HARBURGH AND HAMBURGH 197 



The country struck me as extremely picturesque, 

 and was otherwise interesting. On arriving at 

 Hanover my companion had to leave me, as he 

 was going forward to Berlin. He urged me to 

 alight for a few hours, when he would introduce me 

 to his friends. I accepted his kind invitation, and 

 was thereby enabled to obtain a glimpse of this very 

 charming city. I had the pleasure of meeting his 

 sister, who had married a cloth manufacturer in 

 Hanover, who had an excellent house, and gave 

 us a capital luncheon. I was conducted through 

 some of the principal streets, and was much struck 

 with the quaint early mediaeval architecture, 

 especially with the splendid red brickwork of the 

 houses and chief buildings. The cathedral is very 

 fine, built entirely of red brick, as is also the palace 

 of King George of Hanover, first cousin to our 

 beloved Queen. I was shown a ' biere hall ' of rare 

 beauty, where I drank some very good beer. After 

 bidding adieu to my friend, I started again on my 

 journey, reaching a place called Harburgh, on the 

 southern bank of the Elbe, where we were to be 

 carried over the river on a ferry to an island, half- 

 way across the broad stream. On arriving at Har- 

 burgh I was addressed by a polite young man, 

 speaking English well, who recommended me to take 

 a carriage and horses as the best mode of crossing 

 the river towards my destination. He led me to 

 believe that this was the only means of crossing, 

 and ordered my carriage accordingly. I paid him 

 nearly one pound for the journey. On arriving at 



