The Principality of Wales, at this moment, contains seven hundred thousand inhabitants; to the majority of whom the Welsh language is the only adequate medium of communication. This statement may appear exaggerated to those, who have derived their knowledge of the country, only from occasional excursions to the most frequented parts of it; and who seldom deviate from the route usually pursued by tourists. Here, it is true, the English traveller meets with but little inconvenience; his intercourse being chiefly confined to those, who have found it their interest to acquire the means of accommodating him. But, were the traveller to infer from this, that English is the language of the Welsh peasantry, he would be as much mistaken, as in concluding it to be that of the _French_, because he meets with no inconvenience in his route from Calais to Paris. My Lord, I am no stranger to my native country.—The greater part of my life was spent amongst its hills; studying its literature, and mingling familiarly with its inhabitants; and, I am persuaded, your Lordship will agree with me in thinking, that I am better qualified to form a correct opinion of the present state of the Principality, than those who acquire their knowledge, only from a late and partial residence in it; and who, from their ignorance of the language of the people, are but ill calculated to understand their national prejudices, and their distinguishing characteristics. I feel confident, my Lord, that all who gain their knowledge of Wales from the same source as myself, will be led to the same conclusion, viz. that to nine-tenths of its peasantry, the English language is, comparatively, unknown. Though a conviction of the great advantages to be derived, from an acquaintance with it, has created among the natives, a strong desire to acquire it, still, my Lord, the means adopted for that purpose are so limited, as to remove the prospect of its accomplishment, to the distance of ages. Judging of the future, from the past, we have reason to apprehend, that for generations yet to come, the ancient British language will be, throughout the Principality, the language of the domestic circle, of the public mart, of the Sunday school, and of the solemn Assembly.