some packages, fell from the top of the carriage into the street, and laid open one side of his head, and had he fallen on a pavement it would probably have proved fatal.  A surgeon was immediately sent for, who informed us that the wound was not very deep, and that he hoped it would have no serious effects.  Our next stage was Heckingen, in the little state of Hohenzollern.  The ancient castle of that name is situated on an eminence, and is visible, for many leagues, in all directions.  The territories of this state are about fifteen miles by ten, and contain about 30,000 inhabitants:  but I believe there are two reigning families; those of Hohenzollem Heckingen and Hohenzollern Sigmaringen.  This house is of considerable eminence; the royal family of Prussia are descended from a junior branch, which became possessed by purchase of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, and thus founded a power, which being aggrandized by the policy of succeeding sovereigns, now holds so distinguished a place in the political scale of Europe.  We soon quitted the territories of the princes of Hohenzollern, and again entered Wurtemberg, and after passing for several leagues over a highly improved country arrived at Tubingen.

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CHAP.  XV.

Tubingen is a large and ancient town, containing about 5000 inhabitants:  its situation is low, and it is chiefly worthy of notice, as being one of the most celebrated universities of the south of Germany.  I was informed by one of its members who travelled in the Diligence, that the number of students did not then exceed 250, but that he had no doubt it would increase as public affairs assumed a more settled appearance.  Here is little of that academic discipline, which distinguishes our universities.  There are no colleges, and the students live in private houses, according to their respective inclinations.  There are eight professors, and an attendance on the lectures of such of them as the student may prefer seems to constitute the sum of his academic duty.  There is a large botanic garden, which is kept in good order, and contains a long range of green-houses and stoves.

I here agreed to accompany a gentleman of my acquaintance, who wished to travel post to Frankfort:  and had no reason to regret having left the Diligence, with the tediousness of which I was heartily tired.  We set out accordingly in a sort of cabriolet, resembling a covered curricle, for Stutgard.  We found much less delay at each post than we were led to expect; and part of the time was employed in greasing and examining the wheels of the carriage before starting:  this custom prevents many accidents, for that operation for which no time is specified, is commonly neglected.

The price of each station is regulated by government; and the postmasters and drivers are very civil and obliging; but the celerity with which every thing is procured at an English inn, is not to be expected here, as the Germans are habitually slow in all their movements.