Edinburgh, 273 



fronting on Prince's Street and overlooking the gardens 

 gave us the best possible view, the very choice spot of 

 all this choice city. The night was beautiful, and the 

 lights from the towering houses of the old town made 

 an illumination, as it were, in honor of our arrival. That 

 the travellers were delighted with Edinburgh, that it 

 more than fulfilled all expectations, is to say but little ; 

 and those who saw it for the first time felt it to be be- 

 yond all that they had imagined. Those of us who 

 knew its picturesque charms were more than ever im- 

 pressed with its superiority over all other cities. Take 

 my word for it, my readers, there is no habitation of 

 human beings in this world as fine in its way, and its 

 way itself is fine, as this, the capital of Scotland. 



The surprise and delight of my friends gave me much 

 pleasure. Scotland had already won all hearts. They 

 had admired England, but Scotland they loved. Ah, 

 how could they help it ! I loved her too, more deeply 

 than ever. 



It is best to disband a large party when in a city 

 possessed of many and varied attractions, allowing each 

 little group to see the sights in its own way ; assembling, 

 however, at breakfast and dinner, and spending the even- 

 ings together, recounting the day's adventures. This 

 was the general order issued for Edinburgh. 



The new docks at Leith were opened with much cer- 

 emony during our stay, and I took a party of our Edin- 

 burgh friends upon the coach to witness the opening. It 

 18 



