tive manner of placing money is what
is called _en commandite_, that is, they invest a fixed sum in different
descriptions of business, from which they receive a certain share, not
appearing in the concern otherwise than having deposited a stated amount
of money in it, for which alone, in case of bankruptcy, they are liable.
A considerable portion of the French lend their money to different
tradespeople, getting the best security they can, sometimes merely
personal; 6 per cent is the regular interest that is given, and it is a
very rare case that the capital is lost, as the lender takes great
precautions in ascertaining the exact state of the borrower's affairs.

Although rents are so immensely high in the centre of Paris, one house,
No. 104, Rue Richelieu, letting for 120,000 francs, (4,800_l._) a year,
yet as you diverge in any direction towards the walls of the city a
house may be had for much less under the same circumstances than in
London, and just outside a substantial dwelling of eight or ten rooms,
with an acre of garden beautifully laid out, will only be 40_l._, a year.
Some of the villages round Paris are very agreeably situated, but are
dreadfully cut up by the fortifications, particularly the favourite spot
of the Parisians, the Bois de Boulogne, where many families amongst the
tradespeople go and pass their whole Sunday under the trees; and the
innumerable rides and walks through the wood, and its very picturesque
appearance tempt all ranks at all hours of the day; part of it remains
unspoiled by the walls and forts constructing for the defence of Paris,
but it was much to be regretted that any portion should have been
destroyed for an object, the utility of which still seems an enigma.

As prices of provisions are so constantly varying that I determined to
leave them entirely to the last, that I might be enabled to give the
latest information respecting them; in most instances they are much
dearer than they were a few years since, particularly meat, which now
may be quoted on an average of 8_d._ a pound, and veal, if the choice
parts be selected, 1_d._ or even 2_d._ more at some seasons, but joints
where there is much proportion of bone may be had for 7_d._; best
wheaten bread is at present 13/4d., a pound; butter, best quality,
_s._ 6_d._; cheese 10_d._ Poultry is much higher than formerly; a fine
fowl 3_s._ a duck, 2_s._; a goose 4_s._; a turkey 6_s._ and much dearer
at some periods of the year; pigeons