290 WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 



back again to Italy, and from thence to Africa. I crossed 

 the Rubicon with Caesar ; fought at Pharsalia ; saw poor 

 Pompey into Larissa, and tried to wrest the fatal sword 

 from Cato's hand in Utica. When I perceived he was no 

 more, I mourned over the noble-minded man who took 

 that part which he thought would most benefit his coun- 

 try. There is something magnificent in the idea of a man 

 taking by choice the conquered side. The Eoman gods 

 themselves did otherwise. 



" 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 Buffalo, must at once convince him that this 

 country is very much visited by strangers ; and he will 

 draw the conclusion that there must be something 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 

 tine timber which is yet standing. Spare it, gentle inha- 

 bitants, 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 : 



