earch of a distant land if he had not heard something of its
existence. In the fifth century, a chieftain named Gafran ab Aeddan,
went in search of some islands called Gwerddonau Lliou, (Green Isles
of the Floods,) supposed to be the Canaries; but whether he succeeded
in reaching them is not known, as he was never heard of after he left
Britain. This is a proof that the Welsh at least, had heard of distant
lands in the Atlantic Ocean: another curious fact is, that the worship
of the sun was prevalent in all the countries in which those remains
have been found. In conclusion, I beg leave to say that the people could
not be very barbarous, who were in the habit of hearing such precepts
as "the three ultimate objects of bardism--to reform _manners_ and
_customs_, to secure _peace_, and to extol every thing that is good."

_Llundain_.

CYMMRO.

[5] Vol. iv. p. 10 and 50.

[6] Welsh name of Somersetshire.

* * * * *

BATHING--ANCIENT AND MODERN BATHS.

Perhaps neither of the exercises that are indispensable to the health
and comfort of man has so kept pace with his progressive improvement as
bathing; and though of late years this effectual promoter of cleanliness
has not in some parts of the world been sufficiently attended to,
yet the custom is by no means on the decrease; nor can any fear be
entertained, with propriety, that so excellent and so natural an
expedient should ever be suffered to decline, from want of consideration
of its benefits and advantages. But it must be owned, that while bathing
in many countries is resorted to as a matter-of-course affair among all
classes, in England it is in a great measure disregarded by most of the
middle classes, and almost entirely so by those in the lower station of
life, who perhaps require this exercise more than their richer
neighbours.

A medical writer of the present day observes, with some grounds for
complaint, that while "in almost all countries, both in ancient and
modern times, whether rude or civilized, bathing was a part of the
necessary and everyday business of life, in this country alone, with
all its refinements in the arts which contribute to the happiness or
comfort of man, and with all its improvements in medical science and
jurisprudence, this salutary and luxurious practice is almost entirely
neglected."[7] But in many countries, particularly in the east, bathing
is as much resorted to as ever; and its