106 Arehitecture.in the United States. 
faults, would be of service; for the character is not yet formed be- 
yond repair, and every moment now is of vast consequence in its 
bearing on the future ; of more consequence, probably, than can 
ever be possible again. In this character would be found, as a strike 
ing feature, a fondness for change. It is noticed by all foreigners, 
and is a natural result of our circumstances. Enterprize is tree ; 
the means of support are easy; the roads to honor, or emolument, 
or fame numerous and open ; the stimulants to industry abundant 5 
each individual has the whole country before him, where to choose. 
Ohio offers allurements to the citizen of Pennsylvania, Indiana to 
the farmer of Ohio, and so on, West and South. The consequence 
is a restlessness, both in old and young, approximating strongly to 
the wandering habits of the Tartar, and felt in all parts of our 
country. ‘To a certain extent, such a feeling among us is a benefit ; 
but in the extent to which it exists, there is no doubt that it is an evil. 
It prevents strong local prejudices, it is true; and by mingling to- 
gether people from different portions of the country, makes our na- 
tional character more uniform; but at the same time it relaxes the 
bonds of society ; it makes us restless and discontented ; dissatisfied 
with present good—with the best possible good, and disposed to look 
anxiously and feverishly forward to something imagined to be bet- 
ter. On such loose fluctuating materials can be built no grand na- 
tional fabric ; or if built, it will fall when “ the floods come, and the 
winds blow.” Who would look for verdure and beauty on the mov- 
ing sands of the desert? It is a fact that no people have so much 
the means of happiness within their power, as our own; but perhaps 
there are no people who know so little when they are happy, or are 
so little contented with being so. The assertion is a strong one, but 
F believe itis true. I landed, not long since, in one of our large 
cities, after'an absence from home, long enough to make me familiar 
with the countenances of people in other countries. It was a nation- 
al holy-day, and of course people might be expected to wear their 
happiest looks : the first thing that struck me was the verdure of the 
trees and grass; the next, the comfort visible in the appearance of 
every thing around ; the next, the deep sobriety, approaching to sad- 
hess, on the countenance of every one I met. I have got accus- 
tomed once more to this sombre expression, but it was several days 
before it ceased to affect me. I have since often thought there is @ 
and inspiring motives every where presented to our citizens, may 
