2/6 TOUR THROUGH HOLLAND. [1804. 



of Capital Condemnation, small, strong, and gloomy, 

 but well ornamented. Exchange most extensive; 

 each pillar and compartment numbered and named 

 from country, and even town. Grand bustle and fine 

 room. All the people very horribly dressed. Table 

 d'hdte excellent. Two courses and dessert, with half- 

 bottle good claret, for one florin and a half. 



Amsterdam, Aug. 11. Went to call on Elliot 

 not in town. Went to Hotel de Ville or Stadthaus. 



Dined very pleasantly at Melville's, and in the 

 evening went to see the Dutch play and the famous 

 actress Vatir, who astonished me. Two good men 

 actors. A pretty house, well lighted and fitted up. 

 A ballet, very good, but most indecent. Even the 

 figurantes danced extremely well. The orchestra 

 very good. Tea handed round between the acts. 



Amsterdam, Aug. 12. Went to Mr Vander Hoe- 

 ven's chateau, three and a half hours' journey, in a 

 carriage and pair : dull country, duller day, and some 

 heavy rain. Found his lady at home a very pleasant 

 little Brabanonne, though an invalid. He out fish- 

 ing on his water ; went to him no sport. The carp, 

 tench, and eels, as well as perch, are very fine ; the 

 villa excellent, extensive; less uniform than any I 

 have seen, somewhat a I'Anglaise ; but the country 

 quite sandy, like all the district near the sea. Every- 

 thing bespeaks the national character of making a 

 pleasure of business, and being precise as in an office, 

 at all times. In the theatre, the seats are marked, so 

 that each man in the pit has one place. In any ap- 



