2 HIGHWAYS AND HORSES. 



the present generation are deprived ; but having been 

 born in the present century, and benefiting as we do 

 by the labours carried on through, and discoveries 

 made in past times, none but lunatics would regret 

 the fact that they first saw the light of day in the 

 nineteenth century, consequently most persons will 

 undoubtedly be of the same opinion as Mr. Gibber, 

 and will think it lucky they were born so late. 



What were the good old times of which so much 

 has been said ? Was it when the streets of London 

 and other towns were of a night in almost complete 

 darkness ; when the roadways were impassable ; when 

 both country and town were ill protected against robbery 

 and outrage ; when a journey which now occupies only 

 a couple of hours took an entire day or night ; when 

 valuable property and possibly life was sacrificed 

 on the way? In my opinion those who live latest in 

 the world's history are most to be envied, for as time 

 progresses, so will the journey through life be rendered 

 the more enjoyable, if, as I imagine, the comfort of the 

 traveller is dependent on the period at which he sets 

 forth on his travels. 



Roads have at all times been the agents by which 

 society has been consolidated ; they are to a certain 

 extent the avenues of political, social, and commercial 

 intercourse. Successive invasions, and final conquest 

 and occupation, render commerce practicable, pro- 

 mote civilisation, and create history ; but it is roads 

 that provide inlets and outlets for manufactured 

 articles, that facilitate travelling, and break down 

 local prejudices. 



The existence of highways dates from a very 

 early period. The same thing cannot be said with 

 regard to byways ; there is little doubt that by-roads, 



