PROMENADES. 501 



scarcely be surpassed. For the most part they are 

 splendid brunettes, with the most fascinating, 

 gipsy-like countenances in the world, beaming 

 with vivacious merriment and good humour. Now, 

 my gentle reader, after these descriptions, which, 

 I confess, are as inadequate to portray their varied 

 charms as a painter's art is to depict a setting sun, 

 fancy yourself entoure with this galaxy of beauty, 

 and tell me, could you not be happy in Vienna, 

 however much you might differ from Austrian 

 politics ] 



The Viennese have several charming promenades 

 within the town, on the site of the old fortifications. 

 The Stadt Park, with its elegant kursaal, is much 

 frequented for breakfasts al fresco, in the early 

 morning, and the fair sex often appear there in the 

 most becoming dishabille. The grounds are very 

 tastefully laid out, and there are beautiful walks 

 along the banks of an artificial lake. The Folks- 

 garten, again, is a general rendezvous for all classes 

 twice a week, when Strauss's band discourses such 

 music as is not surpassed by any orchestra in 

 Europe. Here may be seen the highest aristocracy 



