On this occasion I shall select from my diary a description
of the labourer's cottage, and the parish church; because
the one shews the habits, tastes, and condition of the
poor of this country, in contrast with that of America--and
the other, the relative means of religious instruction,
and its effect on the lower orders.

On the Saturday morning, while preparing to resume our
journey, which was now nearly half completed, Mr. Hopewell
expressed a desire to remain at the inn where we were,
until the following Monday. As the day was fine, he said
he should like to ramble about the neighbourhood, and
enjoy the fresh air. His attention was soon drawn to some
very beautiful new cottages.

"These," said he, "are no doubt erected at the expense,
and for the gratification of some great landed proprietor.
They are not the abodes of ordinary labourers, but designed
for some favoured dependant or aged servant. They are
expensive toys, but still they are not without their use.
They diffuse a taste among the peasantry--they present
them with models, which, though they cannot imitate in
costliness of material or finish, they can copy in
arrangement, and in that sort of decoration, which flowers,
and vines, and culture, and care can give. Let us seek
one which is peculiarly the poor man's cottage, and let
us go in and see who and what they are, how they live,
and above all, how they think and talk. Here is a lane,
let us follow it, till we come to a habitation."