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146

RETURN TO THE METROPOLIS.

breeze disturbs the balmy air, and "every sense is joy," and hundreds of these radiant worms, studding their mossy couch with mild effulgence, were presented to your wondering eye, you could not help associating with the name of the glow-worm the most pleasing recollections! No wonder that an insect which chiefly exhibits itself on occasions so interesting, and whose economy is so remarkable, should have afforded exquisite images and illustrations to those poets who have cultivated natural history!"*

Nothing now remains, but that I notice our approach to the metropolis, the glory of our island-the wonder of the world!

The nearer we drew to London, we observed that the roads were more frequented, and every thing indicated an air of bustle and confusion. The continual travelling to and from the metropolis, is a matter of astonishment. It is thought to contain a MILLION of inhabitants, which is the number of persons said to have occupied the whole island at the time of its invasion by Julius Cæsar, about fifty years before the birth of Christ; and yet, from the continual increase of new buildings, it seems that its population is in a state of augmentation. The entrance at HydePark-Corner is worthy of a great city. Its cluster of lighted lamps generates a vivid impression on the eye, in a winter's evening, and upon his return to the metropolis, announces to the weary

* See Spence's Entomology, &c.

RETURN TO THE METROPOLIS.

147

traveller the approaching termination of his jour

ney.

You have now, my dear Sir, the sketch of my Excursion into the West, in which I have endeavoured to combine entertainment and instruction. The excursion itself, indeed, pleased me; but it would require a portion of presumption for me to suppose, that the perusal of this delineation of it can have imparted a proportional gratification. I remain, my dear Sir, with every sentiment of respect,

Yours, sincerely,

J. E.

H?

AN EXCURSION

INTO

THE MIDLAND COUNTIES

OF

ENGLAND,

AND

Part of the Southern District of Wales.

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