r, they might buy at their own doors.
Again and again we have known them put in commission and procure from an
oppressed relative the identical productions of a manufactory within a
mile of them. A singular virtue seems to abide in all that comes from the
sunny side of Broadway.

'You perhaps may not know what an OPPORTUNITY is. In love affairs you have
undoubtedly experienced that it is every thing; but in rural affairs it is
more. It is the common-carrier of a village. So soon as an inhabitant has
expressed his intention of going to town, he becomes an Opportunity, and
like a Chinese, liable to pains and penalties for leaving his native
place. From every quarter pour in letters, bundles, and packages, which
are to be carried with care and delivered with despatch. No thanks for his
trouble, if they should reach their destination, and a general liability
for the uncertain value of their contents if they should chance to be
lost. So that an Opportunity's advent in town ought to be announced in
this way: 'Arrived, HIRAM DOOLITTLE, from Connecticut, with m'dze to
LEGION AND COMPANY.' The Opportunity not only transports, but acts as
General Agent. Commissions are given him for a return freight. Hats,
coats, dresses, are much wanted, which he is expected to select with
taste, and to purchase cheap. Even the labyrinth of houses does not
protect him from the Argus eyes of his consignees. They seek him out and
insist upon his turning himself into a United States' mail and a HARNDEN'S
express. It is not a week since we heard a consignee's friend's friend
request an Opportunity to carry home a loaf of sugar to his country
correspondent.

'Perhaps, Friend KNICK., we are wounding your feelings all this time,
tender by reason of many cousins and commissions; but we can assure you
that we have an infinite respect for all relationship, and are rather
blessed than bored by the requisitions of our own rural branches. We
trust, however, that your rustic kith and kin do not come upon your house
in the spring, in shoals like the shad. Unhappy editor, if it be so; for
until the day predicted by ALPHONSE KARR, when connexions shall be cooked
and _cotelettes d'oncle a la Bechamel_ and _tetes de cousin en tortue_
shall smoke lovingly upon the table, there is nothing for you but to
submit to your Fates, or to give up your house-keeping. But with country
cozens, those provincials who are not bone of your bone, and who
nevertheless at every visi