affected 
by the weather. Hence they are apt to be melan- 
cholic and low spirited. This has been often said ; 
‘but it seems not peculiar to them. The Scots are 
frequently affected in much the same manner ; and it 
‘may be owing, ut both nations, partly to the incon- 
-stancy of their atmosphere, their insular situation, 
-and particular exposure to the dreary easterly winds; 
and not a little to their intemperance, and: too free 
indulgence in the luxuries of the bottle and of the 
‘table. 
The Irifh are lively, pafsionate, quarrelsome ; ex- 
ceed in talk ; and speak by far too much either for 
deep thought or just reflection. They are, however, 
‘alert, strong, andactive. The peculiar oddity called 
tricisms in conversation, is to be accounted for by the 
above general character, from which there are many 
individual exceptions. 
- Their air, as well as their food, the former foggy 
from the marthes, the latter consisting chiefly of po- 
tatoes, a heavy nutriment, may both contribute to 
produce such effects: And many of them die of apo- 
plexies, (’tis probable, ) from the same cause. 
The luxury and indolence of the southern nations 
-. of Asia and Africa, most undoubtedly, are to be as- 
_ etibed to the luxuriance of the soil, and the difsips- 
