with high brick walls, having gates at the north and south ends, and on the east side.

Between the western wall and the river is the Marine Parade, which is 750 yards long, and 11 yards broad, and protected on the side next to the water with a stone wall about a yard high. There are also three flights of steps down to the river, for the convenience of passengers, who may land or embark at any state of the tide. At high water this forms one of the most varied and delightful marine promenades in the world.

The Basin belonging to the Prince's Dock is situate at the northern end, the north and south sides of which are 140 yards each, the east end extends 130 yards, and the west end 138 yards.

THE CLARENCE DOCK.

This dock, which is the last to the north of the town, was opened on the 16th Sept. 1830, and consists of a principal dock, 250 yards long, 135 yards broad at the north end, and 111 yards broad at the south end, with a Basin 160 yards by 100 yards, between it and the river, furnished with gates, by means of which vessels may be admitted inwards and outwards at half-tide. The stone of which the walls are formed is of the most durable quality, and the masonry surpasses that of most works of this description. On each side of the passage two beautiful circular offices

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have been erected, supplied with windows on all sides, through which a complete view is obtained of every part of the dock and its quays. A lofty and spacious shed extends the entire length of the eastern side, and the whole of these works, on the north, east, and south sides, is immured by a strong and high wall.

The arrangement and completion of this dock reflects the greatest credit on the surveyor, Mr. J. Hartley.

Between this and the Princes Dock Basin are three other intended wet docks, with an extensive Graving Dock, which is to be supplied with patent slips. These works are in an advanced state, and are expected to be finished within a short period.

Each of the pierheads is supplied with flights of broad and commodious steps, designed for the convenience of persons landing from or embarking on the various vessels which are constantly entering or leaving this port. Since the application of steam to navigation, the intercourse between this town and Cheshire, as well as the different harbours of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, has been increased in an extraordinary degree. The perpetual throng occasioned by the influx and efflux of passengers is truly astonishing.

The liberal spirit on all occasions manifested by the Corporation and Dock Trustees, in the providing of every accommodation for all those

who may frequent this harbour, is deserving of the highest commendation.

To prevent the docks from being choked up by the constant accumulation of slime brought in by the tide, it is requisite that they should be regularly cleaned. Formerly this was effected by a great number of men, who removed the sludge by means of spades, on which occasions the water was excluded from the dock; but within a few years past a dredging machine has been used for this purpose, and is found to be much more effectual and expeditious. It is worked by a steam engine of ten-horse power, and possesses this great advantage over the former method,that it is not necessary to let the water out of the dock during the time of removing the mud.

The consequences of a fire breaking out among the shipping might prove most destructive. For this reason several severe regulations have been adopted, which have hitherto produced the greatest advantage to the community; yet notwithstanding the most inflexible enforcement of the various penalties from the offending parties, scarcely a day passes without some instances of negligence or obstinacy. To have gunpowder on board subjects the master to a penalty of £5, and to have any combustible material, either on the deck or on the quay, renders the offender liable to a fine of the same amount. To have a fire on board a vessel, or a lighted candle, except

protected by a lantern, and in the presence of a custom-house officer, is punishable by a fine of £10, and to smoke tobacco incurs a penalty of £2.

To each dock there is a dock-master allotted, whose business it is to superintend the floodgates at every tide, and to assign to each vessel its station, whether for discharging or taking in its cargo; without this useful officer all would be disorder and confusion. Four men are also assigned for the management of each of the gates, whose duty is to open and shut them at certain periods. Besides these there is a harbour-master, who is appointed to overlook the general management of the whole port.

According to an act of parliament, which was obtained in the year 1825, a committee was appointed for the government of the docks. This body is composed of thirteen trustees, and eight rate-payers. The common council nominate and appoint the trustees, and likewise fill up every vacancy. At the expiration of every three years four of the committee retire, and their places are filled up by ballot; any member who may retired is eligible to be re-elected. Eight of the committee are nominated from the merchants and ship-owners by the rate-payers, whether principals or agents for principals, provided they reside not more than eight miles from Liverpool, and have paid duties and rates to the amount of

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£10 within one year prior to the election. None but a natural born subject of Great Britain, or one who has been naturalized by law, and who shall also have resided in Liverpool or its vicinity during five years previous to the day of election, and shall have paid rates and duties on his own individual account to the amount of £50,-and as a partner of any firm, or acting as agent for any person residing more than eight miles from Liverpool, shall have paid rates to the amount of £100. The chairman continues in office six years; he keeps the common seal, and like the rest is elligible to be re-elected. The committee meet at least once a week (or oftener if the chairman or deputy-chairman deem it desirable), for the transacting of business, and seven of them are competent to act. All their proceedings may be rejected or confirmed by the common council.

Hitherto these extensive works have been accomplished by means of loans raised by the dock trustees on bond, for the payment of the principal and interest of which the rates are to be appropriated agreeably to an act of parliament. In the event of these bonds being entirely liquidated, the duties are to be reduced, so as to leave an amount equivalent to the expenses that may be incurred by the establishment, and the repairs of the docks.

The certificate of the commissioners, appointed in the 10th of George I. and mentioned in the