74 TOWN AND COUNTRY 



from earliest infancy to decrepit old age, doomed to 

 breathe this chaos of eternal smoke and volatile corrup- 

 tion ; and so powerful are the effects of habit, so accom- 

 modating is nature to the different circumstances and 

 situations in which mankind may be placed, that town- 

 born children thrive and fatten on the tainted atmosphere, 

 miscalled air, although the ruddy bloom of health is 

 wanting, and that vigour of constitution in after-years, 

 so conspicuous in the fresh cheeks and robust frame of 

 the countryman. 



But, to speak of the higher and middle orders of 

 society, who, by their vocations or duties, are obliged 

 to spend a large portion of their time in the city, we 

 neither envy nor grudge them their necessary relaxation 

 from toil and care, in the grand reunions, fashionable 

 assembhes, and other entertainments. Neither would I 

 forbid my fair young countrywomen the delightful 

 enjoyment of the opera (barring the ballet, which is an 

 abomination, or ought to be, to every unsophisticated 

 girl), soirees dansantes, theatrical exhibitions, or such 

 like reliefs from ennui. I would only suggest the reflection 

 which their own mirrors must retain, that their com- 

 plexions are not improved by too frequent indulgence in 

 these midnight amusements, or their strength of mind 

 and body much invigorated ; and, as to a dusty ride or 

 drive in the Park, by way of a refresher, after a night's 

 fevered dissipation in hot, crowded rooms, what are they 

 when put in competition with a canter over the fresh 

 breezy downs, or even a stroll on foot through the green 

 shady lanes of the country ? 



The world, however, is wide enough for us all, and our 

 different tastes and diversities of opinion afford the best 

 reason why we should each seek our own enjoyment of 



