CHAP. XXXII.] MANNERS IN THE BACKWOODS. 219 



many comments, usually, however, in a complimentary 

 strain. To one who is studying the geology of the 

 valley of the Mississippi, the society of such com 

 panions may be endurable for a few weeks. He 

 ought to recollect that they form the great majority 

 of those who support these noble steamers, without 

 which such researches could not be pursued except 

 by an indefinite sacrifice of time. But we sometimes 

 doubted how far an English party, travelling for 

 mere amusement, would enjoy themselves. If they 

 venture on the experiment, they had better not take 

 with them an English maid-servant, unless they are 

 prepared for her being transformed into an equal. 

 It would be safer to engage some one of that too 

 numerous class, commonly called &quot; humble com 

 panions,&quot; who might occasionally enter into society 

 with them. Ladies who can dispense with such as 

 sistance, will find the maids in the inns, whether 

 white or coloured, most attentive. 



We were not asked more questions in regard to 

 our private affairs than we had often been accustomed 

 to submit to when travelling in France and Scot 

 land. Nor had I any reason to complain ; for when 

 I had satisfied the curious as to my age, the number 

 of my children, how we liked the country, and many 

 other particulars, often asked very abruptly by one 

 just come 011 board, I had no ceremony in retaliating 

 on him, and putting to him as many queries in my 

 turn. Every one must admit that the answers you 

 commonly receive are most intelligent. Americans 

 of the higher classes seemed more put out than we 

 were, when thus catechized. 



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