HOW THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH TRAVEL.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1518, 28 March 1882, Page 2

HOW THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH TRAVEL.

If you are travelling at night, with French fellow travellers, the difference between English and French" people will show considerably. The Frenchmen will put on a soft silk cap, he will even tie a scarf over his head and under his chin in order to be> secure from the draughts ; lie will take off his boots and produce an old pair of slippers from his bag, and he will dispose himself with rugs. The French-woman will be equally prudent. She will put on a long loose jacket, of pretty material and pretty make, you may be sure, and under this she can afford to loosen the tight dress bodice that fashion requires. She will also produce an elegant pair of slippers, matching the jacSet, and will swathe her head and shoulders in a dainty woollen fichu, of the same colour as jacket and slippers. In the early morning, when the daylight is breaking over the silent land, and bursting in streaks into the carriage, the French travellers refresh themselves with an informal toilet. The lady pours some can de rose or can de lavender into a tin cup, and with the corner of a small towel, brought on purpose in the handbag, wipes her face dilligently. With her brush and comb she arranges her hair, and she adjusts her hat or bonnet, packs up her long jacket and slippers, etc., and is finally taut and trim when, at the next station, it is announced that cafe au lait is served at the buffet, and the train will stop for twenty minutes. We English more often tumble out of the railway carriage in a condition that would lead one to think we had passed the night in an Irish cabin. The English travellers iisdain the precautions to which I have referred ; they will declare that they cannot sleep on the train, therefore it would be useless to make any preparations. Presently they begin to noa and sway about, and finally, being only fallible human beings, fall asleep, their hats being flattened against the backs of the carriage, their clothes being creased and tumbled, and their feet aching because of the unwonted confinement in stiff walkin b -boots. Thus they sleep in the utmost discomfort. When the morning comes, then they are pitiable to look upon ; and seen in the early sunlight, it will be hard to believe that the Frenchman is not more learned in the art of travelling than the Englishman.