INTRODUCTION. I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE TRAVELLER. In drawing up the following instructions, we take it for granted that the traveller is provided with BRADSHAW'S Continental Railway Guide,* as an indispensable companion to visitors on the Continent; and reference is, therefore, made frequently to that book, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition here. As extensions of the railway system cause alterations from time to time in the number of its pages, the reader is requested to observe that where a reference is made to a particular page of the Guide, if the information required is not found there, it will probably be found on one of the adjoining pages. 1. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN LONDON-PASSPORTS-MONEY-LUGGAGE. Passport.-This is absolutely necessary for the traveller; and can be obtained in England of our Agents, Messrs. W. J. Adams and Sons, 59, Fleet Street. It should be kept in the pocket, for production on demand, or in order to get admission to public buildings, &c., and generally to facilitate one's movements everywhere. It is the stranger's certificate of identity and his best introduction to official persons of all grades. See directions in BRADSHAW's Continental Guide. Money.-See BRADSHAW's Continental Guide, and the table below. Bank-notes are negociable in some of the principal towns, and sovereigns are received; but the best plan is to change your English money into French Napoleons at a respectable money changer's in London or in France (changeur — agent de change): at the hotels and railways a deduction is made for this accommodation. English gold, however, will pass anywhere (English silver is useless); so will the louis d'or or Napoleon, and the five franc piece. In calculating expenses 10s. to 20s. per head per day may be allowed. The latter sum will cover all charges of living in the best hotels, travelling by first-class railway, and the best places in the coach. In the country inns, board and lodging may be had for 6 to 10 francs a-day. Living is so cheap in Brittany, that "Nimrod" says a man may live there like a prince on £60 to £100 a-year; of course at a sacrifice of many English comforts. Money accounts in France (as well as Belgium and Switzerland) are kept in francs and centimes (or hundredths); the decimes (or tenths) which come between, being seldom mentioned. The modern French gold coins are pieces of 10 francs, 20 francs, and 40 francs, with a new 25 franc piece. The silver coins are pieces of 20 centimes, 50 centimes or franc, 1 franc, 2 francs, and 5 francs. Notes of 1, 2, and 5 francs are now issued. * Published monthly 2s. Special edition, with maps, &c., 3s. 6d. Adams and Sons, 59, Fleet Street, |