Prizeman of the Royal Institute of British Architects, London,
describing an architectural tour undertaken in 1880, and detailing
picturesquely the architecture and incidents of personal concern
dependent on travel met with in the departments of Seine Inférieure,
Seine and Oise, and Seine, penetrating into the heart of France as far
as Auxerre. The course of the Seine, with its diverse monuments, was
topographically followed from Harfleur to Paris, and subsequently
in its considerable ramification the stately River Yonne, Melun,
Fountainebleau, Sens, and finally the rich town of Auxerre coming
under consideration. The lecturer also drew special attention to the
advantage derived from travelling alone for the purpose of observing
better the archæological wealth, and the customs of the French, having
a distinct and definite line of study and object lesson ever in view;
to his wide sympathy with the French people, to their sumptuous care
for their ancient monuments, their courtesy and reverential manner of
hospitality towards English speaking students; and also in particular
to the unsuspicious, deferential manner in which they are entertained
and regarded by the Ministerial authorities: detailing in precise
biographical manner his experience with bourgeoisie and peasant,
ecclesiastic and soldier. He recorded also minutely the incidents and
popular events associated with travel, as study and the tide of time
goaded him onward, the wave of diurnal events lying upon the open page
of history, here dishevelled, here streaked with adverse episode,
and here becalmed. The hour being late, a hearty vote of thanks was
accorded the lecturer, and the hearing of the conclusion of a most
interesting tour was adjourned to another meeting.