LETTERS

FROM

SPAIN, ITALY, AND GERMANY,

DURING A RESIDENCE ON THE CONTINENT OF FOUR YEARS.

BY F. MACGILL,

Author of Memoir of þis late brother, Dr. MucGill, Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow-Editor of his Discourses;

Author of the "Life of Wellington;" of "Songs in þonour of

Her Majesty's Visit to Glasgow;" and

Editor of "Dr. MacGill's Ebidences of Christianity.”

GLASGOW:

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR.

1858.

116x

PREFATORY NOTE.

IN selecting the papers necessary in editing the "Evidences of Christianity" by his late brother, Dr. MacGill, Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow, the author met with a number of his own letters, written from the Continent, chiefly to his brother, Dr. MacGill, though some of the lighter ones were addressed to the other members of his family. These affectionate relatives read them often, and frequently urged the author to give them to the public. They considered that, as they treated principally of the peculiarities of the countries visited, they were different from the generality of travels, which are filled with a description of the places, imperfectly examined during a hurried journey; that the author having lived some years in the country, mingled constantly with the inhabitants, and spoken their language, he was naturally led to give a de

iv.

scription of Persons, Manners, Customs, Society, Art, Music, &c., &c. They also, perhaps too partially, conceived that from the manner in which they are written, they would be equally amusing with any work of fiction, while possessing the interest and charm attached to a narrative of truth, and would prove a pleasing handbook to that numerous class of the community who, engaged and often fatigued by the active pursuits of life, have neither time nor inclination for the perusal of ponderous works. It is perhaps unnecessary to remark that, with the exception of Turkey, no countries have made less change in customs and manners, of late years, than Spain and Italy. From these considerations, the author has been induced to issue the present work, which he hopes will meet with the favour of the public.

The Author has received the following Note from the

DOWAGER DUCHESS OF HAMILTON:—

THE Dowager Duchess of Hamilton cannot send the enclosed to Mr. MacGill without expressing the pleasure with which she has perused his Work on Spain, Italy, and Germany. Mr. MacGill's account of Florence and other parts of Italy has recalled many a pleasant hour to her memory, and she finds the names of many of her old acquaintances among those of the members of society to whom he was introduced.

EASTON PARK, 12th April.