The Briton abroad - A Sketch before Notre Dame Since the inauguration of ' personally conducted parties ' a new species of traveller has invaded the Continent . The ubiquitous Conductor takes a detachment of seekers after knowledge completely in tow , and small armies of the most strangely matched travellers are to be found in every town in Europe . The costumes worn are marvels of ugliness and ingenuity , and give the benighted foreigner a curios idea of British taste . 1882