Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-08-14
Summer Travelling.

season seeking health or pleasure in Europe,
or who are taken there by business, is sup
posed to be greater than for many years.
The ultimate result of habits of travel can
not but be good; though the traditional
feeling with many economists has been and
is against denationalzation of the citizen
by foreign travel. This effect, the weaken
ing of travellers affection for his own
country is something which is rather alleged
than proved. The truth would seem to be
rather the other way. If they manage any
important matter in a better way abroad
than we do, it is well to see and know it.
And where our manners and modes are
the better, the traveller returns to acknowl.
edge it. Much is said, too, of the importa-
ton of foreign fashions and their disadvan-
tage But advantage or disadvantage de-
pends upon the character of the importa-
tions. Fashion is tickle divinity, but her
worshipers are many; and the culture gains
by wholesome breadth more than it loses.
While all the world is running together
imitation-and that is, after all, what fash
ion means, will be extended and varied by
the intercourse of people of various nation
alities. The general fusion of nations is one
Of the striking features of modern life. That
a custom, commodity, or fancy is Amer
lean is no small recommendation now to its
favor, and imitation abroad as a foreign
stamp is the seal of success here.
But after this concession to the utility of
foreign travel a word may well be said in
favor of the geographical education of Amer
leans in their own country. Great numbers
Of those who travel abroad need better
general acquaintance with the scenery and
the social features, with the works of nature,
and the achievements of enterprise in their
own wide land. The objects which attract
foreign tourists in America are not so IA
miliar as they should be to many Americans
themselves. True, we are somewhat row.
ing people but travel runs too much in
beaten tracks; and tourists 60 in crowds to
certain points whose claims is stereotyped.
There is little that is really new visited even
by old travellers. The gregarious sight-see-
ing entails expense; for fashion puts up
the prices where she collects the multitude.
OF course, when only brief sojourn for
health or change eau be INDUCED in, the
more accessible summer places must have
the preference. The ocean is well recognized
as never-failing delight, and mountain ali
has its salutary properties. The well-known
points at which these benefits can be realized
will always command their crowds of visitors
But there are two classes of persons who
travel, or who might if they would, to whom
fashionable summer resorts are not available
or not desirable. The first of these classe:
is made up of people of moderate means ano
Strengthened leisure. To such the study Of
the rural surroundings of their own city IL
open; or if they already reside in the country
trip to the nearest large city is change a'
pleasant as is the transit of the citizen to the
suburbs. Such excursions may be made IL
day, or can be extended to week or {
month. A morning or an evening walk OF
| drive will disclose new sights and open thu
mind TO new ideas. We need not say how
| abundant are the meaus of such recreation u
| Americans, rich or poor, to those who hav'
leisure, or those pressed with engagements
The leading object upon which health-pro
noting will attach itselD is to know al
about your own neighborhood, and to see al
that is worth seeing. walk undertaken
a mere constitutional" as one swallows
pill does not amount to much in remedia
value. Men eat because they like to eat
and the benefit of eating comes unthought OF
They must ride or walk, because they like l.
move and to see things, and the advantag
of exercise will come of itself
The other class, who wish something mor'
| lndll W bc uioNtd iioiii oh' Bi"NSN
another, includes those who have means an'
leisure and who wish to spend the one AM
improve the other without the weariness o
repetition season after season. They ma
look in upon the old haunts for acquain'
ance sake but if they are wise will vary tn
summer route by other visits to points whic
are not called fashionable. The summe
guide books are made up on railroad route
for their frames. Use these frames so far a
they are convenient, but try to discover ne'
things, new places, new attractions, of whic
there are more than are dreamed of i'll you
guide book The seasoned traveller is de
lighted when he can drop down npon bit c
scenery of which he has almost the merit c
a first discoverer And he will thus i'm
that there are points of interest on this col
tinent which are quite equal to any in tn
world. And he will become competen
moreover, to speak of his own land as on
who has thought it worth his while
explore it. 1t is something even to kno
what crops are harvested, and what al
still growing-the seasons for grain an
fruits, and roots as they succeed each othe
philadelphia Ledger.