ome maize, flax, and hemp. There are no waste lands. About the limits
of Bretagne and Anjou, which are between Loriottiere and St. George, the
lands change for the better. Here and there, we get views of the plains
on the Loire, of some extent, and good appearance, in corn and
pasture. After passing Angers, the road is raised out of the reach of
inundations, so as at the same time to ward them off from the interior
plains. It passes generally along the river side; but sometimes leads
through the plains, which, after we pass Angers, become extensive and
good, in corn, pasture, some maize, hemp, flax, pease, and beans; many
willows, also poplars and walnuts. The flax is near ripe. Sweet-briar
in general bloom. Some broom here still, on which the cattle and sheep
browse in winter and spring, when they have no other green food; and
the hogs eat the blossoms and pods, in spring and summer. This blossom,
though disagreeable when smelt in a small quantity, is of delicious
fragrance when there is a whole field of it. There are some considerable
vineyards in the river plains, just before we reach Les Trois Volets
(which is at the one hundred and thirty-sixth milestone), and after
that, where the hills on the left come into view, they are mostly in
vines. Their soil is clayey and stony, a little reddish, and of southern
aspect. The hills on the other side of the river, looking to the north,
are not in vines. There is very good wine made on these hills; not equal
indeed to the Bordeaux of best quality, but to that of good quality, and
like it. It is a great article of exportation from Anjou and Touraine,
and probably is sold abroad, under the name of Bordeaux. They are now
mowing the first crop of hay. All along both hills of the Loire, is a
mass of white stone, not durable, growing black with time, and so
soft, that the people cut their houses out of the solid, with all the
partitions, chimnies, doors, &c. The hill sides resemble cony burrows,
full of inhabitants. The borders of the Loire are almost a continued
village. There are many chateaux: many cattle, sheep, and horses; some
asses.

Tours is at the one hundred and nineteenth mile-stone. Being desirous
of inquiring here into a fact stated by Voltaire, in his _Questions
Encylopediques_, article _Coquilles_, relative to the growth of shells
unconnected with animal bodies at the _Chateau_ of Monsieur de la
Sauvagiere, near Tours, I called on Monsieur Gentil, _premier secretaire