in matters of literature, a fabulous relation of certain adventures designed for the entertainment and instruction of the readers.

The true nature and genuine characteristics of this spe- cies of writing are excellently explained by the ingenious author of the Rambler; who observes, that the works of fiction, with which the present generation seems more particularly delighted, are such as exhibit life in its true state, diversified only by the accidents that daily happen in the world, and influenced by those passions and qualities which are really to be found in conversing with mankind.