and strength. They stand erect and straight, are hearty and
vigorous to the core, perfect pictures of abounding vitality. Yet their
limbs and features are full of delicacy. They have large eyes and small
feet, full arms, plump hands with small, tapering fingers, and
delicious ankles. The inclination of the shoulders is perfect, and the
bosom absolutely classical. No curve is exaggerated, but every one is
there, the right size in the right place. The sun has spread a reddish
golden tint, like the colour of a beautiful ripe peach, over her
complexion.

* * * * *

She seldom presents a riddle to the psychologist, and effeminate
ethereal poets do not sing of her. She is the vigorous embodiment of
sensible womanhood. As her exterior, so her whole character is
enchantingly fresh and matter-of-fact. She eats well and heartily, and
is an athlete. She swims, dances, rides, walks. In England, you find
very pretty faces among the lowest class people; in France, you seldom
do. In Hungary, grace and beauty know no difference between high and
low, and often bestow upon a poor, barefooted, short-skirted peasant
girl (with her beautiful oval face framed in a kerchief tied under her
chin) the same ravishing form, the same graceful carriage, the same
magically attractive glance as upon her more favoured sister.

* * * * *

But who can touch--even approach--the Irish woman with her dark hair,
her blue, sometimes light purple large eyes, her glorious complexion,
her soft, velvety skin, her beautiful, graceful form? Sometimes the
lower portion of the face is a little too long, but her brow is beyond
competition. The Irish woman is a symphony in white satin. Add to these
physical attractions the brightness of her expression, the amiability
of her smile, and you will come to the conclusion that her charm is
unapproachable.

There is so much patriotism in the world, or, I should rather say, so
much provincialism, that men all over the earth give the palm for
beauty to the women of their own country. Now, dear American friends,
you know this is true. Would any of you deny that the American women
are the most beautiful women in the world?

I am sorry to say that the beauty of French women is praised by my
compatriots only.

I am such a cosmopolitan that I have no biassed mind. I have been a
traveller for thirty years. In 1870 I shed a pint of blood and los