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litical custom, or a remark on the manners, of the country was con*
cerned, I endeavored to consult the most enlightened men I met
with. If the point in question was important or doubtful, I was not
satisfied with one testimony, but I formed my opinion on the evidence
of several witnesses* Here the reader must necessarily believe me
upon my word. I could frequently have quoted names which are either
known to him, or which deserve to be so, in proof of what I advance ;
but I have carefully abstained from this practice. A stranger fre-
quently hears important truths at the fireside of his host, which the
latter would perhaps conceal even from the ear of friendship ; he con-
soles himself with his guest for the silence to which he is restricted,
and the shortness of the traveller's stay takes away all fear of his in-
discretion. I carefully noted every conversation of this nature as
soon as it occurred, but these notes will never leave my writing-
case ; I had rather injure the success of my statements than add my
name to the list of those strangers who repay the generous hospital-
ity they have received by subsequent chagrin and annoyance.
