The favour of a positive answer is requested, or the proffered plate
will be appropriated as it was when--

_Sir Ill-bred Ignorance_ returned the following answer:--"I shall be
quite happy to come if I possibly can." Such words the committee voted
were equivalent to these--I'll come, if in the mean time I am not
invited to a party that I like better.--_Dr. Kitchiner_.

* * * * *


GENEVA


Has very little, as a city, to recommend it. It is characterized by
much active industry within doors, the _savans_ and _mechaniciens_
being pent up in their closets and ateliers, and very little gaiety
pervades the promenades. Some parts of the town are sufficiently
picturesque; the overhanging roofs, for which it is remarkable, are,
however, too lofty to screen the pedestrian from the rain, especially
if accompanied by a high wind, and form no shade from the sun. The
pavement of the streets is bad, and their irregularity is a
considerable drawback from the internal appearance. The pavement of
the inclined plane in the Hotel de Ville, by which we gain the arduous
ascent that conducts to the Passport office, is a curiosity of its
kind, and perhaps unique. The city is tolerably well fenced in with
walls within walls, draw and suspension bridges, and gates; while
stakes and chains secure from surprise on the part of the lake. The
small canton of Geneva, though in the vicinity of the Great Alpine
chain and the mountains of the Jura, includes no mountains. The name