The library is rich in Oriental MSS. of every Indian language, and contains a most valuable collection of books in Indian literature.

Mansion-house-street, the official residence of the lord mayor during the term of his mayorality, was erected from the designs of the elder Dance; the first stone being laid in 1739. It is built of Portland stone, and has a portico of six lofty fluted Corinthian columns in the front: the same order being continued both under the pediment and on each side. The basement story is rustic, and on each side are steps leading to the portico; in the centre of which is the principal entrance. The pediment is ornamented with an emblematic bas-relief,

by Sir Robert Taylor, inteuded to represent the dignity and opulence of the City of London. The Egyptian Hall is a noble apartment.

The lord mayor sits daily at the Mansion-house to examine offenders, hear affidavits, sign papers, &c.

King-street, Cheapside: built originally in the year 1431, but being greatly damaged by the fire of 1666, the present edifice, with the exception of the front, was erected in its place. It is one hundred and fifty-three feet long, fifty feet broad, and fifty-eight feet high; and is sufficiently large to contain seven thousand persons. The present front, erected in 1789, from the designs of Mr. Dance, consists of three divisions, separated by fluted

pilasters; and above, in the centre, are the city arms. To the east of the Hall is a raised platform, on which the lord mayor, aldermen, sheriffs, and other members of the corporation sit: it also serves as a hustings at the city

elections. On the windows of this platform appear the ensigns of the Orders of the Bath, Garter, Thistle, and St. Patrick, which are well executed. The monuments of Earl Chatham, and his son the Rt. Hon. William Pitt, Lord Nelson, and Alderman Beckford, are here placed. On each side of the west window, on pedestals, are the figures of the giants Gog and Magog. In the council

chamber is a good collection of paintings, several of which were presented by Alderman Boydell; and a marble statue of George III. by Chantrey. The council cnamoer is

open daily, from ten till three o'clock. Admission to the Hall free: to the council chamber, a small gratuity the attendant.

Town-Hall: erected in 1793-5, from the designs of Mr. Samuel Wyatt. This corporation was founded in 1515, by Sir Thomas Spert, comptroller of the navy, who was the first master, and died in 1541. It has the superintendence of the shipping interest, examines and licenses pilots for the Thames, erects light-houses and sea-marks, and many other matters connected with maritime affairs.

In the secretary's office is a beautiful model of the Royal William; and in the court-room are portraits of several eminent naval characters, as also a flag taken from the Spaniards, in 1598, by Sir Francis Drake. Open daily. Admission by an order from the secretary.

HALL OF COMMERCE,

Threadneedle-street: erected in 1841, by Mr. Moxay. The front is ninety-two feet in length, and fifty-four feet in height; having a doorway, with two windows on each side, which from their noble proportions give it an imposing appearance. The upper part of the front is enriched with a bas-relief, seventy-three feet in length, designed by Mr. L. Watson, illustrative of the influence of commerce on the fine arts, the figures being life-size: and the elevation is terminated by a richly sculptured cornice.

NEW CORN EXCHANGE,

Mark-lane: erected in 1827, from the designs of Mr. George Smith. It has a receding hexastyle Grecian Doric portico, having the arms of the United Kingdom, with agricultural emblems and an inscription. Adjoining is the Old Corn Exchange.

COAL EXCHANGE,

Lower Thames-street: erected in 1849, from the designs of Mr. Bunning, the architect of the corporation. It presents two distinct elevations, connected by a circular

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