60 A CONTINENTAL TOUR. 



THE PEDESTRIAN'S ADVANTAGE. 



" Sept. 1 6. — On leaving Basle I need not say how sorry 

 I was. I had there only passed two little days, but they 

 were pleasant and happy ones ; and though I should live 

 many a long year, I don't think I shall ever forget them. 

 My regret, however, at leaving it, gradually wore away as 

 I proceeded on my journey to Lauffenburg, for every step 

 I took discovered some new beauty. The road winds along 

 a number of little valleys, caused by the wooded hills which 

 form the banks of the Rhine ; and as often as the traveller 

 turns about, he beholds a beautiful extent of country be- 

 hind him, covered with hanging woods, and either swelling 

 into lofty hills, or sinking into deep dells with the most 

 delightful variety. A number of lovely cottages scattered 

 through the vales, and glimmering amid the trees, present 

 continual objects for admiration, and each one becomes 

 envied till a more beautiful one appears. So delighted 

 was I with this walk, that though many leagues long, I 

 scarcely knew where 1 was til] it was over, and then I 

 could not help wishing that I had to perform it again. 

 There is certainly something in the noise and motion of a 

 carriage, which prevents the mind from feeling excited by 

 rural scenery in the way in which I feel mine to be when 

 my body is unconfined. That calm and placid breathing 

 of nature which every one must have seen and felt who has 

 walked alone through a fine country, cannot be enjoye4 



