nery. At the back of the hall there is an artificial lake of some extent, supplied with water from the Dee, on which we saw a small pleasure boat moored among the trees. The garden occupies several acres, is laid out with some taste, and contains much fine fruit. The hothouses through which we passed, are kept, according to the gardener's account, always at a temperature over 100° F.; they appeared rich in exotic fruits and flowers. As this is the first nobleman's seat I have visited, I have given you a more particular account of it, than I expect to trouble you with on any future similar occasion. After dining at Chester, Messrs. R. and S. and myself took a post chaise for Manchester, leaving Dr. G. to visit his Irish friends, and then to join me in London. The country over which we rapidly passed was highly cultivated and picturesque, and we arrived at Manchester about 9 o'clock. LETTER VI. Manchester, England, Last evening when our post chaise drove up to the door of the Hotel, where we are now staying, it was amusing to see the bustle into which our little party threw the whole establishment. There was such a ringing of bells, and calling of servants, that I really began to think myself of more importance than usual. The Hotel stands at the corner of the two principal streets, facing in front an open space belonging to the Public Infirmary, ornamented with shrubbery and an artificial pond of water. A description of this Ho tel, and its management, will give you a good idea of all similar houses of entertainment in England. All the apartments are clean, and furnished in a neat and tasty manner. There is always one room, which is common to every traveller. When you first arrive, the principal waiter of the establishment assists you in getting from the carriage, by holding up his arm for a support-a man they call Boots then takes charge of your luggage, and a well dressed chambermaid shows you to your room. These three servants, though you have many others to wait upon you, are the only ones who require of you a fee upon leaving the house -and as this fee is not arbitrary, I always summed it up in my account, when paying the other charges to the head waiter; for as the landlord seldom makes his appearance, this important personage receives the payment of all bills, issues all orders, and seems to have the entire control of the house. This custom of the guest paying the wages of the servants, insures to the traveller the utmost civility and attention. No fixed hours are observed for meals-you may breakfast, dine, and sup at any time you choose, in the common room, or alone, if you prefer it. If you simply ask for breakfast, you will get nothing but tea, which you are obliged to make, and pour out for yourself a small slice of toast, a hot muffin or roll, and a little piece of butter, which is literally fresh, having scarcely any salt in its composition. Such frugal breakfasts |