the homage paid to King William himself, so far as it is the object of these institutions; since nothing is more certain than that this homage is often found to rest not on the foundation which really entitles that monarch to the esteem and grateful remembrance of posterity. The officers of the society to whom with all proper deference we apply these remarks, still retain the titles designating the different official dignities of government. They are a Governor, styled "Most Noble," a Deputy Governor, Lord High Treasurer,* Primate, Chancellor, Almoner, Sword and Mace-bearer.

The neglected portion of the city denominated the Liberty, suffers a daily diminution in the remnants of respectability yet preserved by it. Even should any who reside here chance to acquire wealth by the efforts of industry, their speedy removal indicates the flow of all consequence and fashion to the eastward. Many indeed are the inducements to a residence in the latter part of Dublin; and did they consist only in the architectural beauties with which the inhabitants are there surrounded, an apology of this nature could scarcely be advanced on stronger grounds by any citizens in Europe. Many of the buildings are in themselves specimens of the highest excellence in the art; and the scenes presented at several points of view in the city are exceedingly striking.

That from Carlisle Bridge, the easternmost on the river, though not fairly put in competition by the citizens with the view from the Place Louis Quinze at Paris, is worthy of particular notice. On the north we have the grand perspective of Sackville-street, (one of the noblest in Europe,) terminated by the Rotunda, and ornamented by the new Post-office and the central pillar erected to the memory of Nelson. To the south, at the end of Westmoreland-street, on the one side appears the perspective façade of Trinity College, on the other that of the Bank-the part formerly the House of Lords. *This office has been discontinued in the government of the country.

To the east, the front of the Custom-house, an oblique but striking view; and the river itself, which, at high water, confined within its walls of granite, and bearing on its bosom vessels of 500 tons burden, makes an appearance more than correspondent with its breadth. Westward, on either bank fine quays stretch to a long extent, connected by numerous handsome bridges; that in the fore-ground, consisting of a single elegant arch, is of course conspicuous. Such an assemblage of imposing objects as are here enumerated, presented from a single point of view, is perhaps in few cities to be met. with; while at College Green the spectator must be almost equally impressed with an union of beauty and grandeur far from common. Here the extensive front of Trinity College, the unequalled portico of the national Bank, (the noblest structure Dublin has to boast,) Daly's Club-house, the Commercial-buildings, and the equestrian statue of William III. upon its lofty pedestal, have an effect, which to be properly appreciated must be

seen.

The squares, as well as the most spacious and convenient streets, the seat of the vice-regal government, and the different places of amusement lying all eastward, are additional temptations to living in their vicinity. London in miniature here perpetually presents itself to the view; and something more (comparatively) than London in the state, splendour, gaiety, and conviviality of the inhabitants. The society is excellent; in the more select circles, particularly, the polish and vivacity of Paris, joined to the wit, raciness, frankness, and hilarity of Hibernia, produce an admirable melange. A change, somewhat for the worse, is said to have taken place in some of these respects, immediately after the Union; resulting from the sudden introduction of the more wealthy traders at the levees of the castle, and in consequence to some distinguished circles from which they had hitherto been excluded; but this circumstance, there

is little doubt, though it originated in the temporary absence of almost all the rank and fashion of the city, which were immediately removed to the British metropolis, contributed eventually, as soon as many distinguished families became again resident, to improve the general tone of society, by a wider assimilation of manners, and a greater extension of liberal ideas. Private visiting parties are more prevalent than public amusements; they are more congenial to the warmth and hospitable turn of the Irish character, and far more conducive to the connection of politeness with the social and endearing charities of life, for which the upper class of the Irish are remarkable. The number of inhabitants attached to the learned professions, the presence of an university and of literary societies, the forms of the vice-royal court, and the intermixture of officers of the garrison with the citizens, have all a tendency to promote the spread of urbanity and the modes of refined intercourse. The constant appearance of military parade, it is true, forcing itself upon the observation in most companies, is apt to give the stranger in Dublin an idea of a mere garrison-town.

As the port of embarkation for the members of parliament and other gentry who most frequently visit England, as well as the spot by which English visitants usually arrive, much enlivening eclat, and the usual concomitants of stir and bustle, become conspicuous in Dublin. Its trade is besides very considerable; and its exports, in particular, are augmenting.

An idea is very prevalent among the inhabitants, that the English language is spoken in greater purity in their city than in any other throughout the British empire. An opinion this, at which the travelled Englishman, whose recollection probably will furnish him with an instance of the same harmless nationality in the good

*From these causes hotels are also extremely numerous in this city; more so than in London, in proportion to the relative population of each.