attained that celebrity in their manufactures that countries which grow materials bring them here to be converted into useful things, which are distributed all over the world; and while other countries were satisfied with what they had, England was eager to augment her resources. And how has she effected this? What has been the principal means of her doing it? Why, by knowledge or science put in practice, because knowledge is power; and it is by the power of knowledge alone, and not by the power of arms, that she has so many means of attracting the world to her, and extending the spread of her manufactures: however, this is a digression-we will speak of it another time, and now return to our voyage. Another steamer arrived the next day, and we were taken to Gravesend by their joint efforts. Thus ended our voyage, and we returned thanks to our Creator in thus conducting us safely through the numerous perils of the ocean. Before we take leave of the subject, we have to acknowledge the uniform kindness and attention we received from our good friend Captain Hopkins, as well as the trouble he always took in studying our comforts during the voyage; and we feel equally sensible of the civility we received from his officers, to all of whom we would wish to return our sincere thanks.

CHAPTER II.

ARRIVAL AT GRAVESEND, AND PASSAGE TO

LONDON.

On the 27th of August, 1838, the Buckinghamshire arrived at Gravesend, at five o'clock in the afternoon, and we immediately went on board a commodious steam-vessel belonging to the "Diamond" Company, in order to proceed to London ; the distance between these two places is thirty miles. This was the first time we were ever on board a steam-vessel going from one place to another, and we were very much struck with the good accommodations for so short a passage. There are three cabins, or saloons; the one nearest the stern is appropriated to the female passengers (who pay 28. each for their passage), fitted all round with handsome sofas; and there is also a large cabin adjoining, called the grand saloon, where both males and females, who pay 28., are mingled together. This is elegantly fitted up; handsome couches all around. A large mirror is over the fire-place, and a number of mahogany tables are distributed about the saloon, which has a most beautiful appearance. There is also a very

large cabin in the fore-part of the vessel, where all persons who pay 1s. 6d. each for their passage resort; and upon the deck, abaft the paddle-boxes, there are several cabins for those who pay the same fare as the after cabin: any person who passes to the sternward of the funnel pays the higher rate of passage money.

In the principal saloon, you can have either breakfast, dinner, or any refreshments you require, consisting of tea, coffee, and cold meats, ale, porter, or wine, at very moderate charges. One shilling and sixpence for a hot dinner, exclusive of wine, or any spirit; one shilling for either breakfast in the morning, or tea in the afternoon, with butter, and good new bread. A very large proportion of the passengers take a meal on board to save time, thus eating as they travel.

These boats have carried as many as twelve hundred passengers at one time, and one of the vessels carried fourteen hundred on the day King William IV. was buried.

There were many people on board, and we were the objects of great attraction, and many were anxious to know where we came from, and who we were; and our friend Captain Hopkins, who was with us, satisfied their curiosity on these points. It was a beautiful clear evening, and the wind being favourable to us made it very agreeable. The steamer was going at the rate of 11 miles an hour, and the music playing on board was really

delightful. The river Thames is the largest river in England; and when we came within about five miles of London, we were surprised at the amazing number of vessels, from the humble barge to the more beautiful ships and steamers of all descriptions. The colliers were the most numerous, and vessels were anchored close to each other, and the river seemed to be almost covered with vessels; and the masts and yards give it the appearance of a forest at a distance. Indeed, there were to be found ships from all parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America; and a great number of steamers ply about, in all directions, filled with passengers.

None of our countrymen can form an idea of this noble river, and the shipping on it. The English may well be proud of it, though a small stream, compared to some of the largest rivers of the world. The traffic that is carried on, is, we may say, not to be surpassed by any.

London is said to be at present the metropolis of the commercial world, and we never can doubt the assertion, because we have had opportunities of seeing the extensive trade carried on, and the means the English have of supplying the world with the produce of their labour and industry.

It was nearly dusk when we arrived at London Bridge, notwithstanding which, an immense number of persons flocked round us to view our costume; for in addition to our two selves, we were

accompanied by a friend, and also by two of our domestics, and five individuals in the Parsee costume, collected quite a mob, through which it was difficult to pass to our carriage; we think quite a thousand persons were congregated together. We proceeded through the city of London to the Portland Hotel, where arrangements for our reception had been previously made. And from the immense number of people, and vehicles of every description, that we saw hurrying along, apparently in great haste, and from the increasing noise, we were apprehensive that some public commotion had taken place, or that there was some grand spectacle to be witnessed, towards which they were thus hastening. But yet it appeared so odd, that there was as much haste and desire to get forward in those who moved eastward, as well as in those who were progressing westward. Every street down which we looked, appeared to be pouring out countless multitudes to swell the throng. And we were lost in conjecture as to what this bustle could possibly mean. But when we were afterwards informed that this constant tide of human beings was to be witnessed every day for twelve or fourteen hours, we were, indeed, lost in amazement, at the myriads that must exist in London, to furnish out of doors such an exhibition of people.