its members, and for its patriotic views. the finest specimen of that class of art ever
That this cheap mode of encouraging produced in this country, and vies with the
the arts (a mode of all others the most best of the French collection. Let it only
gratifying to artists) has been so much for a moment be compared with that given
neglected, does not afford any very inexperienced eye will immediately be
to the heroes of Waterloo, and the most
strong proof of the progress of intellec-struck with the difference. Medals outlive
tual refinement.
every other class of art, and were the hu-
man mind doomed again to be enveloped in
darkness, by the return of barbarous ages,
this medal alone would hand down, to the
most remote posterity, the name of the
Highland Society with the greatest honour.
The vase also, or cup, presented to the
gallant 42d regiment, for their achieve-
ments on that day, has not been excelled in
this country, for the purity of its taste, and
the splendour of its decorations, as has
been publicly expressed at this table by
the highest authority.

We noticed, a few Numbers ago, that Mr. Wilkie had been elected an honorary member of the Highland Society. This was done on the motion of Mr. M'Gillivray, and upon the occasion offered, Mr. A. Robertson, himself a distinguished ornament to the Scotish Arts, addressed the meeting in a speech so appropriate to the subject, so replete with excellent observation, so universally applicable, that it is with no common satisfaction we find our

selves enabled to lay a correct report of

it before the public.

Mr. ROBERTSON observed, that for the first time in the history of Scotland, it was now proposed to bestow an honourable mark of distinction on its genius in art. As this event might prove highly important in its consequences, he begged permission to trespass on their patience for a short time, while he endeavoured to shew that importance, and anticipate those results.

The Highland Society of London had greatly distinguished itself, by its exertions to collect and preserve the productions of genius in remote ages of antiquity, as contributing essentially to the reputation of the country. Nor had the claims of living genius been neglected, as appeared from the list of Honorary Members; and so long as that list was limited to twenty, and conferred only on distinguished merit, on those who had rendered important services to Scotland, the honours of that Society would continue to be courted by men of genius and learning, and by princes; so that, while it conferred, it would receive honour.

The arts of painting, sculpture, and architecture, (said Mr. R.) are the last which appear in a country, and require a combination of favourable circumstances to produce them. They are the result of a high degree of intellectual refinement, and are therefore the best measure, whereby to ascertain the degree of civilization attained by a people. Barbarous nations neither know nor feel

them.

Neither is it sufficiently known that the
diploma of the Society is the most splendid

example of engraving on wood, that art ever
presented to the world. It is eagerly sought
for, therefore, by collectors, not only in this
but in other countries; and I have myself
been repeatedly applied to, recently by a
very distinguished member of the Royal
Academy of Paris, to obtain for him, if pos-
sible, a copy of it, to shew the perfection
of this art in Great Britain.

All these works have been executed from
designs by the venerable president of the
Royal Academy, whose name the Society
has to boast of in the list of its Honorary
Members.

Thus has the Highland Society added greatly to its own reputation and dignity, as well as to that of the country, by a judicious application of the fine arts to its purposes; and thus is their importance and utility practically illustrated. What honour to Scotland might we not anticipate, should the living arts of our country become an object of attention to this Society, like the music and poetry of our ancestors.

The measure now under consideration evinces a paternal solicitude for the genius of our country, more important in its probable results, than perhaps at first may appear, from the feelings peculiar to artists. Wealth was never the object of genius, nor avarice its passion. Honour, distinction, fame, and immortality, are, next to our better hopes in another world, the splendid prizes for which it contends in this, and which your votes are now about to confer on the greatest genius Scotland ever produced in art, by encircling his brow with the olive.

Meetings of public and national bodies constitute the Olympia of modern times, and although we do not now, as at the Olympic Games, form processions to bear the conqueror in triumph, nor break down our city walls to open an entrance untrod before, still merit being acknowledged, and the highest honour voted, the imagination supplies what modern custom considers unnecessary.

Convinced that the honours of the Society would sooner or later be conferred on Mr. Wilkie, Mr. R. had not permitted that

friendship of which he was proud, to rob him of the satisfaction of knowing, that this measure had arisen spontaneously, having never directly nor indirectly called the merits. For he looked forward to this moattention even of a single member to his tion, as the best evidence of a feeling propitious to a measure he had long had in contemplation, in which the arts and genius of Scotland are deeply interested, and to this as a period the most favourable to bring it before the first committee.

Any eulogium on Mr. Wilkie's merits from him would be presumptuous, after the testimony to his talents, publicly given by the highest authority in art, by those most competent to appreciate them, in his being elected, at a very early period of his career, a member of the Royal Academy; a body, whose elections are guided by merit alone, and which neither wealth nor power can influence.

It has been said, that poets and painters only begin to live when they cease to exist. Not so with Mr. Wilkie. His fame has been spread by the Engraver all over the civilized world. Towards him, even envy is silenced, for artists themselves are loudest in his praise, and seem relieved by an opportunity of discussing his merits.

Yet public approbation, flattering as it has been, has often been improperly exercised, and has sometimes overlooked Mr. W.'s peculiar merits. His works have been compared to the Dutch school, because he happens to equal them in their only excellence, the mechanical execution, and because he confines the size of his works to reasonable dimensions. But when did Teniers, Ostade, or Gerard Dow, ever attempt to paint the human mind and character, or to delineate the play of the passions? When did they ever express moral sentiment and feeling, or touch the heart, by representing the sweeter enjoyments of social life? The summit of their ambition was to imitate a carpet or a cradle, a fiddle or a frying pan. charm of Wilkie's execution is equally great, and the more fascinating, that there is no display of labour, for, ars est celare artem. This very excellence, however, must be considered unfortunate, so long as it shall captivate the common eye, and attract the mind from that richness of imagination and delicacy of feeling which he displays.

The

Take for example the picture from Duncan Gray, now to be seen at the British Institution, where it may be observed there now appears a very considerable display of Scotch talent. This picture alone shews what art may accomplish. In one moment it comprises the whole drama of that favourite song, and holds out an useful moral to young women. So rich is the invention of Wilkie, so exquisite his feeling, that he goes farther even than our immortal Bard; not only do his figures speak, but the spectator is insensibly_taught to moralize. What moral did a Dutch picture ever inculcate?

The high aim of Wilkie's genius is the

human mind and character, the highest de- which are so much more poetic than those
partment of art. Although not epic, it is of any other country, and to which he
true, still it is didactic. In this respect the had occasion to know that artists would
President of the Royal Academy has repeat-give a decided preference, even if less lu-
edly in conversation considered him as crative. But until some public feeling is
equalled only by Raphael, and our own Ho- excited, such works would only be admired.
garth.
Would to God, that Wilkie's Duncan Gray
could be secured as the foundation of a na-
tional gallery! were such to be established,
with what feelings of enthusiasm would our
artists commemorate the deeds of our coun-
trymen in arms, when, in Egypt, and at
Maida, they first broke the charm that had
well nigh enslaved Europe; and of achiev-
ments in every quarter of the world, by he-
roes whom we so often see around us at the
meetings of this Society. With what feel-
ings of inspiration would they represent the
gallantry of the Scotch Greys, and the
32d regiment at Waterloo, when "Clan na
ghael na gual na cheil" they rushed upon
the foe shouting, Scotland for ever! And
here let humble virtue be remembered, as
well as valour, in the grenadier of the
71st regiment, who refused the proffered
watch and purse of a French general, to let
him escape, after having taken him pri-
soner. No, Sir," said he, "I don't want
your watch, nor your money; I am a sol-
dier, not a robber; go to the rear!" What
an example to posterity! What a subject
for the pencil! But while these crowd on
the mind, let not the brave fellow now pre-
sent be forgotten, formerly piper major of
that regiment, who has this day inspired
us, by the sound of the same martial pipe
with which, while he lay on the field at
Vimiera dreadfully wounded, he cheered
his comrades, and shewed that

Another highly distinguished artist, a member of the Royal Academy, no less eminent as a poet, a patriot, and an orator, than as a painter, has expressed himself as follows: Every person acquainted with the arts in Great Britain, must have been struck by the distinguished merits lately displayed by some of your countrymen. Wilkie burst upon us like a comet, and continues to blaze with undiminished splendour. Raeburn has long maintained his ground with steady ability and notoriety; his election to the honours of the Academy, unsolicited by him, and I believe at the time unknown to him, was a strong testimony to his merits. To them, as you well know, many other names might be added, which do great credit to the pencil; as, for instance, Allan, Nasmyth, Geddes, &c. Invasions from the North have always been of a formidable character. Until of late, however, the regions of taste appeared a district too barren to invite your approaches. You are now indeed making inroads on this territory, of a nature so alarming as to excite some apprehensions how long we may be able to make head against you with success."

Thus it appears, that Wilkie is not the only artist who has done credit to Scotland, and received the honours of the Royal Academy. Like other comets, he was preceded, and is followed by a train, composed of the names of Raeburn, two Nasmyths, Williams, Geddes, Allan, Watson, two Burnetts, three Wilsons, Saunders, Stewart, Thomson, Irvine, Henning, &c.; and thus may Scotland at length be considered to hold a rank among nations distinguished for arts. That in ten or twelve years, it should furnish its proportion in number and talent of the British school, would seem incredible, but for the gratifying fact that it actually does so; and he appealed without fear of contradiction to the different exhibitions of the Royal Academy and the British Institution, whether onetenth part of the talent, annually displayed in London, is not from Scotch artists.

Too long our land, tho' rich in stores of mind,
Proud to be free, scarce deign'd to be refin'd,
Still with a surly Spartan virtue frown'd,
Nor sought to rival states for arts renown'd;
But now no longer heedless we refuse
The proffer'd garland of the Graphic Muse.
Old Scotland binds her laurell'd brows once

more,

And adds the only wreath unwon before.

It may be worthy of consideration, therefore, whether some public means ought not to be adopted, to hold out inducements for our artists to withdraw some part of their attention from their present pursuits, to others more noble and dignified, in illustrating the history and poetry of our country, the costume, manners, and scenery of

"The Pibrochs loud inspiring peal,

The Highland arm, the Highland steel
That made the Romans backward reel,
Had never lost its energy."

Such are the subjects for the pencil of
genius, which the history of Scotland
affords.

Perhaps the warm interest he felt on this subject may be said to approach that enthusiasm which, directed to one object, sees no world beyond its narrow sphere; but what say statesmen and legislators, on the fame to be acquired, and the importance of the arts to a country?

The report of a committee of the House of Commons, appointed to enquire into the expediency of purchasing the Elgin marbles, contains the following sentence, which speaks volumes, and will immortalize the writer and that committee:

powers,

Imperial triumphs, and time-braving towers;
What now of all that social life refined,
Subdued, enslaved, or civilized mankind,
What now remains? save what the Muse
imparts,

Relate their ruins, or unfold their arts."

Entreating the indulgence of the meeting for having occupied so much of their valuable time, and convinced that the measure now proposed will be productive of the most important results to the honour of this Society, and to the fame of our country, by the advancement of its arts, he begged leave most cordially to second the motion of their most valuable secretary, Mr. McGillivray, that Mr. Wilkie be elected an Honorary Member of the Highland Society of London.

The question was then put, and carried by acclamation.

Most heartily do we rejoice in this proceeding. How it was received by the celebrated object of it, appears from the following letter:

SIR,

Kensington, March 10, 1818.

I have duly received your letter, by which I am informed, that the Highland Society of London, at a General Court, held on the 21st ult. have been pleased to elect me an Honorary Member of their body.

For such a mark of distinction, conferred by such a Society, I beg that you will have the goodness to convey my warmest acknowledgments to that patriotic Corporation. In expressing the feelings of gratification, with which this circumstance has impressed me, I am led to observe, that one of the most powerful means of encouragement to the arts, in all ages, has been the countenance and favour of public bodies and constituted authorities.

"Your committee cannot dismiss this in- Such countenance confers a dignity upon attentive reflection of the House, how highly and more national aim to the views of the teresting subject, without submitting to the the art, and never fails to give a higher the cultivation of the fine arts has con- artist. This I feel to be particularly iny tributed to the reputation, character, and own case, in having thus been honoured, as a dignity of every government, and how inti-Scotish Artist, with the public approbation mately they are connected with every thing of a Society, composed of the most distinvaluable in science, literature, and philo-guished of my countrymen in rank and resophy.

In contemplating the importance and splendour, to which so small a republic as Athens rose, by the genius and energy of her citizens, exerted in the path of such

spectability, whose enlightened views and patriotic exertions have done so much for the Highlands of Scotland in the general improvement of that romantic country, and in the preservation of the literature, music,

manners, and heroic virtues, of its ancient | lively, natural, and finely coloured. One, CLXXXIX. SALISBURY, FROM THE BIpeople.

I have the honour to subscribe myself,

Sir,

With great consideration and respect,
Your very obedient humble Servant,
DAVID WILKIE.

To Donald M'Kinnon, M. D. Hon. Sec.'.
to the Highland Society of London.
On these statements we shall ven-

ture but one remark, not as an already
merited eulogy, but as an encourage.
ment to Scotland-not as a censure, but
as a stimulus to England:..

The Scotch, from the general diffusion of knowledge, are said to be the most intelligent nation in the world, as a people. The arts are new to them, but they seem to feel their importance, and the respect due to genius; and should Scotland adopt the Fine Arts as a national object, the wealth of England will, in the page of history, only increase the contrast afforded by the su perior policy of the sister country.

THE FINE ARTS.

THE BRITISH INSTITUTION.

No. 9.

the entrance to a wood, from last year's ex-
hibition, is in a firm and clear style, and
with a light which breaks across the road
well introduced. Another, an evening
scene, has a very peculiar and interesting
effect, even at a height which we are sorry
prevents our inspecting it more narrowly.

SHOP'S GARDEN.-F. Nash. This is one among the most pleasing of the harmonious in its colour, resembling the small pictures; simple in its forms, and

later pictures of Wilson, though without his abstract quality of effect, to which water with clear and still reflected objects are es

LIII. &c.—S. J. Stump.

In the same situation are landscapes by
T. Roberts and J. O. Tudor, of consider-sential ingredients.
sin,) from the near contemplation of which
able merit (the former in the style of Pous-
we are equally excluded. The same cause
will hinder us from noticing many pictures
in the present Gallery (nearly all those
which we do not particularize,) and the ac-
count of which we will wind up in verse:

Where many a picture, grace, and glowing hue,
The fate of dull obscurity must share;
Or placed too low to meet the gazer's view,
Or placed so high no eye can scan the glare.
CXXXI. COTTAGE GIRL.-W. Ross.
In point of character, this is a young lady
under the semblance of a cottager. The
painter is, we understand, a very youthful
artist; he has, however, produced what is
in many a last achievement, a good spe-
cimen of mellow and warm colouring.
The hands, arms, and part of the face, in
particular, have a fine tone of flesh. The
shadows on the neck are evidently too dark.
Upon the whole it is a very promising pic-
ture, and with all the feeling for the art
which it displays, requires no further notice
from us than a warning not to be negligent
in subordinate parts.

XXX. XLIX. XCVII. CCXXIX. CCXL.

LANDSCAPES.-P. Nasmyth.

The first, of Norwood, is touched with
great spirit, but we think is too much of
one tone, and with its foliage cutting too
hard against the sky. The second, Mil-
lars Lynn, is a picturesque scene, but hea-
vily coloured, wanting in keeping, and with
its objects rather huddled together. The
remainder are very good specimens of this
artist's skill.

CLIV. THE PROCESSION ON CLAIMING THE
FLITCH OF BACON.-J. M. Wright.
THIS holiday pageant (before exhibited) is
the production of an artist who on a for-
mer occasion excited considerable surprise
and admiration, by a picture, founded
on ancient usages, called the Burning
Shame, in which he displayed great comic
powers. The Canterbury Pilgrims unques-
tionably suggested the idea of both. In the
particular of costume, which we hold to be
an indispensable requisite in works of this
class, Mr. Wright has given the rein too
much to his imagination. and has painted
a gorgeous procession, rather than a rustic
NEW TOY.-W. T. Witherington.
revel. Neither has he adhered to his au-
thority, Blount's Jocular Tenours, who thus This picture (CXCV.) is much improved
describes this custom, instituted by Sir Phi- since last year. The sky is less monoto-
lip de Somerville, about the time of Ed-nous, and the distance fine. There is a
ward the IIId:-

And so shall they depart the mannour of Whichnure, with the corne and the baconne before hym that hathe won yt, with trompettes, tabourettes, and othyr manner of mynstrelsie.

But the artist has given us Grecian nymphs, and triumphal chariots and war horses, and has not even carried the flitch before the happy pair. Nevertheless this is a spirited and clever effort of the pencil. The painter has shewn us what he can do, and has only misapplied his talents in the instance before us.

VII. XXVIII. LXV. XCV. CII. CXCIV.
CCLXXII. CCLXXXII. VARIOUS LAND-
SCAPES, &c.-Ph. Reinagle, R. A.
All these subjects bear the well-known cha-
racter of Mr. Reinagle's hand: they are

CXCV. SHEPHERD BOYS.-CCIX. THE

Cuypish air of simplicity about it, which we
like exceedingly. The new Toy is a bau-
ble: not so well handled.

XXXV. VIEW NEAR DULWICH.-CXC.

This Evening Scene with cattle we select It is a pleasing composition, and well coas a clever example of Mr. Stump's talent.

loured.

LVII. THE YOUNG MOUrner.
C. R. Leslie.

A little tender piece, of a girl lamenting
the death of a favourite bird; a pretty
painting, with some pathetic character.
LVIII. MOEL-HEAD-HOAG, CARNARVON-
SHIRE. John Laporte.
Who would expect from such a name a
beautiful little cabinet picture, which this is.
The talents of the artist are two well known
to require further remark, than that this is
in his best manner

LXI. A VOLCANO.-CLXXI. RICHMOND,
MOONLIGHT.-Rich. Tallemach.

The two opposite effects are rather skilfully
managed. The latter is cool and misty, yet
sufficiently luminous. There is enough of
incident, but the figures are much inferior
to the other parts.

CXXXVI. THE UNFORTUNATE CHICK.
W. Anderson.
The unfortunate chick!

CXXXIV. A GIRL AND BLACKBIRD.
1. de Fleury.

Another bird, as unfortunate as the chicken
aforesaid.

CLXIX. Edward THE MARTYR STABBED
BY ORDER OF ELFRIDA.

And again murdered by Wm. Thomas.
CCIV. PENNING THE FLOCK.-J. Sturk.
Though we have already noticed this artist,
It
we cannot pass the present picture.
is a charming effect, and covered with the
glow of summer. The catching light on the
sheep is exquisite. There is perhaps a mo-
notony in the sky, which, though natural,
is not picturesque.

TYNEMOUTH PRIORY.-Sam. Prout. CCXVI. WATER-MILL.-John Wilson. The first is in a fine broad style, but looks We merely pause to say, that this producmore like the preparation for a picture, tion is in a cool, clear, and unobtrusive than a finished work. The second is a style, and possesses much merit. more favourable sample of ability. CCXXXIV. THE CUP FOUND IN BENJAXXXVII. CXXXVII. CCLXVI. VIEWS, MIN'S SACK.-T. Forster. MOSTLY IN PETERSHAMWOOD.-Ch.Deane. We do not know whether this artist is Landscapes in a very decided and some-young or old, but have to notice, that what peculiar style. They are rather heavy, though he has painted a work congenial to and spotted too equally with light and dark, the objects of the Institution, it was unne but withal have much promise, and bring cessary to introduce to his canvas that conoff the stamp of nature from the lovely fusion which we doubt not the event it comscene whence they are taken. memorates did actually produce.

countrymen went into another public-house in the bridegroom's house, who brings | Cleuria." But are not the roads, which and drank some glasses of rum, after which them, in company with his father, to his lead to that village, bad?" I assure you the stranger recollected that it was time to bride. On their way thither not a gun that the road is bordered on both sides with think of his departure. They had nearly must be fired, for such a sign of joy would green sward." I must however observe reached the house, when he suddenly stop. be considered a blamable presumption, so to you, that the person whose hand you ped, and asked Mr. Neele what he supposed long as they are not sure of obtaining the seek acts as my housekeeper, and that I him really to be? at the same time opening bride. The procession moves in the fol- can give her to you only under one condihis grey great coat, and shewing a large and lowing order: first, the father of the bride- tion. What is that?" That you brilliant star upon his breast. Mr. Neele, groom, then the bridegroom, then his supply her place with another who suits who had till then taken him to be a mer-friend, and the young people invited. When me, as I am, I may say, alone; my housechant, answered with surprise, That he they arrive at the house of the bride, the hold would go to ruin if my daughter were must be some great person, and hoped that father of the bridegroom asks the father of taken from me.'-"I must confess that he had not offended him; but he could not the bride, who sits quietly at her spinning- you will suffer a great loss; but when a tell his rank. Upon this the stranger de- wheel, and dressed in her every-day clothes, girl has attained a certain age, she must clared himself to be the Prince of Orange, if he will permit his daughter to join think of settling: the sight of an affectionate who had fled to England from the invasion the party, and go with them to mass? couple is much more agreeable to God, than of the French. He then wrote Mr. Neele's He answers, that he thanks them for the sight of an old bachelor.”—If that is name in his pocket-book, thanked him for their kind invitation, and accepts it. the case, the person you ask for, is just his kind reception, and after they had bid Now the girls who have assembled at now in our garden; she is shewing her each other farewell, he left him, to prepare the bride's house, immediately begin to friends how to take care of roses; if she is for his departure. Shortly afterwards, as look for her shoes.* As soon as they are not too much engaged, I will bring her to you.' Mr. Neele had some business out of doors, found, the girls withdraw with the bride, a coach passed him: the gentleman in it and employ themselves in another apartstops it, and beckons him to come, when he ment in dressing her. Meanwhile the again heartily takes his hand; it was again parents place themselves round the fireside, the friendly Prince, whom Mr. Neele never and praise the young couple; but flattery saw after. does not dishonour their conversation, nor do they ever carry their praise too far, they only say what is proper, and agreeable to truth: The bridegroom is a good farmer, or a good cheesemaker; he carefully attends the meadows and the cattle; he is a skilful ploughman, or nobody threshes better, and nobody makes a better bargain. The bride is well behaved, modest, and handsome; she is quick at spinning; she understands milking and churning, is a good housewife; takes care of her father and mother, and rejoices her parents by her mild and obedient disposition.

Last winter, as Mr. Neele, who has long since returned to his native country, and is settled at Lübeck, was sitting in conversation with an acquaintance, who had travelled a great deal, the latter boasted of having seen the present King of the Netherlands: "You do not know him so well as I do," replied Mr. Neele, "for I once drank a pot of beer with him" As the other would not believe it, Mr. N. resolved to write to the monarch. He wished him joy on the happy change of his fortunes, and on his accession to the throne; asking whether he still remembered him, and mentioned to him his present circumstances. Soon after this, he received the following answer :

Brussels, May 17, 1817.

During this conversation the girls appear again, and fasten ribbon and laurel to the button-holes of the clothes of those whom they choose for their leaders.

After this he fetches the bride's-maid, and presents her to the father of the bridegroom, saying; I have not been long gone to fetch you the person you desire."

She is handsome, indeed, and appears to be in good health; however she is not the one whom I wish for." The father of the bride (presenting another,) I have again looked in our garden, I hope I have made no mistake this time.'-"I am sorry to tell you that she is not the person you are so kind as to present to me; however, as she appears to be as modest as handsome, she is I think deserving of a good husband, and will soon find one who will make her happy." [In case the godfather is to supply the place of the father of the bride, he fetches his own daughter, or one of his nearest relations, and presents her to the father of the bridegroom, saying, is one, who, I believe, is not the same whom you desired; but as she is quick and industrious, you might dispose of her to a groom, friend of yours."] The father of the bride

"Here

“On reading your letter, His Majesty the bride, all the girls assemble in the As soon as they have finished dressing still remembers with pleasure the acquaintAll the girls you have presented ance you formed with him at Chepstow 20 room; but the young men remain in the to me, appear to me to possess the best years ago. His Majesty hopes that you may kitchen. Then the father of the bride- qualities. Certainly none of them would always be happy in your present circum-groom comes forward, and addresses the make a husband unhappy, or give her stances, and has given me the commission, father of the bride: "In consequence of daughters a bad example; however, none of as a token of remembrance, and as a proof the betrothing of my son to your daughter, them is the one whom my son's heart has that he appreciates your frankness, to send I come to ask her in marriage in the name chosen, and, if you will permit me, I will you two copper-plates, representing Her of my son, now here present, who will make go myself into the garden, and, as I hope, Majesty the Queen, and H. R. H. the Prince of her a good honest housewife." The find her soon." I will not give you this of Orange. We have no good likeness of polite manner in which you urge your re- trouble; however, you see that in our the King at present. These two copper- quest, prevents me from refusing you, par-garden there are flowers of all kinds of plates are deposited in the hands of Baron ticularly as it is for her happiness; but colours and fine odours; the finest mostly Von Lynden, Civil Governor of Arnheim, before 1 grant it, permit me to ask you prefer the cool shade.' He now approaches who will deliver them according to your whither you intend to take her?'§-"To the bride, who is distinguished from the other girls by her black dress, and her

orders.

"I am glad of this opportunity to offer my friendship to a man whom the King my master so highly esteems.

"The Secretary of State, Makly."

MARRIAGE CUSTOMS OF THE ARRONDISSE-
MENT REMIREMONT, IN Lorraine.

The arrondissement of Remiremont, in the department of the Vosges in Lorraine, has several remarkable customs respecting marriages.

On the wedding-day, the guests assemble

* Plutarch says the Egyptian women wore no shoes, that they might not too often go from their father's houses; probably the losing the shoes of the country girls in Lorraine is founded on the same motive.

+ The room in which the girls are, is kept as
sacred as the gynaceum, or the women's apart-
ment, among the ancients.

A similar dialogue takes place at the mar-
riages of the peasants of Bretagne. See Cumbry,
p. 164.
Voyage dans le Finistérre, vol. iii.

This question is always put: it shews in an
affectionate manner, the paternal care, and the
fear that his daughter should go too far from
him,

The parental care again shews itself here. * If there be any more sisters, this observation is notwithstanding made; most likely to give the bride a greater value.

+ If there be only one girl present at the marriage, the same is introduced several times; of this introduction the girls are not a little proud. If one girl is passed over unnoticed, she thinks herself disgraced.

The black dress is thought by the inhabitants of Lorraine the most modest, and is therefore chosen as the most proper for a young married woman. The girdle is also among them, as among the Greeks, the symbol of modesty.