which it merits), was to keep together a set of gourmands, who met thus weekly. I am acquainted with a German nobleman who is the greatest eater in Europe; who is himself a professed cook, and has invented three sauces and a patent frying pan; who travels with four "officers of the mouth" of different nations, and always carries l'Almanac des Gourmands in his pocket in lieu of a prayer-book. I was invited by Sir Giles that I might introduce the stranger to him; and if none of the party go off, from indigestion, within the month, the Baron Von Grossengutupuddenbuttle is to receive a round of dinners from the worthies who composed the party in question; but among them he most assuredly will not again meet THE HERMIT IN THE COUNTRY. THE DRAJE, OR TRAJET. IN no country of the habitable globe do relations and friends more strictly adhere to punctilious decorum, and ancient rites and ceremonies than in Scotland: every marked event in life is noticed by them; and they kindly attend upon the members of their family, giving support, and identifying themselves with the name of their house, or the not less sacred name of friendship, on all occasions where respect and adherence can render service, or mark attachment. At the close of the eventful drama of life, this reverential attention is paid by the Scotch in the most impressive manner. The remotest relations hold it a bounden duty to attend the remains of the deceased, and not only to attend, but to contemplate him, to look their last on the departed, to pay the generous tribute of a tear, or of a sigh, where further service and respect must cease; and where worldly interest has no promise to claim, no view to realize. They are therefore present even at what they call "the chesting" (the nailing down of the coffin;) and whoever knows the Scottish character, or whoever has been present at this ceremony, will allow that there reigns, on the occasion, a sober, sedate, deportment, a grave and dignified bearing, a submissive and respectful conduct, truly befitting the awful occasion. Whatever be the rank of the deceased, whatever the situation in life of the assembled friends and kinsmen, the same adherence to propriety presides at the sad scene. Relatives mildly and tranquilly greet each |