UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 117 



selves, much less of having them for sale ; and 

 England still largely supplies that article of food 

 to Stockholm." 



In speaking of this, after Mr. H. had gone, my 

 aunt reminded us of the facts we had lately read 

 in Ker Porter's Persia, respecting the manner in 

 which some customs continue unchanged for 

 ages ; but she thought this far more extraordi- 

 nary in Sweden, which is in constant communi- 

 cation with the rest of Europe. 



" It is partly caused," said my uncle, " by the 

 nature of the government, which tends rather to 

 repress, than to excite speculation. Some im- 

 provement, however, does take place : a friend 

 of mine, Mr. B., thirty years ago, saw in a gen- 

 tleman's garden at Stockholm, a little bed of 

 potatoes, which the owner shewed him as a great 

 curiosity. ' They tell me, sir,' said the gentle- 

 man, ' that in some countries, the roots of this 

 plant are eaten as common food by the people.' 

 Yet now," continued my uncle, "this potatoe, 

 which was then such a wonder, is generally cul- 

 tivated throughout all Sweden, and is liked by 

 all classes." 



\\tli. Sunday. Wentworth asked my uncle 

 to-day, what is meant by thy kingdom come 

 in the Lord's prayer ? c ' What do we exactly 

 pray for when we repeat those words ?" 



" I believe," said my uncle, " that they have 



