The trade of Chester is but inconsiderable, since Liverpool (which is in its immediate neighbourhood) has, from its advantages beforementioned, absorbed all the trade of the western parts of these kingdoms, from Glasgow to Bristol. Its foreign commerce consists only in a few vessels employed in the Baltic, for the importation of timber, flax, hemp, and iron; an exportation of lead, lead ore, litharge, and calamine, brought from the neighbouring parts of Flintshire and Denbighshire, to the amount of from three to five thousand tons; and an export of coals to Ireland to the amount of ten thousand tons and upwards. Its home trade employs a few coasters to London, Bristol, and the ports of North-Wales. Two considerable fairs every year give spirit and animation to the city, one commencing 5th July, the other 10th October, for the sale of Irish linens, Yorkshire woollens, cottons, leather, hops, &c. and both continuing for the space of fourteen days.

The state of the lower orders of society in Chester is comfortable and healthy. The morals of the younger part are in a state of progressive improvement, owing to two admirable institutions, suggested and established by

Dr. Haygarth, a gentleman well known to the philosophical and physical world; and as estimable for his philanthropy, as eminent for his professional skill. These institutions are, a Blue-Coat Hospital, (supported by voluntary contributions) for educating and training up in habits of industry one hundred and forty-five boys, the children of indigent parents; and Sunday and Working Schools, supported by similar means, and having similar important objects in view-for girls and boys whose parents are unable to afford them education. The beneficial consequences of these establishments are sufficiently visible, in the decent conduct and improved manners of the young people of the lower classes of society here; and afford an animating encouragement, to those who have the interest of their fellow-creatures at heart, to adopt similar establishments. It is to be regretted, that (in order to render these institutions complete) the proposal which Dr. H-th submitted to his fellow-citizens, of employing a certain number of the blue-coat boys in the needle-manufacture of Chester, has not been adopted; since, by this plan, the children would not only be provided with the means of a certain future livelihood, but of

earning in the interval something for the support of their parents; and lessening, by the profits of their own labours, the charges of the institution on their account.

Your's, &c.

R. W.

OUR departure from Chester this morning

was attended with a circumstance truly ridiculous. As we consider ourselves fair game, the adventure amused us highly; and should it relax your muscles, you may laugh to the utmost without hurting our feelings, or wounding our self-consequence.

Whilst we were preparing for our walk at the hour of six, we observed a party of young

R

Irish recruits (three or four hundred, who had arrived in Chester on the Saturday, and were going towards Bristol) drawn up before the windows of the White-Lion in order of march. The baggage-waggons were arranged in front, loaded with their stores, and crouded with women following the fortunes of their sweethearts and husbands.

Wishing not to be considered as attached to this respectable party, we determined to expedite our departure, apprehending the soldiers would not start till after the muster-roll had been called. Buckling on our packs, therefore, we hastened out of the house, when, (as our ill stars ordained it) just as we had gotten into the street, the drums struck up, the word of command was given to march, and the battalion setting off swept us before them with the force of a torrent. Our attempts to return were without success, the street was narrow, and all opposition to the proceeding body vain; we were compelled, therefore, to mingle with the throng, and marched on amid the shouts and huzzas of the surrounding mob, the gibes and jokes of our Hibernian companions, quizzing our unmilitary appearance, and the benedictions and good-wishes of the old women,