52 UNITED STATES. wealth and respectable talents. These people, all over the United States, naturally associate with each other, and as naturally avoid mixing with the next class, which consists of tradesmen, small shopkeepers, tavern-keepers, and others of much the same standing. These, again, shun those beneath them, as the canaille of society. Exceptions to this general observation are, however, not infrequent. As to the manners of the Americans, no one can detail justly their characteristics. The materials are as heterogeneous as can be well imagined, but, at the same time, greatly modified by circumstances. In general, but especially in the States, the men are graver, and, as respects language and carriage, more decorous than in the United Kingdom. The Virginians have been compared to country squires in England . The American ladies are more formal than with us—this arises from an idea of propriety, and not from a natural coldness, as is often supposed. Assemblies and private parties are as frequent as with us. At the first, the ladies are cer¬ tainly more reserved ; and, although this arises from the fear of doing or saying any thing indecorous, or rather unfashionable, it deprives not only them¬ selves, but the gentlemen, of the pleasurable chit-chat which we enjoy at our balls in this country. The large assemblies are certainly cold and formal enough, but their private parties are by no means so; and a stranger, after a little acquaintance, finds himself both easy and comfortable. Both ladies and gentlemen dress fashionably, somewhat between the English