_Opinion No. 2._--Monte Carlo! Without exception, the loveliest
spot in Europe. The so-called gambling is the cause of numberless
blessings. It is an institution that should be held up to the
admiration of mankind. All the aristocracy of the civilised world
flock to it to indulge in a recreation to which only the greatly
prejudiced can possibly take exception. The Government is benevolent
to the last degree. In what other country are rates, taxes, and
improvements paid for you? If the Director were not the best of men,
how could this be done? The play itself is absolutely fair. And, with
a system, and a sufficiency of capital, anyone is able to realise a
large fortune in less than no time. Not that this absolute certainty
should be taken into consideration. It is the general morality of the
place that is so encouraging. The place should never close. And it
would be a graceful thing if those who have laid in a store for their
old age were to return a trifle, to be expended on some charity. And
I say this without any bias, although I have backed Black ten times
successfully.

P.S.--Just lost all I had. Not so sure that my optimist view is not
open to rectification!

* * * * *

BULL AND BULLION.

(_ON GOLD, AFTER GOLDSMITH._)

When British Commerce stoops to folly,
And finds too late that Bonds betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy,