THE MAINE.

A few leagues to the north of Angers the Loir and the Sarthe, on their way to the Loire, join forces; and before entering the town are met by the Mayenne. The three rivers, then assuming the name of the Maine, run through Angers, and plunge in one stream into the waters of the great monopolist.

We left the ancient capital of Anjou by no means unwillingly; for it was hardly possible to breathe in it for the dust, which swept in whirlwinds through the narrow streets, and promised faithfully abundance of mud for wet weather. The Maine at first appeared to be a very uninteresting river; the banks consisting of a plain on either side, little elevated above the water. Soon, however, it makes a more romantic bend; and the old convent of Beaumette appears, rising on a ridge of rocks, which, with some assistance from human art, wall it round like a fortress. This was the beloved retreat of King René, whose memory is yet dear to the Angevines. He was an amiable but unfortunate man, with a feeble mind, and an excellent heart. He never formed a wish that was gratified, nor a project that did not fail. Titular Prince of Jerusalem, Naples, Sicily, Majorca, Lorraine, Bar, Anjou, and Provence -the last was all that remained to him for his death-bed.

The rocks soften down on the right, and the village of Bouchemain appears-a collection of poor and small, yet snug houses, with a little tapering spire in the midst; and soon after the hamlets of the Pointe announce that we have