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and literary and scientific publication, and at page 281-3 of the present volume of the Mirror, it is not requisite to reprint it. We prefer quoting an outline of the memoir of Captain Ross' discoveries, read by him to the Geographical Society, at the first meeting of the present session :

"The Victory encountered severe weather, and had to sail across the Atlantic to Davis's Straits under a jury-mast. At Holstenberg, a port belonging to the Danish government, the vessel was rigged anew and repaired from the wreck of a whaler; the adventurous party then set sail again, and had open sea to Fury Beach. Here, four years previously, Commodore Ross (the captain's nephew) had assisted in preserving the provisions saved from the wreck of the Fury, little dreaming that these provisions would be the means of prolonging and saving his life, and the lives of others, so long afterwards. The winter was passed by the officers in scientific inquiry-by the men in amusement. The spring was enlivened by a friendly visit from some Esquimaux, with whom our party went on an excursion, travelling on sledges, drawn by hand and dogs: a skin-boat, in which the adventurers crossed rivers in their route, served also as a roof to the snowy burrows in which they passed their nights. Nothing remarkable attracting their notice, they turned to the southern shore, which appeared to be of granitic formation-bold and high, possessing numerous islands and inlets. Here Captain Ross, by a fall, broke two of his ribs; which terminated inquiry for 1830). The winter was severe, the thermometer sinking to 92 below the freezing point of Fahr. It was then that the true magnetic pole of the earth was ascertained-the perpendicularity of the needle could not be doubted. The party continued to suffer much from cold. So intense was the frost, that water froze within a short distance of the fire kept constantly burning at either end of the tent. The weather becoming milder, Captain Ross and his companions ultimately left Fury Beach, three of the number being sick and requiring to be occasionally carried. In lat. 72° 30′ they fell in with the Isabella, and were immediately taken on board, after having been four years lost to the civilised world."

It is reasonable to suppose that the adventures of Captain Ross and his enterprising party, during their absence of four years and a half, will form a most interesting narrative; though it has been surmised that the dangerous experiment will add but little to our knowledge. Commander James Ross is stated to have made some interesting magnetic, meteorological, and other observations; but geography can be little benefited by the journey. This will be seen on the publication of Captain Ross' Journal, which, with the accompanying maps, are in course of preparation under the able editorship of Mr. Barrow, who is understood to have been the originator of the expedition, which led Captain Ross to undertake his recent voyage.

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The liberal and judicious conduct already shown by our Government towards Captain Ross and his crew should not, however, be passed over. Although the crew were actually privately engaged for this expedition, and had consequently no claim on the national purse, the Admiralty has caused them to be paid as if they had been in his Majesty's service; and double pay has been issued to every man for the time out, as was done to the sailors who accompanied Sir Edward Parry. The extent of pay thus issued will amount, we see it estimated, to between four and five thousand pounds; which will give to each man about the net sum of two hundred pounds.'

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Among the honorary tributes already paid to the intrepidity of Captain Ross, are the following. The Gottenburg Society of Science and Literature has enrolled the Captain among its members; and the freedoms of the City of London, and of Liverpool, have been voted to him. The Council of the Geographical Society have also awarded him their annual geographical premium.

At the conclusion of the year 1832, the Duke of Sussex, as President of the Royal Society, in his Anniversary address, had to allude to the probable loss of Captain Ross and his brave companions. At a similar meeting in the present year, on Nov. 30, his Royal Highness feelingly observed: "With sincere pleasure he had now to announce, that the lost had been found; the importance of the discoveries made by the bold adventurer, was of little moment compared with the fact of his unexpected restoration to his family and friends.”+ † Athenæum,

* Literary Gazette.

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HUNGERFORD (NEW) MARKET,
STRAND.

THE revival of Hungerford Market was first agitated about nine years since. The old market had almost become a nuisance to its neighbourhood; and its removal, and the substitution of premises of greater extent suggested itself to a public-spirited Company, upon whose responsibility the handsome new Market, in part represented on the annexed page, has just been completed.

The site of the new Market has been similarly occupied for upwards of a century and a half. Here originally stood Hungerford Inn, the town residence of the Hungerford family, one of the stately mansions which formerly embellished the northern bank of the Thames, and to whose appended gardens we referred in our recent paper on the London Walks and Gardens. Hunger. ford Inn must have stood between York House, and Suffolk, or the present Northumberland, House.

We are not informed of the motives which led the Hungerfords to convert their mansion and gardens into a market, though conjecture attributes it to their waning fortunes. Malcolm tells us that Sir Edward Hungerford, “influenced by the same motives that prompted his illustrious eastern neighbours, determined to sacrifice the honours of his ancestors, at the shrine of Plutus; and obtained an act in the reign of Charles II. to make leases of the site of his mansion and grounds, where a market was soon afterwards erected." This privilege was granted in 1679, but, with the restriction of malt, meal, and grain, from being offered for sale in the Market. In the year 1685, however, the Market rights were fully established, with license to sell the above articles, granted to Sir Stephen Fox, and Sir Christopher Wren, the then proprietors of the Market estate. Of the old premises there were few remains when the new Market was decided on. These were a range of stalls or shops beneath a colonnade, on the west side, and a lofty hall in the centre of the Market-place; but this building had long been divided into stables. In a niche over its entrance was a bust of Sir Edward Hungerford, with an inscription to the purport that Sir Edward erected the Market-place "utilitati publica," or for public utility.

To perfect the buildings and to purchase the Hungerford estate and some adjoining ground, on which they have been erected, was estimated at upwards of 200,0007.; which amount has been raised in shares of 1007. each. The general plan of the Market was to extend the buildings from the Strand to the front of the river, from the design of Mr. Fowler, the architect of the new Market, Covent Garden.

* Londinium Redivivum, vol. iv. p. 308.

The new embankment was commenced in 1830, and the first stone of the building was laid by Lord Dover, on the 18th of June, 1831, so that little more than two years have been occupied in the erection of this great work. The whole area of the Company's estate comprises about three acres and a quarter; of which the Market buildings occupy upwards of 60,000 square feet, or nearly one-half-the remainder being taken up in the wharf, approaches, and accessories; in which are included New Hungerfordstreet, Hungerford Arcade, forming the eastern entrance from the Adelphi; and part of Charles-court, which has been pulled down, and at present remains vacant.

The buildings may be divided into two quadrangles; a large hall; the front facing the river; and the land, or Strand front. The buildings are of fine brick, the columns, (of the Tuscan order,) stairs, pavement, and parts of the frontages being throughout of granite; and the cost of the market-buildings is stated at 53,0007., a moderate sum, considering the great extent and solidity of the work.

The wharf, represented in the first Engraving, has a frontage of more than 220 feet. Spacious and easy granite stairs project from its centre, with a causeway extending 150 feet into the river. This front consists of a central colonnade (with a commodious balus. traded roof or terrace) flanked by two handsome buildings, which have flat roofs, or terraces at the top, formed of tiles and cement upon iron bearers. These buildings are fitted up as taverns, and their terraced roofs will form pleasant prospect galleries, whence the delightful scenery of the Thames, its southern bank, and the verdant Surrey hills, may be enjoyed with the social festivities of "mine inn;" and from the balconied windows, the ardour of a boat-race on the river may be closely witnessed. These taverns, moreover, have distinct entrances from the galleries over the Market-buildings.

The lower quadrangle is devoted exclusively to the Fish Market, and is 120 by 70 feet within the colonnades. There are 24 compartments or shops at the sides, besides a considerable space for stalls and benches under the colonnades; the whole of this space, including the open court and the vaults underneath, forming an extensive range of cellarage.

From the Fish Market the ascent is by a spacious flight of steps leading to the Hall, the dimensions of which are 188 by 123 feet. It consists of a nave and two aisles, besides ranges of shops against the side walls, with galleries over, the latter being approached by four staircases at the extremities. The whole building is lighted and ventilated from above, the centre part or nave being raised by open arches, and the

roofs of the aisles carried up in the centre with open intervals. The floor of the Hall contains twenty-three shops; the eastern side being for the sale of fruit and vegetables, and the western side for poultry, butchers' meat, &c. The galleries contain ranges of counters for the display of ornamental wares, as in a bazaar. Under the whole of this building is a double tier of cellars and warehouses, covered with brick vaulting, and having entrances from various points, so as to be independent of uses connected with the shops above them.

The upper quadrangle is 140 feet by 70 feet in the clear of the colonnades, and is occupied by shops with dwellings, which are appropriated to range with those in the Hall, keeping the two sides quite distinct. The principal approach is from the Strand, (see the second Engraving,) through the New Hungerford-street, which is 163 feet in length and 30 feet wide. The east entrance from Duke-street, Adelphi, is formed by an arcade 12 feet wide, lighted from above, and flanked by shops on each side; over the eastern end of which are erected the court room and offices of the Company, forming a conspicuous and lofty elevation towards the Adelphi. The western entrance is by a court from Craven-street.

Mr. Fowler will be remembered as the architect of the new Covent Garden Market, which has been described as a structure "of great architectural beauty and elegance:" but he is considered to have surpassed his former undertakings in the design and execution of the New Hungerford Market; and a writer in the Morning Chronicle asserts that "there is not to be witnessed, in this or any other country, a building so light and elegant, at the same time so substantial and roomy, or so well suited for its purposes." We are not prepared to accord with every word of this high encomium; though we cheerfully allow the architectural merit of the New Hungerford buildings to be of a superior order. They partake highly of that classic character which, in this country, has but of late years distinguished structures intended for commercial purposes; for, the market-places of old England were indeed unsightly and unpretending piles.

But, there remain other and more important advantages to be considered in connexion with this new Market. The principal of these result from its situation on the bank of the Thames, the life-stream of this vast metropolis. On this account much must be conceded on the scores of convenience, cleanliness, and salubrity. The Fish Market deserves first mention; for the supply of fish will be entirely conveyed by the river, a plan which threatens an alleged monopoly in the old market at Billingsgate-by which close attention to self-interest, the price of the

commodity is enhanced to the consumers, especially to those resident at the west end of the town.* Next, the Company are desirous of encouraging the sale of country-killed meat, (acknowledged to be of superior wholesomeness,) so as to abate the nuisance of driving cattle through the crowded streets, and slaughtering them in the very nucleus of the pent-up city. Thirdly, many of the Essex farmers have turned their attention to market-gardening, and, it is supposed they will gladly avail themselves of this opportu nity of sending their produce to market direct by water carriage; though, this is a minor advantage of the new Market, considering the almost equal proximity of Covent Garden to the river. Altogether, the great extent of the Market premises, as countinghouses, warehouses, vaults, independently of the accommodations for retail dealers, is well adapted for various and important business in provisions, malt, hops, corn, seed, flour, &c.

The New Market was formally opened to the public on the 2nd inst. by what our neighbours would call a féte bourgeoise. Many thousand persons were present, on the river, and in all parts of the Market. The galleries of the lower quadrangle were filled with gay company admitted by tickets. Cannon announced the commencement of the ceremonies, and pealed its joyous thunder at intervals throughout the eventful day. The formal business was by a procession formed of the Market beadle, workmen, contractors, and architect of the Market, with the Directors and other officers of the Company, and the parochial authorities, through the bounds of the premises; and by the Chairman of the Company delivering an appropriate address, followed by a band of music playing "God save the King." The sports then commenced with a regatta: next, a balloon was filled in the lower quadrange, and at four o'clock, Mr. Graham, and two companions,† ascended magnificently. The taverns, their roofs, and the river terrace, with the steps and causeway, were crowded throughout the day; and many were the Johnsonian" thrones of human felicity" set up on this festal occasion in the tavern rooms and roofs; their occupants verifying the great moralist's definition of a tavern chair. Flags streamed in every direction, and music lent its stirring charms to the more substantial fare.

In the evening, the terrace was prettily lit with many-hued lamps, which threw their variegated fires on the river. Fireworks followed; then a ball on the terrace, and the festivities were loud long after the witching and piping time of midnight.

* Probably the female dealers in this portion of the new Market may be of gentler manners than "the ladies of the British fishery," as Goldsmith, with

elegant humour, terms the fishwomen of Billingsgate. Our respected Correspondent, P. T. W. and his

brother.

THE NEW CREATION.

(From the German.)

A NOBLEMAN, who inherited from a rich uncle a large tract of land, that was marshy, unfruitful, and desert, had the waters and fens drained, and all sorts of trees and vegetables planted therein: so that it became a pleasant garden, with a shady, little wood, which extended itself to the village. Some years after, the teacher of his youth visited the nobleman, who showed him how he had drained the lazy moor-ground, and converted it into a beautiful garden. The old teacher beheld all with joy, and extolled the single as the whole. The possessor, however, recounted how much more yet he intended to cultivate it, and inclose in the plantations all sorts of game, and what enjoyment the little creation assured to him. "Thou deservest such," answered the old man," since thou, in godlike man, hast created anew the deadly fen into a habitation of life and joy; but there is wanting one thing to complete this creation." "And what may that be ?" asked the nobleman. "Knowest thou not," said the old man, "that when God the Lord had created the garden of Eden, he placed the man therein ?" The rich inan, however, was silent, and took these words to heart; and when in the next spring, the faithful old teacher visited him again, he led him round about, even to the end of the little wood. Here stood two friendly buildings. Then smiled the old man, squeezed the nobleman's hand, and said, "I knew well that thy heart would understand me. Now has love the work completed." The buildings were, the one an orphan house, the other a school.

W. G. C.

THE "INIMITABLE” BANK NOTE. Ir is, we believe, 'generally known to the mercantile interest in London, that, a few years since, an engraving for a Bank of England note was produced by a celebrated machinist, which was pronounced to be inimitable; and that it was about to be adopted by that establishment as a certain panacea against forgery; the inventer having assured the principals that the machinery requisite to produce an imitation would require a capital of, at least, twenty thousand pounds. It is not, however, so well known what circumstances induced the Bank to relinquish its adoption. The public expectation was excited at the time; but it gradually died away, and the subject has long since been forgotten. The following account may be relied on, as containing an authentic explanation of this now obsolete affair.

One of these alleged "inimitable" notes happened to fall into the hands of a gentleman residing in Cambridgeshire, who was well known in the neighbourhood for

his mechanical genius, and particularly for his skill as an amateur at the lathe.

Upon a minute examination of the note in question, it forcibly occurred to him, that every stroke of the engraving was produced by the geometrical lathe; and, conversing on the subject with a brother ameteur of the wheel, he was confirmed in this opinion by the full concurrence of the latter therein. With this impression they went together to the Bank of England; and being introduced to one of the chief clerks, requested to see one of the new notes; which being handed to them, a conversation ensued, in which the clerk expressed his entire conviction that it would prove a certain preventive to forgery. The result of the interview was the following proposal on the part of the gentlemen: viz. that they would attempt an imitation of the note; and should they be unsuccessful, would take the expense upon themselves; but, if they succeeded, then the expense should be defrayed by the Bank, or the clerk on their behalf. This disinterested proposal was instantly acceded to; and, like gentlemen, the proposers required no other than a verbal gurantee.

Having made this arrangement, they went to an old turner, well known in the trade for his great skill; and one of the notes being submitted to his inspection, he undertook to produce a fac-simile of it in a month. Accordingly, at the expiration of that period, when they again waited on him, he produced a note taken from his engraving, which fully justified their previous opinion as to the mode in which the original note was produced. The engraving itself was on steel of the hardest temper-so much so as to resist, and even spoil, every tool of the same metal the workman applied to it, and he was at length obliged to have recourse to diamond, with which he effected the object.

Perfectly satisfied with the execution of

the work, the gentlemen paid the cost, (which exceeded a hundred pounds;) and repairing to the Bank of England, handed to the same gentleman with whom the agreement was made, half-a-dozen notes, among which was the "inimitable" one, and requested him to select his own. So close, however, was the resemblance of the copy to the original, that he confessed himself unable to do so. It will, then, be scarcely believed, that he refused to pay the expenses incurred, unless he was allowed to take the whole merit of the discovery as his own!

Indignant at this conduct, they demanded to be introduced to the chief cashier. This gentleman, who comprehended in a moment the importance of the discovery, treated them with all the attention their disinterested conduct entitled them to, and without hesitation paid the account; and they subsequently received from him a letter, on behalf of the

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