WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 301 



Travellers hesitate whether to give the preference to 

 Philadelphia or to New York. Philadelphia is certainly a 

 noble city, and its environs beautiful ; but there is a degree 

 of quiet and sedateness in it, which, though no doubt very 

 agreeable to the man of calm and domestic habits, is not so 

 attractive to one of speedy movements. The quantity of 

 white marble which is used in the buildings, gives to 

 Philadelphia a gay and lively appearance ; but the same- 

 ness of the streets, and their crossing each other at right 

 angles, are somewhat tiresome. The water-works which 

 supply the city, are a proud monument of the skill and 

 enterprise of its inhabitants ; and the market is well worth 

 the attention of the stranger. 



When you go to Philadelphia, be sure not to forget to 

 visit the Museum. It will afford you a great treat. Some 

 of Mr. Peale's family are constantly in it, and are ever 

 ready to show the curiosities to strangers, and to give them 

 every necessary information. Mr. Peale has now passed 

 his eightieth year, and appears to possess the vivacity, and, 

 I may almost add, the activity of youth. 



To the indefatigable exertions of this gentleman is the 

 western world indebted for the possession of this splendid 

 museum. Mr. Peale is, moreover, an excellent artist. 

 Look attentively, I pray you, at the portrait he has taken 

 of himself, by desire of the State of Pennsylvania. On 

 entering the room he appears in the act of holding up a 

 curtain, to show you his curiosities. The effect of the 

 light upon his head is infinitely striking. I have never 

 seen anything finer in the way of light and shade. The 

 skeleton of the mammoth is a national treasure. I could 

 form but a faint idea of it by description, until I had seen 

 it. It is the most magnificent skeleton in the world. The 

 city ought never to forget the great expense Mr. Peale was 

 put to, and the skill and energy he showed, during the 



