benefit themselves, and in the other, they serve their country. From the captain I learned that the Mersey's steam-engine is of ninety-horse power, and that it requires fourteen tons of coals per day: thence I conclude, that unless some unknown improvement take place in reducing the consumption of fuel, the application of steam can never be general in long voyages. Even in one to America, a common vessel could carry only her complement of coals. About ten o'clock the coast of Cheshire rose to view. As we neared Liverpool; the sea was covered with vessels, all getting out with a fair wind, having been detained in dock for several weeks by westerly breezes and strong gales. The sight was grand beyond my power of description. More than two hundred vessels passed us in half an hour, with all their sails set, like beautiful water-birds dancing on the bright waves. Far a-head we saw a steampacket, like a volcano, vomiting smoke and blaze, and dashing at a prodigious rate towards us, whilst we were foaming and roaring forward against wind and tide, the crews of the different ships that passed close to us cheering, as we glanced away from each other, leaving no trace behind of our ever having embellished the spot. The sea to the eastward was glittering in all the beauty of reflected light; whilst under the dense column of smoke which left us, it was a dark purple. By the strong wind, the column of smoke was dashed down upon the water, and there spreading, darkened the horizon, and painted the ships which had passed it in fine shadow, portraying on one side all the beauty of a night scene, while on the other we had the glorious colours of brilliant day. I gazed on all this with deep interest, and thought what a wonder we should have appeared, a few years ago, to the fleet that passed us. Familiarity, however, soon reconciles man to any thing; and the novelty of steam and gas will soon pass off like every other nine days' wonder. On getting under the coast of Cheshire, near the Black-rock, I was struck with its wild, bleak, and barren aspect; for it is literally a heap of sandhills, with two or three isolated houses, which impart to it a character of romance and desolation. Upon entering the Mersey, however, the fine coast of Lancashire, presenting numerous towns, spires, windmills, and villages to the eye, rewarded me with all the heightening effect of contrast; and the town of Liverpool, the second London of England, stood before me-eight hundred ships rising over the bright high brick wall that runs between the river and her numerous docks. No sooner had the Mersey dropped anchor, the tide not permitting her to near one of the quays, than our deck was crowded, and my hands filled with tavern-cards, and coach-office proclamations. "Sir, our inn is the best in England."-" Sir, you will receive the most respectful attention if you honour our house." "Our coach starts for London, Sir, at one-eight miles an hour-here, Sir, is a time-bill-twenty-six hours to the Bull and Mouth Inn, Bull and Mouth Street, close to St. Paul's.' "Our's, Sir, to the Three Cups Inn, Aldersgate Street—a word in your ear, Sir, we have not had a break-down for six years." "I am a licensed porter, Sir," said a smart fellow, holding up the brass badge on his arm; 66 your luggage shall be carefully carried to any part of the town." All this, and twenty times as much, assailed my ear, in uncouth sounds, my hearing being unac 66 Yes, how did you know me?" customed to the distinct delivery and marked accent of this part of England. At length I got into a boat. On landing, a decent young man accosted me. "Is your name Malony, Sir ?" "By my master's description, Sir-we have been waiting here since seven o'clock, in expectation of your arrival." Saying so, he handed me a very kind note from my friend J, whose porter, having taken my trunk from the privileged carrier, was sustaining the weight of his displeasure; for he averred, that no man in Liverpool had a right to such a burden unless he wore the badge. However, upon my dropping into his hand some reward for his trouble, he darted away in search of other employment. My friend's wife, whom I had never before seen, received me at the door with such frankness and cordiality, taking my hand like an old acquaintance, that I was ready to kiss her with a brother's affection; convinced, at a glance, that she was the woman in the world to make him I had known for many a year perfectly happy. He had gone to the quay in the hope of seeing me; and I had scarcely returned his kind and excellent lady thanks for her friendly reception, when I saw his wellknown face peering over my shoulder, and felt the grasp of his warm hand. Well, we dined, played chess and whist, talked over old times, looked at all the docks, visited the Exchange, admired Nelson's monument, viewed the town from St. James's-walk, inspected a great chaincable manufactory, and so forth. In short, for two days I felt and enjoyed the hospitality and plenty of an English merchant's house and circle; felt no head-ache, though I was forced to drink deep of choice wines; praised, as I shall ever praise, a dear old lady, who, at seventy years of age, is the life and soul of society-proving that goodness is ever cheerful, and that declining years may be happy when health is carefully hoarded, and me mory has only the common regrets of humanity to sadden the visions of hope. I must not forget my friend's brother-in-law, and also his partner, who both paid me the greatest attention; nor shall I soon cease to remember the busy scene I witnessed on the Exchange, and in the Reading-room, or great hall, where the murmur of voices was like the hoarse roar of a surf, or the deafening noise of |