TO THE REV. PROFESSOR MORRIS, BRECON COLLEGE, SOUTH WALES. REV. AND DEAR SIR, With your kind permission, I most respectfully dedicate this little book, my first literary attempt, to you. The gift, I am aware, is not of much worth in itself, but it is offered sincerely, as a token of my attachment to you as a Friend, and my admiration of your character as a Minister of the Gospel. As a Friend, (ever since we had the pleasure of being acquainted) I have found you warm and steadfast, and on several occasions I have been indebted to you for your endeavours to promote my true and permanent interests. As a Minister, I remember with pleasure, your ministrations in the Old Chapel in our village, where, for a long period, you zealously and fearlessly, fulfilled the duties pertaining to your office. I know no one, to whom I could, with greater satisfaction or pleasure to myself, dedicate these pages, Believe me, Sincerely yours, WILLIAM SMITH, JUN. PREFACE. In the middle of the present summer (among a heterogeneous crowd of tourists, by the irresistible power of Steam) I was propelled through France into Switzerland, a country of which I had often read and heard, but never seen. For near a fortnight, I was scampering through this delightful land, gazing upon its many beauties. Importuned by friends, to give my reminiscences in print, with much diffidence I send forth this little volume; and in doing so I must remind those who may honour it with a perusal, that it has been written in my leisure hours, after the necessary labours of the day, and consequently will be found deficient in many respects. If however, it affords as much pleasure to my readers, as it has done to me during its composition, I shall be amply repaid. Allow me to offer my sincere thanks to my friends, for the interest they have taken in the welfare of the Book. MORLEY, NEAR LEEDS, October 15th, 1864. CONTENTS. (June 29th, 1864) Reasons for going-Companions — Morley to London-Rail to Newhaven-The Friend in the Pocket-Scene on the Pier-The White Cliffs of Old England-Crossing the Channel-Sea-sickness -The Steward's Story-The French Coast-Dieppe Our Hotel-Breakfast a la Carte-Madeleine-English Nuisances-Notre Dame-Coronation of Napoleon -View from the Tower-Humorous Sketch of Paris -Interior of Notre Dame-The "kist fu' o' whistles" - Palais Royal-Dinner at Restaurant-"Leg of Beef, &c."-French Coffee- Prince Napoleon- Champs Elysées-Amusements-Cafe chantant-Jardin |