i6 From PORTSMOUTH 
ing adopted, are for thefe reafons generally neglected. I have 
alfo heard it remarked, by fome ingenious perfons, that no houfe 
ought to be built to laft above a hundred years, alledging that 
the tafie of ages alters, and arts and induftry are much pro- 
moted by building ; but I apprehend they will confent to give 
to palaces and public edifices, a longer date. 
From the entrance of Southampton water to the town, is 
about ten miles ; and the diftance from Portsmouth computed 
three-and- twenty. We had been five hours on our way, but 
it did not appear above three : If I could be difhoneft and flat- 
ter, I fhould fay it was not quite one. Except a voyage of about 
three hundred miles, on the Volga, I never made one, in an 
open boat, fo long as this ; and neither in boat or fhip, ever 
half fo pleafing. My remembrance of the feveral obje&s which 
prefented themfelveS, is yet in full life. Farewell. 
LETTER VI. 
lo the fa?ne. 
Madam, 
M E THOU GHT at the entrance into Southampton, that 
the town might be much improved by walks on the 
water-fide : but it is the miftake of mankind, and argues our 
weaknefs ; that although the happinefs of a whole community is 
concerned, no fkill nor coft are employed for the public ufe 
except by accident : whilfl the gardens of a private man are 
often improved with the labor and art of ages. 
What 
