29 
 In consequence of this information, on the 
clay following, Mr. West resolved to visit the 
Gardens; and, in going along Piccadilly with 
that intention, bought a pair of skates, which, 
on reaching the margin of the ice, he put on. 
After a few trial-movements on the skirts of the 
basin, like a musician tuning his violin before 
attempting a regular piece of composition, he 
dashed off into the middle of the company, and 
perf'o1'm_ed several rounds in the same style 
which he had. often practised in America. 
While engaged in this manner, a gentleman 
called to him by name; and, on stopping, he 
found it was his old acquaintance Colonel 
Howe. 
The Colonel immediately came up, and ex- 
claimed, " Mr. West, I am truly glad to see you 
in this country, and at this time. I have not 
heard of you since We parted on the wharf at 
Philadelphia, when you sailed for Italy; but I 
have often since had occasion to recollect you. 
I am, therefore, particularly glad to see you 
here, and on the ice; for you must know that, 
in speaking of the American skaters, it has