LONDON. The streets of this great city are invariably clean and well kept; they are also remarkably well lighted. There is, however, much complexity in the naming and numbering of them; the same thoroughfare frequently rejoicing in three different designations. To remedy this, a postal division has been effected, which, when understood, removes all liability to mistakes. By this system the metropolis is divided into ten districts, as follows: The postal arrangements are very perfect, requiring very small attention on the part of the writer to ensure the speedy delivery of his correspondence; over a thousand offices and pillar boxes throughout the ten districts amply sufficing to receive all communications, which are distributed from three to eleven times a day. Amongst the most noticeable of the many differences between European and American cities, none attracts the attention of the Transatlantic visitor more gratefully than the system of Cabs. In London two styles of such public vehicles only are known-the "Hansom" and the "Fourwheeler." Of both kinds some five thousand perambulate the streets or occupy the stands, which are very numerous, enabling one to avail himself of their services almost at every turn and corner. A table of fares is affixed to the inside of the cab, and a copy of the fares and other regulations is generally placed in a prominent situation on the cabstand. The Omnibus is also a great institution in London, some 1 500 traversing it in every direction. The fares are very moderate, and, like cabs, these vehicles are under the special supervision of the police. A third system of locomotion will be found in the Metropolitan, or Underground, Railway, which commences at the Moorgate Street Station, in the City, and terminates at Hammersmith, Kensington, and Cannon Street, City, via Brompton and Westminster. This is decidedly a great curiosity, and one well worthy of inspection. Another public carrier is the River Steamer (which runs every few minutes) between the different piers and landing-stages on the Thames. Express Boats ply between Westminster and London Bridge, at short intervals without stoppages, and the fare is only one penny. XX X LONDON. Another great convenience is the Tramway, now in vogue chiefly on the Surrey side of the water. Lines are being laid down in various districts, and before long, it is anticipated, that this will be a largely patronized mode of travelling. At the West End, and suburbs generally, are to be found a number of Job Masters or Livery-Stable Keepers, who furnish every description of vehicle, at very fair prices. Among the conveniences of London should be mentioned the Corps of Commissionaires, composed of retired veterans, most of whom are decorated, and many minus a limb, who for a small gratuity will run messages, or fetch or carry letters, parcels, &c. They are to be seen nearly every where, and can be easily distinguished by their uniform. The Shoe-blacks are an institution not to be overlooked. Attached to a brigade, they are subjected to strict rules of discipline, which render them respectful and attentive. Their charge is one penny. The London " "Season" commences really in April, and extends to July. During these four months London is always fullest, Parliament is in session, the Court is "at home," the Ope ra is open, and then the great Capital is seen to the best advantage. It is at this period that the great event of the year," the Derby," comes off. One of the rarest shows of the season is on a Drawing-room or Levée day, to watch the various costumes and carriages of the nobility and gentry as they pass through St. James's Street en route to the Palace. On these occasions the Queen sometimes, but generally the Prince and Princess of Wales, are to be seen to great advantage. In a small work like the present it would be quite impossible to give a full description of London and its many objects of interest. Nor has it been considered advisable to dictate to the stranger the order in which he should visit these objects. The following pages, in which we will proceed to enumerate them, in as condensed a form as possible, will contain their localities, and short descriptions, as nearly as possible in the order of their interest, and at least inform the reader correctly as to the principal and most interesting facts concerning them. |