WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA 263 



"Victrix causa Diis placuit, sed victa Catoni. " 



"In this did Cato with the Gods divide, 



They chose the conquering, he the conquer 'd side," 



The whole of the country from Utica to Buffalo 

 is pleasing; and the intervening of the inland 

 lakes, large and deep and clear, adds considerably 

 to the effect. The spacious size of the inns, their 

 excellent provisions, and the attention which the 

 traveller receives in going from Albany to Buf- 

 falo, must at once convince him that this country 

 is very much visited by strangers; and he will 

 draw the conclusion that there must be some- 

 thing in it uncommonly interesting to cause so 

 many travellers to pass to and fro. 



Nature is losing fast her ancient garb, and 

 putting on a new dress in these extensive regions. 

 Most of the stately timber has been carried away; 

 thousands of trees are lying prostrate on the 

 ground ; while meadows, corn-fields, villages, and 

 pastures are ever and anon bursting upon the 

 traveller's view as he journeys on through the 

 remaining tracts of wood. I wish I could say a 

 word or two for the fine timber which is yet 

 standing. Spare it, gentle inhabitants, for your 

 country's sake; these noble sons of the forest 

 beautify your landscapes beyond all description; 

 when they are gone, a century will not replace 

 their loss ; they cannot, they must not fall ; their 

 vernal bloom, their summer richness and au- 

 tumnal tints, please and refresh the eye of man; 

 and even when the days of joy and warmth are 

 fled, the wintry blast soothes the listening ear 



