opera and concerts are unrivalled; and, probably, no city in Europe possesses a place of public amusement more brilliant and magnificent than Vauxhall. The museums, scientific, literary, and rational establishments, are almost number.. less, and carry along with them an influence on the general intellect and character of this metropolis altogether incalculable.

The merchants, bankers, and higher classes of tradesmen, bear a strong resemblance in manners to the gentry, with whom, from their immense wealth, they are accustomed to associate. The same wealth, and the greater security which they possess for its enjoyment than the merchants of other countries, infuse into them a spirit of firm independence, to which the latter appear to be utter strangers. From this spirit of independence many advantages have, doubtless, arisen, both to the political condition and commercial prosperity of England. Reacting upon the springs of our free constitution, from which it proceeds, this independence of English spirit, in return, tends incessantly to preserve those springs in a due state of vigour and effect.

The nobility and gentry of London are of a very different complexion from the same classes in other countries. To the highest polish of manners they unite a degree of manliness and moderation, which is the result of the freedom of the English constitution, and the general diffusion of riches. A foreign nobleman considers himself as a distinct species of being from those who are inferior to him in rank and station, and

consequently treats them with arrogance and contempt. An English nobleman, on the other hand, while rationally conscious of the real dignity of his own station, behaves towards those whom fortune has placed beneath him, with urbanity and attention. Even in the article of dress he is scarcely distinguished from the ordinary tradesman; while individuals in the higher class of merchants fully equal him in the splendour of their equipages and establishments. He is, generally, a stranger to that indolence which, in other countries, usually results from excessive wealth and hereditary titles. Even the English ladies of high rank are much less enervated and feeble than those of the same class in foreign countries. They are much accustomed to exercise, and to mix with the public world.

The salutary operation of this spirit on our commerce, is the consequence of that honour and integrity which are uniformly found to accompany enlargement of mind. Hence, an English merchant can often obtain credit even in foreign countries where it is little practised; and bills of immense value are sometimes intrusted to him, without receipt or acknowledgment. These remarks, however, are not to be considered as applicable to the higher orders of traders only; the same freedom of conduct and sterling integrity are prominent features in the character of established shopkeepers.

The generality of professional men in the metropolis, as clergymen, both of the established

church and others, barristers, physicians, surgeons, &c. &c., may be ranked with the gentry. They justly hold a high station in the community, not only for utility in their respective spheres of exertion, but also for intellectual endowments, and moral respectability.

The labouring and similar classes in London are usually of industrious and frugal habits. Their dress and appearance are more decent and respectable than in any other city in the world, which is a sufficient evidence of its great trade and wealth.

consequently treats them with arrogance and contempt. An English nobleman, on the other hand, while rationally conscious of the real dignity of his own station, behaves towards those whom fortune has placed beneath him, with urbanity and attention. Even in the article of dress he is scarcely distinguished from the ordinary tradesman; while individuals in the higher class of merchants fully equal him ; in the splendour of their equipages and establishments. He is, generally, a stranger to that indolence which, in other countries, usually results from excessive wealth and hereditary titles. Even the English ladies of high rank are much less enervated and feeble than those of the same class in foreign countries. They are much accustomed to exercise, and to mix with the public world.

The salutary operation of this spirit on our commerce, is the consequence of that honour and integrity which are uniformly found to accompany enlargement of mind. Hence, an English merchant can often obtain credit even in foreign countries where it is little practised; and bills of immense value are sometimes intrusted to him, without receipt or acknowledgment. These remarks, however, are not to be considered as applicable to the higher orders of traders only; the same freedom of conduct and sterling integrity are prominent features in the character of established shopkeepers.

The generality of professional men in the metropolis, as clergymen, both of the established

church and others, barristers, physicians, surgeons, &c. &c., may be ranked with the gentry. They justly hold a high station in the community, not only for utility in their respective spheres of exertion, but also for intellectual endowments, and moral respectability.

The labouring and similar classes in London are usually of industrious and frugal habits. Their dress and appearance are more decent and respectable than in any other city in the world, which is a sufficient evidence of its great trade and wealth.