before the revolution, the capital of Touraine, and the seat of the governors; it is one of the most ancient archbishoprics of France, and the station of the fourth military division.

Chroniclers have never been able to give a precise date and name to the foundation and the founder of Tours.

When Cæsar made his expedition into Gaul, it was the Civitas Turonum so often mentioned in the commentaries of the conquering historian. Conquest, however, gave the city another name, and the Romans called it Cessarodunum. It fell alternately into the power of the Goths and the Francs. In 732 Charles-Martel gained under its walls a celebrated victory over the Saracens, who attracted by the mildness of the climate tried to fix their wandering tents in its smiling plains: but it was only in 1202 after having suffered all the miseries of barbarism that Tours was at last reunited to the crown of France.

This city was become so important by its central position and the resources of its environs, that in the space of less than a century, from 1470 to 1506, the states general assembled in it three times. Henry 3^rd, pressed by the League, transferred the parliament to it in 1587. If we believe the ancient chroniclers whom Froissart and Monstrelet copied, the city of Tours had a much more ancient origin. It is to a great prince named Turnus, who after the siege of Troy came into Gaul and died not far from this city, where, say these chroniclers, his tomb has long been seen, that Tours owes its origin and its name.

Tours and its neighbourhood afford many resources for the active and agreeable employment of the mind. It has long been pre-eminently distinguished for the agrémens of its society. Elegance and urbanity characterize the demeanour of the native noblesse; the British residents and visitants are composed of the most respectable grades, amongst whom, a reciprocation of friendly intercourse is cherished with perhaps more than the ordinary assiduity so generally productive of affable association among the English abroad.

The French language is considered to be spoken in its greatest purity in Touraine, a desideratum of much consequence to persons who resort to France for the education of their children, and it may also be proper to remark that there is a classical establishment for young gentlemen in the immediate vicinity of the city. Tours also possesses a library containing some valuable MSS., some of which are of the sixth century, a museum of painting and natural history, a college, a society of agriculture, science, art, and belles-lettres, a theatre, excellent baths, and extensive umbrageous promenades. There are two English episcopal chapels, one in Tours, and the other but recently opened is situated on the Tranchée; an English club has long been established; which is now supported with great spirit and liberality, affording all the usual attractions of such institutions, and where many of the English newspapers are daily received.

The theatre is frequently open, and balls and routs prevail during the winter season. The hôtels are replete with every comfort and accommodation.

Tours also possesses an excellent English boarding house; and elegant houses, villas and châteaux, well furnished, are to be readily obtained in the town and its environs. All kinds of provisions are exceedingly plentiful, which with the numerous fruits and wines are to be obtained at very moderate prices.

SPORTING.

The lovers of rural sports and pastimes, may find much to interest them in this and the neighbouring departments. The Loire and the Cher afford excellent diversion to the angler, and occasionally to the fowler, being during the autumnal and winter months sometimes frequented by large flocks of aquatic birds. The wild boar and the chevreuil, a small but elegant species of deer, are to be found in the forest; the vast intermediate tracts of arable land are however for the most part but thinly stocked with game.

CHATEAUX.

The ancient châteaux within an easy distance of Tours merit the attention of the antiquarian, some of them possessing historical associations of a highly interesting character. The principal are the chateaux of Loches, Chenonceaux, Chinon, and Amboise; of which respectively, for the gratification of those who feel a pleasure in journeying to gaze upon these sombre and for the most part dilapidated monitors of the «instability of all sublunary things,» we will proceed to enter upon a brief description.

LOCHES.

The vast fortress of Loches,—which is twenty five miles from Tours,—has been the residence of many of the kings of France, since it was occupied by Philip Augustus.

Within the range of its former precincts the Tomb of the famous Agnès Sorel in black marble may still be seen. As may also the dungeon in which Ludovico Sforce duke of Milan was confined in 1500.

The castle, or rather prison, which it is said was founded during the Roman domination in this part of the country, presents some striking specimens of its pristine magnificence.

We are informed that in this abode of terror, there were dungeons under dungeons, some of them unknown even to the keepers themselves; men were frequently doomed to pass the remainder of their lives here, breathing impure air and subsisting on bread and water. At this formidable castle were also those horrible places of confinement called cages, in which the wretched prisoner could neither stand upright nor stretch himself at length.

The celebrated cardinal Balue was confined here by order of Louis 11^th, for many years in one of these cages. The Duke of Alençon, Charles de Melun and Philippe de Commines were also imprisoned in this fortress. It was successively occupied by Charles 7^th, Louis 11^th, Charles 8^th, Louis 12^th, Francis 1^st, Henry 2^nd and Charles 9^th.

CHINON.

The chateau of Chinon, which in ancient times was a place of great strength, it is said was once composed of three distinct castles, erected at three different epochs. Ten kings of France had occasionally made it their place of residence. Henry the second, and Richard the First died here. Joan of Arc had an interview with Charles the 7^th at this place; the remains of the room in which it occurred are still shewn. But a few dismantled towers and dilapidated walls now alone remain to mark the elevated site of the magnificent superstructure, which in days of yore proudly towered above the lovely sylvan scenery of the fertile vale of the Vienne.

Chinon is about thirty miles from Tours.

AMBOISE.

The castle of Amboise is a noble structure of great antiquity; and from the beauty of its elevated situation on the southern banks of the Loire, and the drive to it from Tours, of about twelve miles, being of a romantic and very interesting character, it is an object of much attraction to the general Tourist.

Constantine rebuilt the fort soon after its destruction by Diocletian. Charles the 8^th, resided at this his birth place many years prior to his ascending the French throne; and in 1498 he here expired.

The two large towers which form a protected communication between the castle and the town below, were built by this monarch. One of the towers is remarkable for its internal spiral roadway, up which cavalry may ascend four abreast.

Louis 12^th, Francis 1^st, Henry 2^nd, and Francis 2^nd respectively contributed towards the improvement and adornment of the castle, and which by