And thus you have a full, true, and particular account of the peregrinations of your humble servant." Listening with close attention to this narrative of Sparkle's, all other subjects had escaped observation, till they found themselves in the Strand.
"Whither are we bound ?" inquired Sparkle.
"On a voyage of discoveries," replied Dashall, "and we just wanted you to act as pilot." "What place is this ?" inquired Bob.
"That," continued Sparkle, "is Somerset-house.

It is a fine old building; it stands on the banks of the Thames, raised on piers and arches, and is now appropriated to various public offices, and houses belonging to the various offices of the Government." "The terrace, which lies on the river, is very fine, and may be well viewed from Waterloo Bridge.

The front in the Strand, you perceive, has a noble aspect, being composed of a rustic basement, supporting a Corinthian order of columns crowned with an attic in the centre, and at the extremities with a balustrade.

The south front, which looks into the court, is very elegant in its composition.
"The basement consists of nine large arches; and three in the centre open, forming the principal entrance; and three at each end, filled with windows of the Doric order, are adorned with pilasters, entablatures, and pediments.

On the key-stones of the nine arches are carved, in alto relievo, nine colossal masks, representing the Ocean, and the eight main Rivers of England, viz.