Perversion of Institutions.--The French Academy.--Laplace.--Astronomy. --Theatres of Paris.--Immoral Plot.--Artificial Feelings.--French Tragedy.--Literary Mania.--The American Press.--American Newspapers.--French Journals--Publishing Manoeuvres.--Madame Malibran. LETTER XVI. Environs of Paris.--Village of St. Ouen.--Our House there.--Life on the River.--Parisian Cockneys.--A pretty Grisette.--Voyage across the Seine.--A rash Adventurer.--Village Fete.--Montmorency.--View near Paris. LETTER XVII. Rural Drives.--French Peasantry.--View of Montmartre.--The Boulevards. --The Abattoirs.--Search for Lodgings.--A queer Breakfast.--Royal Progresses and Magnificence.--French Carriages and Horses.--Modes of Conveyance.--Drunkenness.--French Criminal Justice.--Marvellous Stories of the Police. LETTER XVIII. Personal Intercourse.--Parisian Society and Hospitality.--Influence of Money.--Fiacres.--M. de Lameth.--Strife of Courtesy.--Standard of Delicacy.--French Dinners.--Mode of Visiting.--The Chancellor of France. --The Marquis de Marbois.--Political Coteries.--Paris Lodgings.--A French Party.--An English Party.--A splendid Ball.--Effects of good Breeding.--Characteristic Traits.--Influence of a Court. LETTER XIX. Garden of the Tuileries.--The French Parliament.--Parliamentary Speakers.--The Tribune.--Royal Initiative.--The Charter.--Mongrel Government.--Ministerial Responsibility.--Elections in France.--Doctrinaires.--Differences of Opinion.--Controversy. LETTER XX. Excursion with Lafayette.--Vincennes.--The Donjon.--Lagrange.--The Towers.--Interior of the House--the General's Apartments.--the Cabinet. --Lafayette's Title.--Church of the Chateau.--Ruins of Vivier.--Roman Remains.--American Curiosity.--The Table at Lagrange.--Swindling. LETTER XXI. Insecurity of the Bourbons.--Distrust of Americans.--Literary Visitor. --The Templars.--Presents and Invitations.--A Spy.--American Virtue. --Inconsistency.--Social Freedom in America.--French Mannerists. --National Distinctions.--A lively Reaction. LETTER XXII. Animal Magnetism.--Somnambules.--Magnetised Patients.--My own Examination.--A Prediction.--Ventriloquism.--Force of the Imagination. LETTER XXIII. Preparations for Departure.--My Consulate.--Leave Paris.--Picardy.--Cressy.--Montreuil.--Gate of Calais.--Port of Calais.--Magical Words. PREFACE.