quickset fence, he insists upon it, as one of its advantages, that it will
not readily ignite under the torch of the mischievous wayfarer: "Naturale
sepimentum," says he, "quod obseri solet virgultis aut spinis,
_praetereuntis lascivi non metuet facem._" It is not easy to see the origin
or advantage of this practice of nocturnal travelling (which must have
considerably increased the hazards of a journey), excepting only in the
heats of summer. It is probable, however, that men of high rank and public
station may have introduced the practice by way of releasing corporate
bodies in large towns from the burdensome ceremonies of public receptions;
thus making a compromise between their own dignity and the convenience of
the provincial public. Once introduced, and the arrangements upon the road
for meeting the wants of travellers once adapted to such a practice, it
would easily become universal. It is, however, very possible that mere
horror of the heats of day-time may have been the original ground for it.
The ancients appear to have shrunk from no hardship so trying and
insufferable as that of heat. And in relation to that subject, it is
interesting to observe the way in which the ordinary use of language has
accommodated itself to that feeling. Our northern way of expressing
effeminacy is derived chiefly from the hardships of cold. He that shrinks
from the trials and rough experience of real life in any department, is
described by the contemptuous prefix of _chimney-corner_, as if shrinking
from the cold which he would meet on coming out into the open air amongst
his fellow-men. Thus, a _chimney-corner_ politician, for a mere
speculator or unpractical dreamer. But the very same indolent habit of
aerial speculation, which courts no test of real life and practice, is
described by the ancients under the term _umbraticus_, or seeking the cool
shade, and shrinking from the heat. Thus, an _umbraticus doctor_ is one
who has no practical solidity in his teaching. The fatigue and hardship of
real life, in short, is represented by the ancients under the uniform
image of heat, and by the moderns under that of cold.] was stormy, and by