SWITZERLAND AND SCOTLAND. 77 



one of these particulars both the above-mentioned nations 

 are far superior to the French, and (not to speak it pro- 

 fanely) to the English. Enter into conversation with a 

 Scotsman or a Swiss, and you are informed upon every 

 subject of inquiry, to their extent of knowledge — some- 

 times, it must be confessed, rather in a round-about way 

 by the former. They are devoid of that mean suspicion 

 which characterises the common people of certain other 

 countries. They perceive by your questions that you desire 

 information, and they are happy to have it in their power 

 to bestow it. Closely connected with this part of their 

 character is their hospitality. Their door is open to the 

 traveller, and their fare, such as it is, is laid before him. 

 For such kindness they think that not even thanks are due ; 

 and short as your acquaintance with them has been, on 

 taking leave they wish you happiness with all the earnest- 

 ness and sincerity of old friends. Exhibitions of the 

 human heart like these give joy that few things can equal, 

 and instruction of no light kind. Often in former times, 

 amid the mountains of Scotland, have I been the delighted 

 guest of such hospitality ; and short as my stay in Switzer- 

 land has been, I have had reason to admire the same fea- 

 ture of national character. Indeed, over all the world, the 

 inhabitants of mountainous countries are famous for this 

 virtue. As to the intellectual capacity of the different 

 peoples of whom I speak, the most inattentive observer must 



