A Walk from London to John O'Groat's by Elihu Burritt
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page 6 of 313 (01%)
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should observe. Besides, expressions, figures and orthography more
American than English may be noticed, which will indicate the circle of readers which the writer had primarily in view. Still, he would fain believe that these features of the volume will not seriously affect the interest it might otherwise possess in the minds of those disposed to give it a reading in this country. Whatever exceptions they may take to the style and diction, I hope they will find none to the spirit of the work. ELIHU BURRITT. London, April 5th, 1864. CHAPTER I. MOTIVES TO THE WALK--THE IRON HORSE AND HIS RIDER--THE LOSSES AND GAINS BY SPEED--THE RAILWAY TRACK AND TURNPIKE ROAD: THEIR SCENERIES COMPARED. One of my motives for making this tour was to look at the country towns and villages on the way in the face and eyes; to enter them by the front door, and to see them as they were made to be seen first, as far as man's mind and hand intended and wrought. Railway travelling, as yet, takes everything at a disadvantage; it does not front on nature, or art, or the common conditions and industries of men in town or country. If it does not actually of itself turn, it presents everything the wrong side outward. In cities, it reveals |
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