The weather is raw and boisterous in winter, shifty and ungenial in summer, and a downright meteorological purgatory in the spring.

The delicate die early, and I, as a survivor, among bleak winds and plumping rain, have been sometimes tempted to envy them their fate.
For all who love shelter and the blessings of the sun, who hate dark weather and perpetual tilting against squalls, there could scarcely be found a more unhomely and harassing place of residence.

Many such aspire angrily after that Somewhere-else of the imagination, where all troubles are supposed to end.

They lean over the great bridge which joins the New Town with the Old--that windiest spot, or high altar, in this northern temple of the winds--and watch the trains smoking out from under them and vanishing into the tunnel on a voyage to brighter skies.

Happy the passengers who shake off the dust of Edinburgh, and have heard for the last time the cry of the east wind among her chimney-tops! And yet the place establishes an interest in people's hearts; go where they will, they find no city of the same distinction; go where they will, they take a pride in their old home.
[Picture: Gate of Holyrood] Venice, it has been said, differs from another cities in the sentiment which she inspires.