Scenes in Europe; or, Observations by an amateur artist

Preface

THERE comes into the experience of all travelers in Europe a large amount of weariness, vexation, and discomfort ; and in painting our pictures we have endeavored to keep prominent the pleasant points, and leave the disagreeable ones in the background ; those who seek food in the latter will find plenty in every-day life, and those who do not will be quite satisfied to see the sunny side. We are not at all in sympathy with the lady who, recently writing from Europe, says : "They surpass us in nothing but ruins and pictures. Go where you will, every thing is finished, and decaying. It is about as interesting as an old cemetery — historically great, and practically dead." There is a spice of truth in the first remark ; but she gives us, objectively, what I consider the very basis of interest we find in traveling there. It is the leaving present scenes ; the relief from the present pushing, progressive American life ; the time for reflection 3

4 PREFACE.

we enjoy. There is a wonderful spell thrown over nature by the historical interest ; and we like to decipher the inscriptions that mark almost every foot of ground, telling of human joy or human woe. We have wandered among those time-worn paths, and thus felt the influence that hangs about the dead centuries, and drawn lessons from them, such as unaided nature, however beautiful, can never give.

In giving our experiences, our object is to bring pleasure to our friends and kind readers ; to stimulate to quick and just observation, and appreciation of the grandeur and beauty that our Creator has given us in varying forms for our enjoyment and enlargement ; as also, so far as I can, to encourage the study and love of true art in all its branches. These are the objects aimed at in writing ; and if in any degree successful, my purpose will be reached.

I trust I may add a word to inexperienced travelers, who purpose going to Europe: Take with you a large amount of patience, and very little baggage. The enjoyment and profit will be in proportion to the culture and capabilities of each traveler ; for *' we receive but what we give," or what we are prepared to appreciate.