of art, until it attained the deep feeling of Perugino, and the acme of perfection in Raffaelle, is here unfolded in the collection of the different schools. Nor are the accumulated treasures of sculpture less immense. Our limits do not allow us to enter upon the tempting theme, but it seems to us that our artists too exclusively prefer a residence in Rome. Great as are the advantages which that wonderful city presents, we cannot but pronounce that education of the artist imperfect, which has not been chastened and matured by a lengthened study of the masterpieces of Florence.

THE PILGRIM REFRESHED.

WE have often known the time when in our travels we would not have exchanged a draught of the pure crystal stream for the most exquisite wine that ever gladdened the heart of man. But we are mere home-birds, compared with the aged pilgrim before us, who has plodded his weary way on foot through many a sultry day in southern climes. With what a luxury of enjoyment he quaffs the frugal draught! The charitable giver rejoices in the benefit she confers. Nor is it ill repaid. For in those simple lands where primitive hospitality is still conferred, every stranger is welcome, doubtless for his own sake, and then because he can relate to the untutored inhabitants, who have perhaps never wandered out of sight of their native village, of strange scenes and distant lands. Attentively the giver listens to the wonders of papal Rome, perhaps the pious father belongs to those privileged old men whose feet have been washed by the Holy Father himself. His age renders it not improbable. With simple thanks the aged father rises refreshed to pursue his weary way, and doubtless in the evening, at the grateful well, that place of daily gossip, the marvels that he has related will be portioned to the admiring hearers, with that just proportion of excess in which the retailers of the South are not alone privileged to indulge.

ALTENBURG GIRL.

THE peasants of Altenburg, which borders on the Kingdom of Saxony, although frequently possessed of great wealth, are distinguished by a rare attachment to the customs and dress of their ancestors. The costume of the men is black and not without a certain dignity, that of the women is remarkably singular and unpicturesque. The petticoats reach but little below the knee, and as the buxom wenches of the lower classes, who serve as nursery maids, frequently dispense with stockings, their appearance when attending their mistresses in the promenades, by which most German towns are surrounded, excites no little curiosity.