to a traveller's comfort. In Holland and a large part of Germany, the French language is literally useless.

f. CARRIAGE.

Travellers, who study comfort and do not mind expense, should by all means take an English carriage. Those made in London are far more to be depended on than any continental carriage, both for ease and durability. An excellent carriage may be hired of a London maker for 107. a month, and when the journey lasts for three months, at 87. a month. The maker agreeing to defray the cost of all repairs rendered necessary by wear and tear, though not those caused by accidents, while the journey lasts.

As a measure of economy where persons intend to travel post, it is desirable to save the expense of freight in steam-boats, sometimes amounting to 107. or 127. to and fro, and duty in passing through France (see p. 89., in Belgium no duty is charged), as well as the injury which a private carriage will inevitably sustain from a journey on the Continent. In this case, it is expedient either to hire a carriage at the foreign sea-port at which the traveller lands, or to purchase one of foreign make. A great variety of second-hand carriages are usually kept either for hire or sale by the innkeepers at Calais, Rotterdam, Hamburg, &c., &c.; but it must be confessed, that they are usually sorry brokendown vehicles, and they are let at a rate not much less than the English, viz, about 81. a month. Persons engaging a carriage in this manner for a journey are generally obliged to retrace their steps to the same place in order to return it. If, however, they purchase the secondhand carriage, they may generally dispose of it at the end of their travels, and gain back a part of the sum paid.

The places upon the Continent where the best carriages are built, are Paris, Vienna, Brussels, and Frankfort; they may be purchased new for about one-third less than in England. They are neither so elegant nor so well finished as the English, but are still good serviceable carriages for travelling.

The best form of carriage for a small party, is the Calèche, or Britzka, which, by the new mode of fitting up with leather curtains or moveable windows, may be made to hold four persons inside in case of rainy weather. A chariot (bâtarde) is not common on the Continent, except among English, who import them from their own country. They require more horses to draw them than a light calèche, even though holding the same number of persons.

In many countries of the Continent, the expense of one horse may be saved if the postboy drives from the box; if he rides, the postmaster is authorised to add an extra horse for him to ride on. In France, according to the posting regulations, when the tariff requires that three horses be attached to a carriage, they must be driven in shafts, instead of being attached to the pole. The shafts are best procured at the frontier town, or port of disembarkation (but see p. 79.).

In 1837, a light but strongly built English calèche without a perch, weighing only about nine or ten cwt., though it held four persons,

travelled over a large part of the Continent with only two horses. The baggage was not heavy, and the postboy, when required, could drive from the seat.

The servant or courier should be desired to cause the wheels to be greased every morning, and should even be present to see that it is done. Special attention should be given that the linch pins are pro perly replaced foreign ostlers are very careless on this head; and in France it seems as though they were often purposely extracted to give employment to the smith, or perhaps only to make mischief. A box should be taken with the carriage, containing a wrench for taking off the carriage wheels, a number of extra linch pins, pieces of tin to fasten the linch pins; and candles should be placed in the lamps : they are often called for on an emergency, and in situations where they are not to be got in a hurry. The drag should be of large size, and very well tempered metal: an ordinary drag, such as is made on the Continent, will be worn out in half an hour in descending the interminable declivities of one of the great Alpine passes. Wheels with patent boxes are not understood on the Continent, and if they should go wrong, could with difficulty be repaired; thus, common axles are preferable, unless with a servant who understands perfectly the management of the others.

When a journey of only a few weeks is meditated, such as a tour up the Rhine and back, it is not worth while to take a carriage, now that the extension of railroads and steamers afford such facilities for public travelling.

g. REQUISITES FOR TRAVELLING,

The following hints are principally addressed to those who intend to make pedestrian journeys.

The shoes ought to be double-soled, provided with iron heels and hob→ nails, such as are worn in shooting in England: the weight of a shoe of this kind is counterbalanced by the effectual protection afforded to the feet against sharp rocks and loose stones, which cause contusions, and are a great source of fatigue and pain. They should be so large as not to pinch any part of the foot. The experienced pedestrian never commences a journey with new shoes, but with a pair that have already conformed to the shape of the feet. Cotton stockings cut the feet to pieces on a long walk; in their place, thick knit worsted socks ought invariably to be worn. Gaiters are useful in wet weather to keep the socks clean; at other times to prevent small stones from falling into the shoes, but they are liable to heat the ankles. It is advisable to travel in cloth trowsers, not in linen, which afford no protection against rain or changes of temperature in mountain regions. A frockcoat is better than a shooting jacket, which, though well enough in remote places, is strange, and will attract notice in the streets of a foreign town.

A very serviceable article in a traveller's wardrobe is a Blouse (Kittel in German), somewhat resembling a ploughman's smock-frock in England, but by no means confined to the lower orders abroad, as is it a

a

common travelling costume of nobles, gentles, and peasants. It may be worn either over the usual dress, to keep it clean and free from dust, or it may be substituted for the coat in hot weather. This kind of garment may be purchased ready-made in any German town. The best colour is brown; blue is usually worn by agricultural labourers only. A knapsack may be purchased at a much cheaper rate abroad, and on a much better plan than those made in England. Portmanteaus are better in England than any where else. A Mackintosh cloak is almost indispensable, and it is difficult to procure one abroad; few presents would be more acceptable to a foreign friend than such a cloak.

A flask, to hold brandy and kirschwasser, is necessary on mountain excursions: it should be remembered, however, that spirits ought to be resorted to less as a restorative than as a protection against cold and wet, and to mix with water, which ought never to be drunk cold or unmixed during a walk. The best restorative is tea, and as there are some parts of the Continent in which this luxury cannot be procured, it is advisable to take a small quantity from England. Good tea, however, may be bought in Holland, and in most of the large towns of Germany.

Carey, Optician, 181. Strand, makes excellent pocket telescopes, about four inches long, combining, with a small size, considerable power and an extensive range.

Berry's patent inkstands and fire-boxes are much to be recommended for their portability.

A stout leather or canvass bag, to hold silver crown pieces and dollars ; cards, or pieces of parchment, for writing directions for the baggage (the managers of public conveyances abroad often insist upon each package being addressed, before they will take charge of it) ;-and one or two leather straps, to keep together small parcels, will be found very useful.

h. LIST OF STEAM-BOATS FROM ENGLAND TO THE CONTINENT.

The Steamers marked with an asterisk* belong to the General Steam Navigation Company, - berths may be secured in them, and information may be obtained respecting them, at the offices, 69. Lombard Street, and 37. Regent Circus, Piccadilly. Passengers are requested to have all the packages composing their baggage distinctly marked with their names, and to take the whole on board with them. Baggage is not subject to examination on quitting London, but remains in the custody and under the control of the Persons to whom it belongs, and the Company is not liable for any damage or loss of it, nor for unavoidable delays or accidents, nor Sea Risks of any kind what

soever.

Carriages, Horses, and Baggage, being the bonâ fide property of Passengers from Foreign Ports, are landed free of expense in London. Carriages and Horses, being the bonâ fide property of Passengers going to Foreign Ports, shipped free of expense in London. Carriages (properly directed) and Horses for embarkation from London, must be sent in charge of proper per

sons to Custom-house Quay, Lower Thames-street by twelve o'clock on the day previous to the departure of the Packets.

Dover to Calais Daily, to and fro.

-Fare, 10s.

Dover to Boulogne, do.

*London to Antwerp, every Sunday and Thursday; returning every Sun

*Brighton to Dieppe, twice a week, day and Wednesday. - Fare, same as

Saturday and Wednesday;

return

ing Monday and Thursday.-Fares, Chief Cabin, £1 1s. ; second do. 17s. carriages, £1 1s. per wheel.

*Brighton to Havre, twice a week, Sunday and Thursday; returning Tuesday and Friday. - Fares, same as to Havre.

Southampton to Havre, twice a week, to and fro.

Southampton to Granville and St. Malo, once a month.

Dublin und Plymouth to Bourdeaux, two or three times a month, in sum

mer.

TO HOLLAND.

*London to Rotterdam, twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday; returning Wednesday and Saturday.

to Rotterdam.

London to Antwerp. The Victoria, every Sunday at Noon; returning every Wednesday.

*London to Ostend, every SaturFares, Chief Cabin, £1 10s.; Fore day; returning every Tuesday. · Cabin, £1 5s.; four-wheel carriages, £4 48.

Dover to Ostend, four times a

week.

TO GERMANY.

*London to Hamburg, every Wednesday and Saturday; returning every Wednesday and Saturday. Fares, Chief Cabin, £5; Fore Cabin, £4; four-wheel carriage, £10; two-wheel do., £6.

Hull to Hamburg, once a week.

i. LANDING ON THE CONTINENT-CUSTOM-HOUSE-COMMISSIONAIRES. When the steam-boat reaches its destined port, the shore is usually beset by a crowd of clamorous agents from the different hotels, each vociferating the name and praises of that for which he is employed, stunning the distracted stranger with their cries, and nearly scratching his face with their proffered cards. The only mode of rescuing himself from these tormentors, who often beset him a dozen at a time, is to make up his mind beforehand to what hotel he will go, and to name it at once. The Agent or Commissionaire of the house then steps forward, and the rest fall back, while he takes the new arrival under his protection, extricates him from the throng, and conducts him to his quarters.

Passengers are not allowed to take their baggage on shore with them; it is conveyed at once from the vessel to the Custom-house by the Custom-house porters, who are answerable for the safety of every

thing. The owner, instead of appearing himself to claim it, had better send his servant, or the Commissionaire of the Inn, intrusting him with the keys, in order that he may open and clear each package. This is his usual duty, and the Landlord of the Inn, who employs him, is answerable for his honesty. Personal attendance at a Custom-house is by no means calculated to put the traveller in good humour. Indeed, it is a severe trial to his patience, first to wait till his turn comes, amidst the elbowing of porters, and next, to look on while his well-packed trunk is tossed over “ with a cruel, hard-hearted sort of civility, which leaves nothing to complain of, and everything to lament." Indeed, the search into the baggage is often more severe in the presence of the traveller, which seems sometimes to give rise to a suspicion of smuggling. He that would keep his temper and does not grudge a fee of two francs to the Commissionaire, will intrust to him his keys, and dismissing the care of his baggage from his thoughts, amuse himself for an hour or so, when he will probably find his effects conveyed to his chamber, very often not opened at all, generally only slightly examined.

If, however, the baggage contain any contraband articles, it is advisable to declare them beforehand, and to pay the duty.

"Those who would travel with comfort should be particularly on their guard against rendering themselves liable to detention or penalty at the foreign Custom-houses. They should avoid taking any thing which is contraband, either for themselves or for their friends; for it too often happens that travellers on the Continent are meanly solicited to take those things for their friends who are abroad, which they dare not send by the public conveyance, thus rendering their travelling friends liable to penalty and punishment. This is more strikingly the case where they are requested to take letters, for which public conveyances are provided in this case, they suffer their friends to run a great risk for the sake of saving the postage, Such conduct is most unpardonable."-Brockedon.

:

The next service the Commissionaire will perform is, to obtain the signature of the police for the traveller's passport, so as to enablę him to proceed on his journey. It is sometimes, however, necessary (in France for instance) to repair in person to the police office, to obtain a signature for the passport. The passport should be the traveller's first care, indeed, until it is visé he is, comparatively speaking, not a free agent.

k. BRITISH CUSTOM-HOUSE-TRANSMISSION OF GOODS FROM THE

CONTINENT.

Travellers who send works of art, or other valuable property from the Continent to London, should consign them to the care of an agent at the Custom-house in London, as such articles are frequently injured, and needless expense incurred, from want of a person to take charge of them when they arrive, and to see them examined, entered, and properly repacked. The charge is the same whether the goods are so consigned or not. The Author of the Handbook has employed