awe at it; we are apt to respect even inanimate things to which time seems to have shewn a reverence. I could not help thinking the aged oak must look on generations of mortals as we do on people at a masquerade, who assume and lay by their character before they have time to learn their part. We spent one day intirely in the forest, on another we went to Hurst castle, which stands on a narrow beach that reaches to the sea, and is opposite to the Isle of Wight, where we could distinctly discover trees and buildings; another day we went to Beaulieu, a seat of the Duke of Montagu's; it was an ancient monastery, had great lands annexed to it, and seems to have been a considerable building. If the ivy could have spoken it would have told us many an old story; as it is, it is a venerable and silent witness of the antiquity of the place, which, by its situation amidst fine wood and water, is very beautiful. We went from Lindhurst to Salisbury, but were so late as to miss seeing Lord Folkstone's. You are acquainted with Salisbury

so I need not describe what I saw there; but I cannot omit that we received great civilities from the Bishop, and Mrs. Sherlock, and were invited to dinner by them, which favours we were intitled to only on account of being friends of Dr. Courayer. Mrs. Sherlock carried me. with her to church, and the Bishop of Lincoln gave us an incomparable sermon.. We could not have the pleasure of dining with the Bishop on account of going early to Wilton, where indeed I was much charmed. Such a river for such a bridge, and such a bridge for such a river! was ever any thing so delightful! then the fine hill, the rich valley, the noble town of Salisbury, and the eminent steeple! Do not all these things deserve a note of admiration? I know you agree with me in admiring this place. If one can leave so fine a garden for any thing, it must be to see so fine a house. As to the statues and bustos they are certainly very fine, but I think too many; heroes should not have so many competitors, nor philosophers so much company; a

respectable society may be increased into a mob.; I should, if they were mine, sell half of their figures to purchase their works, which are indeed the images of wise men; Plato and Anacreon, Cicero and Pindar, differ but little in features, but much in sentiments and language. We went from Salisbury to Stone Henge, which is indeed an astonishing thing; and every way one would account for it there arises an insuperable difficulty. We then went to Amesbury, where great improvements have been and are still making; the winding river is pretty, but the place is marshy and wet, and I think promises neither an improvement of health nor chearfulness. The front of the house looks very prettily on the outside; within there are but few rooms, only one good one, and that is regular, and is prettily furnished with Mr. Wootton's landscapes. From Amesbury we reached Marlborough early enough to walk in Lord Hertford's garden, with which Dr. Courayer was pleased as at seeing a sort of acquaintance, but it has

nothing in its aspect to recommend it to strangers; there is a mount in it of a surprizing height, not raised to satisfy the curious eye merely with a prospect, but it has of old times been made as a military observatory, to watch the motions of an army. In our way from Marlborough hither we called at Lord Bruce's, which is situated in a kind of forest; the access to the house is very grand; you pass through an avenue of a mile and a half in length, with sometimes the opening of a fine lawn; the house makes little appearance on the outside, but it contains many fine rooms, richly gilt, well furnished, and adorned with many family pictures; but the place is rather great than agreeable. Are you not glad I am at the end of my journey? It is now time we should both take rest, but I must tell you that at Salisbury Dr. Courayer had the agreeable surprize of seeing Lord Feversham at the Bishop's; the Doctor was abashed, and his lordship shewed some little resentment; indeed, to go so near an old friend, and a new peer, and not

make him a visit, was not so well. Lord Feversham said he and his lady would have been glad to have seen us at Downton. I hope that before this time my brother Robinson has had the pleasure of seeing you. Dr. Courayer sends his

thanks for the ring, but I fear he will find your advice impracticable, though this morning he had the douceur to say he was sorry my head ached. I should find it more difficult to avoid what your motto directs than to obey it, so you may be sure of my fulfilling your commands. in the amplest manner. Pray make my compliments to the family you are with; accept those of all here, and particularly Mrs. Morgan's, who sits by me very patiently, and desires to be mentioned in the most respectful manner.

I am, dear Madam,

your sincerely affectionate friend and humble servant,

E. MONTAGU.