means of leaden pipes of an half-inch bore, which runs from its 58 mains, some of wood of seven-inch bore, and others of iron of twelve-inch bore. In another place we have stated, that the basin is 85 feet above the level of the Thames, and that the water is raised 35 feet higher by means of steam engines.

But owing to the turnings and windings of the water in its passage through the pipes, it does not find its own level in the time in which it remains in them; in consequence, the New River Company has been unable to supply the higher parts of London with water, consequently all the houses about Tottenham Court Road, and Mary la Bonne, used to have their water from the Hampstead Ponds. To remedy this, an immense basin has been built in the Hampstead Road, and into this water has been brought from Islington; and from the basin pipes have been laid to carry it to those parts of the metropolis, which are too elevated for the present New River Head, near Islington.

The River Lea.

This river, which is of great service to the commerce of London, rises in Bedfordshire, and becoming navigable at Ware, conveys from that place malt and flour in great quantities, to the Thames at Limehouse.

Grand Junction and Paddington Canals.

Notwithstanding the interior of the kingdom is almost wholly intersected by canals, this is the only one which, for commercial purposes, has yet been extended to the metropolis. The reason may be found in the policy of government, which, to encourage the nursery of seamen in the Newcastle trade, prohibits the introduction of coals into the metropolis by any other means, notwithstanding coals could be delivered at a lower price by means of this canal. As, however, the tonnage upon coals is the staple article of profit to the undertakers of a canal, it is obvious the inducement is less strong to form new lines of inland navigation near the metropolis, than in other parts of the kingdom.

One branch of this canal enters the Thames at Brentford, while another runs from Cranford to Paddington, near

London, where it terminates in a basin, after running near one hundred miles, from the village of Braunston, in Northamptonshire, where it enters the Oxford Canal, and by which it is connected with the Coventry and Birmingham Canals, the Grand Trunk Canal, &c. thus forming a regu lar line of water conveyance from London into Lancashire and Yorkshire.

A passage-boat, or packet, sets out from Paddington to Uxbridge, every morning exactly at eight o'clock, and sets out from Uxbridge, on its return, precisely at four o'clock in the afternoon. Another passage-boat sets out from Uxbridge to London every morning at seven o'clock, and sets out on its return from Paddington to Uxbridge, every afternoon at five o'clock precisely. Extra boats are also ready for select parties, fitted up with every possible convenience.

Fares by the Uxbridge Packet.

Fares the whole distance, or upwards of 15 miles,

s. d.

either way

2 6

For any distance above 10 miles, and not exceeding

'15 miles

20

For any distance above 6 miles, and not exceeding

10 miles

1 6

1 0

And for any distance not exceeding 6 miles

Regent's Canal.

This canal is intended to go round the metropolis from Paddington, by Islington, to Limehouse, and has for some years been completed to the Hampstead Road, and some part of a tunnel under Islington, and was then stopped for want of money to proceed. But by the act which enables the commissioners to distribute the commercial exchequer bills to persons or bodies corporate offering adequate se curity, the proprietors have been accommodated with such a portion of these bills as it is judged will enable them to complete their design.

HAMPSTEAD.

This village, from its beautiful situation, and the fine views which it commands of the metropolis, and of the

neighbouring country, is one of the most agreeable, within the same easy distance of four miles. The variety of its local situations recommends it to the inhabitants of London as a place of retreat during the summer months, and of retirement at the close of life; and it consequently abounds in delightful villas and elegant mansions. A great number of houses, and parts of houses, are also let furnished, as temporary lodgings, at prices which vary from twenty guineas to eight guineas per month.

For the accommodation of the numerous strangers who visit it, dinners, tea, &c. are provided at the Assembly House; the Spaniards, near Caen Wood; the Jack Straw's Castle; and the Bull, at North End.

From the fields called Shepherd's Fields may be distinctly seen, Windsor Castle, Leith Hill, Box Hill, and the rich and matchless variety of intervening objects over a distance of forty miles. From a bench on the road to West End, may be seen the whole amphitheatre of the Surrey and Kentish Hills, including the metropolis. From the north-west the prospect includes Harrow on the Hill, and extends into Buckingham, Bedford, and Northamp tonshires; and from the east it ranges over the counties ef Essex and Kent, almost to the mouth of the Thames up and down, and the ships, with a telescope, may be continually seen in motion.

Caen Wood, the residence of the Earl of Mansfield, is situated about two hundred yards east of the Spaniards, and if admission can be obtained, will repay the trouble of visiting it. The house was finished in the best style by Mr. Adams and Mr. Saunders, and is decorated with pictures by Zucchi, Rebecca, Martin, and others; the pleasure-grounds include every advantage that can be derived from a good situation, aided by art.

A series of large ponds, situated below the seat of the Earl of Mansfield, supply Kentish Town, Camden Town, Tottenham Court Road, &c. with water.

The best walk to Hampstead, from the west end of London, is over Primrose Hill, a spot which bounds the rustic excursions of many hundreds of the inhabitants of the metropolis.

HIGHGATE.

This is a kind of sister hill to Hampstead, and about the same distance from London. It does not possess the same variety of prospects as Hampstead, nor is it so large a village; but its views, to the south and south-east are superior to those in the same directions from Hampstead, and deserve the notice of strangers. One of the principal north roads passes through it, and the number of conveyances always in motion, to and fro, give it a lively appear. and occasion it to be full of houses of entertainment. The neighbourhood of the metropolis does not afford a pleasanter walk or ride, than from this to Hornsey. There is also a good carriage and beautiful foot-way to Hampstead. The direct road to Highgate from London, is through Islington, a village which exceeds in size and population many considerable cities.

ance,

An excavation has lately been cut at an enormous expense, through the eastern side of the hill, with a view to diminish the draft of the horses in passing this way; and across this new road a grand archway has been thrown to Connect Highgate with Muswell Hill.

KEW.

This small village is rendered remarkable by the royal palace, and famous gardens. It is situated opposite Brentford on the south bank of the Thames, six miles from Hyde Park Corner, and about four miles beyond Kensing

ton.

A new palace has lately been built here in the Gothic style, and on a large plan, but so heavy as to possess rather the appearance of a prison, than a place of residence for the Royal Family. The state of the King's health has, however, occasioned a suspension of its progress, and no part of it has been finished or inhabited.

Kew Gardens, which are laid out with great taste, and decorated with a variety of temples, and picturesque objects, by Sir William Chambers, are rendered famous by the collection of exotics, begun in the year 1760, and at this time exhibiting the finest collection of plants in the

world. To improve this garden has been a favourite object of the present King, and he has been assisted by Sir Joseph Banks, and other zealous botanists. So extensive have been these additions of late years, that a new house, of 110 feet in length, has been built for the reception of African plants only. Catalogues have been published successively by Mr. Aiton, then gardener, and by Mr. Aiton, his son, the present gardener.

In an open space in the middle of the Wilderness, stands a superb and very remarkable building, called the Great Chinese Pagoda. The design is in imitation of the Chinese Taa. It is octagonal, and consists of ten stories, being 163 feet in height, and commanding a most enchanting prospect over the Paradise of England. The room on the lower story is 26 feet in diameter, and 18 feet high: and that on the tenth story is 17 feet diameter, and 17 feet high. Round each story is a gallery inclosed by a rail, with a series of projecting roofs, after the Chinese manner. The staircase is in the centre of the building.

The observatory, built by the present King in 1768, contains an excellent collection of astronomical instruments, among which are a mural arch of eight feet radius: a zeneith sector of twelve feet; a transit instrument of eight feet; a ten-feet reflector, made by Dr. Herschel; and the moveable dome contains a capital equatorial instrument. This building also possesses a collection of subjects in natural history, an extensive apparatus for philosophical experiments, some models, and a collection of ores from Hartz Forest, in Germany.

These gardens likewise contain an elegant cottage, situated in a sequestered spot, and which is a favourite retreat of her present Majesty. Near it is a collection of foreign and domestic birds and beasts.

Kew Gardens are open only on Sundays, from Midsummer till the beginning of October, on which days, all welldressed strangers are admitted. The botanic garden may, however, be seen any day.

Stages to Kew or Brentford leave Piccadilly every quarter of an hour, between nine in the morning and six in the evening. There are several houses of entertainment on Kew Green, and at Kew Bridge.