ITALIAN SCENERY, MANNERS, AND CUSTOMS.
FLATK X X X I .
THE YOUNG SAVOYARDS' DEPARTURE.
T h e scene of this plate, and of the following, is in the Valley of Chamouni, at the foot of
the Glaciers of Savoy. In this mountainous country, the heights of which are covered with
eternal snow, there is not sufficient employment for the inhabitants; whence many of thenl
are induced to emigrate, particularly to France, and embrace different occupations. By these
they not only gain a livelihood, but are often enabled to spend their latter days in a state of
competency, if not of affluence, in their own country.
Among these different occupations, that of exhibiting dancing marmots is one of the most
profitable. With these little animals, children twelve or fourteen years old are usually sent
out; and their age, neatness, and civility, as well as their infantile and attractive manners,
tend greatly to increase their gains.
In the plate before us we see an old man, confined fco his bed by the infirmities of age, giving
his blessing to his young grandson, who is setting out on his travels. A little sister of the
youth is weeping, at seeing him ready to depart; and a relation stands at the head of the bed,
viewing attentively the affecting scene. Tlie youth is kneeling at the bed-side, with a bag of
provision at bis back, to supply his wants at the beginning of his journey; and below this
hangs the hurdy-gurdy, to the tune of which his marmot is accustomed to dance. This animal
is entrusted to the care of his little sister, who appears in the right hand group of the plate,
•witli the box, in which the marmot lies on a bed of bran, at her back. These little creatures
are trained to dance, and play various tricks. The father is kissing the little girl, and bidding
her adieu; while the mother is putting the marmot into the box.
In the left hand group is the grandmother, giving money to the eldest son, to defray the
expenses of the young travellers at their outset. At the feet of the grandmother is a cradlc,
with a young child in it, which she takes care to keep quiet by rocking.
All these have evidently been copied from the hfe: and it is as apparent, that the room in
which they are seen is not an imaginary representation. Of this no description is neccssary, as
the neatness and simplicity of the cottages of Savoy and Switzerland are celebrated by all travellers.