they are chiefly indebted for the celebrity which they enjoy. Nature made
Switzerland a land of rugged magnificence. To complete the charm, nothing
was wanted, but that its mountains should be peopled by the creations of
Rousseau.

It were needless, however, to travel to foreign countries in search of
interesting localities. Our own island teems with them. In the metropolis
and its environs, a diligent inquirer will find them at every step. How
many coffeehouses and taverns are there in London which at one time or
another have been frequented by celebrated characters, and how many houses
in which others equally celebrated have resided; such as that of Milton, in
Westminster; and of Johnson, in Bolt Court. How many old gable-ended
tenements do we see in the eastern parts of the town that were standing
before the fire, and which, if explored, might be found to contain the most
interesting relics of antiquity. What a number of streets, courts, and
alleys, bearing names at once indicative of their ancient origin, and of
scenes, and persons, and local circumstances long since forgotten!

Then, if we extend our perambulations to the vicinity of London, how many
hallowed places shall we meet with? Where can we find a palace like Windsor
Castle, to which attach the historical recollections of many centuries,
adding, if possible, yet more solemnity to Gothic grandeur? Again, can
there be conceived a spot more entirely consecrated to classical
associations than the grotto, at Twickenham; that retreat in which gazing
on "Thames translucent stream," Pope passed so many hours of undisturbed
privacy--that spot

"Where British sighs from dying Wyndham stole,
And the bright flame was shot thro' Marchmont's soul."