during high winds, the common council resolved, on the 11th of March, 1822, that the whole of the spire should be taken down to the part where it sprung from the tower, and since that time it has continued in its present imperfect state.

The chancel is panelled and decorated with beautiful gilt fluted Corinthian pilasters. The galleries rest on eight pedestals, which support a corresponding number of columns, of the Corinthian order of architecture. The pews are commodious, and calculated to seat 1188 persons.

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

This building is of the Ionic order, and is situate in St. Paul's-square. It was erected at the expense of the town, after the model of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and was consecrated in 1769. The north and south fronts have each a pediment, supported by columns crowned with Ionic capitals. The west façade is decorated with a noble portico and pediment of the same order, but having a much greater projection. The top of the stone work is adorned with balustrades and vases, and each façade is approached by an extensive flight of steps, which lead to the several entrances. An octangular base supports a majestic dome, that rises from the centre, and which is crowned by a lantern, bearing a gilt ball and cross. The interior of this church is well fitted up with pews, sufficient to afford seats for

1658 persons. The galleries rest on brackets, inserted in the shafts of eight lofty Ionic columns, which support the base of the dome. Formerly, in consequence of the minister's voice being indistinctly heard, a moveable pulpit was used, but this was found insufficient to obviate the inconvenience. At length in 1818, some alterations were made in the cupola, and since that time this advantage has been almost entirely removed.

ST. ANNE'S CHURCH.

This edifice, which is situate in Great Richmond-street, was erected at the expense of two private individuals, and was opened for divine service on the 25th of October, 1772. It is a neat plain building, formed of brick and stone, in the Gothic style of architecture. There are two rows of windows with ogee arches, and the principal entrance is at the south end, facing St. Anne-street. The steeple consists of a plain square tower, adorned with pinnacles. Contrary to the custom of the established religion, this church is placed in a north and south direction. The inside is neatly pewed, and the galleries are supported by light cast iron pillars. The altar is placed at the south end, and is decorated with a painted glass window, which is well executed; and a small organ occupies the centre of the gal

lery at the north end. The exterior of this structure has been recently covered with stucco.

ST. JAMES'S CHURCH.

This church was raised at the expense of several private persons, and was opened for divine. service on the 4th of June, 1775. It is situate in Parliament-street, and is built of brick, in a plain style of architecture, and has a square steeple, furnished with a clock.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

This structure is situate near the Old Haymarket. It is built of stone, and was erected in the year 1784. On the north and south fronts there are two ranges of windows, between which are pilasters surmounted by pedestals, and terminated by pinnacles. The steeple, which is square, is decorated at the top with pinnacles, and is 123 feet high. A part of the buiral-ground is allotted to the public, and has lately been enlarged on the side next St. John's-lane. This portion was consecrated in 1829. The inside of this church is furnished with pews;-those in the galleries are rented, but the lower part is appropriated to the accommodation of the public. The architecture of this building has nothing to recommend it, being composed of a mixture of Gothic and Roman.

THE CHURCH OF THE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.

This beautiful specimen of Grecian architecture is situate in Duncan-street East. The first stone was laid on the 6th of October, 1818, and it was opened on the 6th of October in the succeeding year, on which occasion the late Dr. Law, the bishop of Chester, preached a sermon, when a collection was made, amounting to £301 5s. This edifice was raised with the twofold object of rendering it subservient to the support of the Asylum, and of supplying the pupils with a suitable place of worship.

The portico at the west end is a copy of the portico of the temple of Jupiter Panhellenius, in the island of Ægina, in the Saronic Gulf, and consists of a fine bold pediment, supported by six fluted columns of the Doric order, and is said to be the only model of the kind in this kingdom. The general proportions of this portico combine a high degree of elegance, which excites the warmest admiration of every judicious connoisseur. This building may be cited as a choice specimen of architectural beauty. The whole was ereceted according to the design of Mr. John Foster.

The inside is furnished with convenient pews, one-half of which are let, and the others are reserved for the accommodation of strangers. Two gentlemen stand at the entrance with plates, to receive any donations that may be made by those

who visit this church, and these contributions are placed to the funds of the institution. The east end is adorned with a painting by Hilton, which represents Christ restoring sight to the blind. This picture obtained the prize of the British Institution in the metropolis, and it ultimately became the property of Mr Henry Wilson, who presented it to this charity.

The altar window is decorated with stained glass, representing the ascension, executed by Messrs. Lyon and Son, of this town.

The only gallery is at the west end, and is chiefly assigned to the use of the pupils belonging to the Asylum. An excellent organ is placed here, which was built by Gray, of London. The choir is composed of the pupils of the institution, who perform the finest pieces of church music in a most admirable style.

At the east end is a beautiful monument in white marble executed by Gibson, and erected by the subscribers, to the memory of the late Pudsey Dawson, Esq., the unremitting and zealous patron of this truly benevolent establishment.

ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.

This elegant building stands on the space of ground betweenCornwallis-street and Kent-street, and was erected at the expense of the parish. The foundation stone was laid on the 21st June, 1816, and it was consecrated on the 28th of July,