was more in harmony with the scene around. As might be expected, we found ourselves very pleasantly entertained, in strolling over this enclosure. Flowers of all hues, and every fragrance, spread their charms before us, and together with the fine fruits which abounded in it, our senses were variously regaled. At the termination of the walks was some object to call and divert the attention-a summer-house, an arbour, or a rustic seat. In the centre a sun-dial marked the wane of time; and at the foot of the garden, flowed a small stream, which formed several cascades, and finally passed off with a rippling sound, and was lost to the eye under an arbour. There was here nothing extravagant, and nothing more than what most of our farmers and tradesmen might command, with a very little attention and trifling cost. The fruit-trees and plants would afford them amusement in their leisure hours, as well as reward them with their products; and the cultivation of flowers would give their daughters a refined and healthy employment.

From this little Elysium we were called to the tea-table. We now first passed compliments with Mrs. M, the mother of the family, and having found seats, tea was brought in. Tea in this country is taken sans ceremony, and is soon over. Since we are in the house, allow me to say something of the interior. This is more exclusively the female department, and I am happy to remark, that the same neatness and taste which characterized the gardens and grounds, were seen here. The houses of this class of Englishmen are small, but convenient. This had four rooms on the lower floor, with an entry leading between them from the front to the rear. They are handsomely fitted up, and made to appear well at a small expense. The looms of Manchester and Kidderminster,

an

the forges of Sheffield, and the founderies of Birmingham, each yield their articles to grace English cottage of this stamp. We have the same articles with us, but they are generally of an inferior quality, and seldom arranged with so much reference to effect. The windows, with the aid of curtains and blinds, become the most ornamental part of the house. Though they are "few and far between" on account of the heavy taxes to which they are subject, they appear elegant, whether seen from within or without. The fire-places also, which with us are apt to be black and sooty, exhibit here a very different aspect. They are made of cast iron, with polished grates. The fenders, and fire irons are usually of polished steel. The mantel-piece is always stored with a choice collection of shells, crystallizations, spar beautifully modelled into urns, vases, and the like. Here were shown several elegant paper baskets covered with rice, which were wrought by the daughters. These things, trifling in themselves, yet set off a room, and speak much in praise of the female inmates.

From the tea-table we were led to a summer-house in a corner of the garden. While we were here enjoying a fine evening, a declining sun which added new beauties to fields and trees, and a cool breeze which was loaded with the fragrance of many flowers, Mr. Mand a son-in-law of his, joined us. Mr. Mis an extensive buttonmaker. He rides into town every morning in his pony-gig, pursues his business all day with industry, economy, and system; and at night returns to the bosom and enjoyment of his family. He has an increasing trade to America, and is partial to Americans, but amidst his eulogies of the daughter, it is easy to discover that he secretly thinks better of the mother. He gave us a hearty welcome. At nine o'clock we were summoned to the supper table. Here, the interesting daughters of the family who had returned from abroad, joined us. The refreshments were liberal. An English supper, you must know, though not exactly Roman, is yet rather luxurious. After the usual accompaniment of music, both vocal and instrumental, we took leave of our courteous and hospitable hosts. Such is a specimen of English taste and manners in the middling ranks of society. Families of this description are noted for neatness, hospitality, order, and economy; and when adorned and recommended by probity and religion, few spots on earth can be compared with an English fireside, and household circle.

In the course of my jour neyings, I have observed that the English ladies are much in the habit of riding on horseback. The usual dress is a blue cloth great coat, fitting close about the neck, and falling nearly to the ground. On the head they wear a man's black beaver, and a black vail. Around the neck, they have a plain starched collar that comes up to the ears, and nearly meets at the chin, and over this a fancy cravat with a stiffner, tied in true dandy style. Thus equipped, they mount a horse, take the reins in one hand, and a whip in the other, and entirely undaunted, prance off with much grace. This exercise contributes greatly to their health, nor is it unfavourable to their beauty. A ride of a few miles tinges their full round cheeks with a fine colour, and their locks, which at starting are partially obscured, become loosened by the motion of the horse, and fall in graceful ringlets that wave as they bound through the air.

The summers here are unquestionably more congenial to the general health of man than our own. They are also more pleasant; but

the autumn and winter, if I may judge from the specimen we have already had, cannot be compared with ours, at least in pleasantness. The dull weather which now prevails, (Nov. 2d,) I am told, continues nearly the same through the winter-either dripping rain, or a heavy, damp, disagreeable atmosphere, with not much frost, snow, or ice. The softness of an American autumn is unknown here; and though the English winter is less cold than our own, I would not for this, exchange our clear atmosphere, unclouded sky and sharp frosty mornings. I know not that the weather of this season here is particularly prejudicial to health. In general, Englishmen look more healthy and robust than Americans. They are often corpulent even to deformity-have broad shoulders, large features, full cheeks, and if I may here anticipate an item in their character, bear marks of high living, and excess in wine.

It would scarcely fail of being serviceable to some of our American farmers to visit this country, as well with a view to take lessons in agriculture, as to learn the important virtue of contentment. Living in a perfectly free country, almost exempted from taxes, in which every thing is cheap, and being lords of the soil that they cultivate, they are too insensible of their enviable condition. Here, you know, the land is owned principally by the nobility, who let it out in small lots to the farmers, at enormous rents. What these pay annually would entitle them to the fee simple with us.

After discharging their heavy rents and king's taxes, and living poorly, they have nothing left. Tea, sugar, coffee, spirits, &c. are luxuries beyond their reach. Their children, in too many instances, grow up without a competent education, and destitute of the means with which to commence life. Thus the cultivators of the soil

neither time nor money. In some instances, sports which New Englanders call vulgar and immoral, are here made a science, and studied by those who would be thought both moral and refined.

December 11th. At 4 o'clock Mr. S. and myself mounted a coach, and rode to York, about 27 miles from Leeds. After breakfast we sallied out to see the wonders of the town. Our first movement was to York Castle, where we spent an hour in running over the ruins. Our principal object in visiting York was to see the far famed cathedral. After groping our way through a dark narrow street, the mighty pile, as if by magic, appeared at once in all its grandeur. The suddenness of the view, and its imposing magnificence produced an exclamation from me of the most unaffected surprise and awe. We walked busily around the building, feasting our eyes on this scene of splendour and beauty. Our next wish was to see the interior. I walked up the stone steps, pushed open the massy oak door and entered. It was the hour of prayers. The deep tones of the organ sounded through the extended aisles and lofty arches. The wardens were pacing the floor with slow and measured step. I felt unusually solemn, and in my own estimation was no bigger than a grasshopper. Adequately to describe this building is totally out of my power, or the power of any one. To say that it is five hundred and twentyfour feet long from east to west, and two hundred twenty-two feet from north to south, and that the lantern tower is two hundred and thirty-five feet high, and supported by four columns, measuring thirty paces in circumference, hardly gives you a conception of the structure. It must be seen before you can form a proper estimate ofit. I will break in upon my narrative for the sake of the fol

lowing description of a few particulars, from an authentic English account. After mentioning that there were several structures in succession built on the spot where the minster (so called at York) now stands, from 627, in the reign of Edwin the Great, king of Northumberland, to the year 1227, and specifying the periods in which the several parts of the present building were constructed during a space of nearly 200 years, the writer observes:

"This minster which was thus gradually erected, is a most superb building, being highly enriched both within and without. On viewing the west front, the immensity of the pile is what first strikes the imagination; and when the eye has leisure to settle on the ornamental parts, the mind becomes equally surprised at their profusion. This front is composed of two uniform towers, diminishing regularly upwards by ten several contractions and being crowned with pinnacles: the buttresses at the angles are highly decorated; and in some of the ornamental niches still remain statues. These towers flank and support the centre part of the building, in which is a highly enriched door-way, and above it a magnificent window full of tracery-work; the whole front presents an image of grandeur highly interesting.... entrance presents an equally noble display of architectural beauty, it being highly enriched with nitches and figures. The north and South sides of the nave are each divided into eight equal parts, each part containing a window between two buttresses, which support the lateral aisles. From these again spring flying buttresses, sustaining the more elevated walls, or cleristory of the nave; and between every two is a window, corresponding with the one below. The east end is a fine piece of uniform workmanship, highly characteris

The south

fic of the good taste of the builder, and presenting among other excellencies, one of the most noble windows in the world."

To proceed with my narrativeI walked on till I arrived under the lantern tower. Here I had an opportunity to observe the form of the building, which you know, resembles a cross. The east part is appropriated as the chapel, and repository for monuments. In this end is the magnificent window above mentioned. It is seventy-five feet high and thirty-two feet wide, set with elegantly stained glass, the pictures of which illustrate the chronology of the Bible. Immense as the labour must have been, this window was completed by one man, in the short space of three years. The other parts of the building are not occupied, and have no obstructions except the pillars that support the roof windows are all set with stained glass representing scripture history.* Two Roman stone coffins, and many other curiosities

were shown me. .......

The

It is

now nearly 600 years since the building was commenced, and 400 since it was completed. To calculate the cost of such a structure would be impossible. One hundred of the most expensive American churches put into one, would not make another such pile. Indeed I question whether there are any architects at the present day who could design and carry into execution such a work. Time will sooner or later make this a mighty ruin. It has already effected considerable ravages. The grotesque figures projecting from the corners and edges of the roofs are much defaced, and many of the niches are emptied of the figures that once filled them. The cathe

"Many ignorantly suppose that the art of painting on glass is lost; but the fine window of New College Chapel at Oxford, is in itself sufficient to convince the world that it was never found till now."

To the Editor of the Christian Spectator.

I HAVE lately seen it stated, in some publication, that the Dissenters in England are one-fifth of the whole population. This estimate is supposed to be much too low. A gentleman of my acquaintance who has lately spent some time in that country, informs, that he made repeated inquiries on that subject, in England, and uniformly received for answer that the Dissenters of all denominations constitute one-half of the population. They are oppressed with tithes, taxes, and contributions to support the clergy of the establishment, and with the most unreasonable disabilities. No Dissenter can receive a degree at either university, without making and subscribing declarations which his conscience forbids; of course, gentlemen send their sons to Scotland for education, or what is more common, to the seminaries which Dissenters have established in all parts of the kingdom; in some of

+ The statement of which our very respectable correspondent speaks, he may have met with in our late notice of Bishop Hobart's sermon on the United States and England. We adopted the estimate of the only English writer we had at hand, doubting, at the same time, its correctness. Benedict, in his History of all Religions, states the Dissenting population of England at onefifth or more: one-half is without doubt near er the truth.