readers with statistics, and therefore trust I have said enough to convey a tolerable impression of the go-aheadism of these hardy and energetic descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers; and, for the same reasons, I have not made any observations upon their valuable libraries, hospitals, houses of industry, reformation, &c., the former of which are so largely indebted to private munificence.  But before taking my leave of Boston, I must notice the great pleasure I derived from hearing in all quarters the favourable impression which Lord Elgin’s visit, on the occasion of opening the railway in 1851, had produced.  His eloquence and urbanity was a constant theme of conversation with many of my friends, who generally wound up by saying, “A few such visits as that of the Railway Jubilee would do more to cement the good feeling between the two countries than the diplomacy of centuries could effect.”  I must here add, that upon my visiting Quebec, I found that the same cordial feeling of fellowship had been produced on the Canadian mind, by the brotherly reception they had met with upon that memorable occasion.  Farewell to Boston! but not farewell to the pleasing recollection of the many happy hours I spent, nor of the many kind friends whose acquaintance I enjoyed there, and which I hope on same future occasion to renew and improve.

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote AL:  Such gifts during the lifetime of the donor, are in my estimation, better evidences of liberality and zeal in a cause, than the most munificent bequests even of a Stephen Gerard, who only gave what he could no longer enjoy.]

[Footnote AM:  A Vide observation by Mr. H. Mann, chap. 20.]

[Footnote AN:  The expense of printing proper books is sometimes mentioned as an objection, on account of requiring new types for the new sounds taught.  No expense can outweigh the value of a change by which education can be facilitated; but even this difficulty has been obviated by Major Beniowski’s plan.  He obtains the new symbols requisite by simply inverting a certain number of letters for that purpose.]

CHAPTER XVIII.

Canada.

Early morning found me seated in the cars on my way to Quebec.  Not being a good hand at description of scenery, this railway travelling is a great boon to my unfortunate reader—­if he have got thus far.  A Nubian clothed in castor-oil, and descending from the heavens by a slippery seat upon a rainbow, might as well attempt to describe the beauties of our sphere as the caged traveller at the tail of the boiling kettle attempt to convey much idea of the scenery he passes through.  Not merely do the scrunching squeaks of the break, the blasty trumpet whistle, the slamming of doors, and the squalling of children bewilder his brain and bedeafen his ears, but the iron tyrant enchains and confuses his eyes.  A beautiful village rivets his attention,—­bang