266 Zz/k q/ cn. xv.
such as I noticed in Switzerland; and many of unshapen dints
and mortar, often with a brich front; a few were thatched, but all
much more comfortable than those in France : none were of lath
and clay. There was a considerable number of gentlemen's
houses, with trees and grounds about them, but none so elegant
as those about Geneva. In one I observed the notification—
peculiar, I believe, to our country—of " Man-traps and spring
guns." The country people were neither better looking nor
better dressed than those of France (if so good in either
respect). Their white frocks showed the dirt more than the
blue ones in France.
' There is a view of Canterbury from a height like Amiens.
The town does not seem near so big, and the cathedral far
inferior, and scarcely equal to Sens. The neatness of the town
on entering it is most striking. The shops are excellent;
Venetian blinds are not uncommon to the windows ; the pave-
ment is as rough as in France.
' The inn was like the very best in France, but has sashed
windows, well-closed doors, and neatly carpeted doors. The
coal dre is a novelty, and the highly dnished tongs, accompanied
with a poker and shovel and a fender, are also novelties : the
want of bellows, which are universal on the Continent, is not so
laudable. The dinner was well served, and would have been
excellent if everything had not been spoiled by a profusion of
pepper, as Flahault warned me would be the case in England.
The bill was 16 3s. 1&'
' 3 (written in London, May 4).—I went about half-
past six to the cathedral, and unexpectedly found it visible.
A woman showed it, very superior in knowledge of history, &c.,
to any Continental coTKagrgg or The interior was
beautiful: the nave has tall, slender, clustered pillars, and has
the direst effect, though lately scraped, and white in consequence.
The choir is more ancient, and heavier. The stained glass
windows are very rich. The tomb of the Black Prince (with a
shield, helmet, and other armour hung over it) and that of