In such a country as
this, where a disposition to activity and a rambling propensity to seek
their fortunes forms one of the most distinguishing characteristics, it
was to be expected that travelling would be brought to great perfection;
but the most sanguine in this particular could never have anticipated
the rapidity with which we are now whirled from one end of the kingdom
to the other; fifty-two miles in five hours and a quarter, five changes
of horses, and the same coachman to whisk you back again to supper over
the same ground, and within the limits of the same day. No _ruts
or quarterings_ now--all level as a bowling-green--half-bred blood
cattle--bright brass harness--_minute and a half time_ to change--and a
well-bred gentlemanly fellow for a coachman, who amuses you ~276~~with a
volume of anecdotes, if you are fortunate enough to secure the box-seat,
or touches his hat with the _congee_ of a courtier, as he pockets your
tributary shilling at parting. No necessity either for settling your
worldly affairs, or taking an affectionate farewell of a long string of
relations before starting; travelling being now brought to a security
unparalleled, and letters patent having passed the great seal of England
to ensure, by means of _safety coaches_, the lives of her rambling
subjects.
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