regularity of this colossal establisnment. In the vestibule is a curious clock, which by ingeniously contrived mechanism indicates the hour in six different offices

where dials are placed. The affairs of the Bank of England are regulated by a governor, deputy-governor, and twenty-four directors, who are annually elected.

Strangers are admitted during the hours of business, from nine till four o'clock, and will be gratified, on visiting the great hall, with a fine marble statue of William III., by whom the Bank was founded.

I ower Thames-street. This grand and extensive pile was built from the designs of David Laing, Esq. by Messrs. Miles and Peto, at an expense of £255,000, and first opened for business in May, 1817. It is four hundred and ninety feet in length, and one hundred and eight feet in breadth. The river-front is of Portland stone, divided into two compartments by statues, and has a very imposing appearance. The two principal entrances are in Thames-street: they lead by halls, more commodious than vast, to the grand staircase conducting to the porticos, which are on each side of the long-room; the latter, which is in the centre, is one hundred and ninety feet long and sixty-six feet wide. The long-room contains about one hundred departments appropriated to the different branches of the Customs. Some of the offices are fire-proof, in which are deposited nightly the books, papers, and other important documents. The

Custom-house is managed by thirteen directors, or commissioners, two filling the functions of president and vice-president; also a secretary, clerks, and a great number of subalterns.

St. Martin's Le Grand. This extensive building, one of the best conducted establishments in Europe, was begun in 1818, from the designs of Mr. (now Sir R) Smirke; and was ready for public business in 1829. The front is four hundred feet in length. It consists of a centre and two wings, having a portico of the Ionic order, with fluted columns, seventy feet in breadth and thirty feet deep. In the tympanum of the pediment is placed the royal arms.

The ground floor is appropriated to offices: the first floor to the board-room and the secretary's offices; and the second and third floors to sleeping rooms for the clerks of the foreign office and for servants.

The receipts of the Post-office, which originally amounted to only £5,000, and until 1783 never exceeded £146,000, annually, now amounts to the enormous sum of £2,400,000.

The great hall is a thoroughfare; it is eighty feet long, sixty feet wide, and fifty-three feet high.

MONEY ORDER OFFICE,

Aldersgate-street. The great increase in the business of this office during the last few years, and the very insufficient accommodation for the public in the General PostOffice, led to the erection, in 1847, of the present building; a handsome and commodious edifice, admirably suited to the purpose for which it is intended. Open daily, from ten till four o'clock.

THE EXCISE OFFICE,

Broad-street. A plain stone building, erected in 1763, on the site of the alms-houses and college founded by Sir Thomas Gresham, having an entrance by a large yard or forecourt, around which are all the offices for the transaction of the chief business of England, which is conducted by commissioners; who also decide, without appeal, upon cases of seizure for frauds against the revenue. Hours of attendance from nine till three.

Leadenhall-street.

EAST INDIA HOUSE,

This noble edifice was erected in 1798-9, from the designs of Mr. R. Jupp. It is distinguished by a handsome hexastyle Ionic portico, fluted, supporting an enriched entablature and pediment, and two wings surmounted by a balustrade. The frieze is sculptured with ornaments, imitative of the antique ; and the tympanum of the pediment is filled with characteristic sculpture, by Banks, containing several figures representing Britannia extending her protection to Asia; surrounded by emblems of commerce, liberty, justice, and religion. On the apex of the pediment is a statue of Britannia, at the east corner a figure of Asia seated on a dromedary, and at the west another representing Europe. In the interior is a handsome court-room, ornamented with emblematic statues of India, Asia, and Africa; as also some fine paintings of Indian scenery and affairs.