Bath, a city in Somersetshire, is noted for the beauty of its buildings. These, consisting almost entirely of stone, present a finer appearance than any other city in England. The river Avon runs through the midst of it. There is an elegant bridge over the river, and it has been made navigable as far as Bristol. Bath owes its celebrity to its medicinal springs. These must have been discovered very early, as we find that the Romans had fixed a station, and erected baths here A, D. 43. Their reputation has continually increased, and invalids now resort to them from all quarters. The principal springs are those called the King's and Queen's. The temperature of the coolest is 97°, of the warmest, 117° of Fahrenheit. The medicinal properties in all are nearly the same. Bath is also frequented by great numbers for pleasure as well as health. For these the numerous public buildings and hotels afford ample accommodation. Of the former the pump-room, beside the King's bath, and the assembly rooms, said to be the best adapted for the purpose of any in the kingdom, are the most conspicuous. The Abbey Church, or cathedral, is a fine building. It was founded by Bishop King in 1495, but not finished till 1582. It has lately been much improved. In the east end of the church Prior Birde's chapel presents a beautiful specimen of tracery. Amongst the numerous monu

ments those of Sir W. Waller, the Parliamentary General Quin, the actor, Beau Nash, and Dr Haweis, one of the founders of the Church Missionary Society, claim attention. The Guildhall, situated in the High Street, is a noble building. Close to it is the market, which is abundantly supplied with provisions of every kind, but especially with fish. In Bath there are twenty-four churches and chapels, belonging to the Established Church, and sixteen Dissenting chapels. There are several hospitals, alm-houses, and charity schools. There is a well managed theatre also. Four newspapers are published here. The city is divided for municipal purposes into seven wards, and is governed by a mayor, fourteen aldermen, and forty-one councillors. It returns two members to Parliament. Bath and Wells form a diocese extending over the county of Somerset, and contains 388 parishes. The Thames and Severn are united by a canal called the Kennet and Avon, which passes from Bath to Newburgh. The population in 1841 was 38,304.

About 8 miles from Bath is Bradford, the inhabitants of which are chiefly engaged in the manufacture of fine broad cloths. The church is an ancient edifice containing several handsome monuments. Population, 3352. About two miles farther is Trowbridge, of which Crabbe the poet was rector. It is celebrated for the manufacture of the best kerseymeres in the kingdom. Population of the parish, 10,592.

Three miles from Trowbridge, and 14 from Bath, is Westbury, a town of considerable antiquity, with a venerable church containing several monuments. Pop. of par. 7588, Some distance beyond Westbury is Erle Stoke Park, the mansion of Sir J. C. Hobhouse. Nine miles from Trowbridge, in another direction, and 13 from Bath, is the large and populous town of Frome, situated on the river of the same name. It is noted for its ale. The inhabitants are chiefly employed in the woollen manufacture. It returns one member to Parliament, Population of town and parish, 11,849.

Nearly 12 miles from Frome, and 18 from Bath, is Shepton Mallet, which carries on an extensive manufacture of knit-stockings, and woollen goods. The market cross, erected in 1500, is a curious structure, consisting of five arches supported by pentagonal columns, and adorned with sculpture. Population of parish, 5265.

About 4 miles from Shepton Mallet, 18 from Bath, and 17 from Bristol, is the ancient city of Wells, forming a bishop's see jointly with Bath. It derived its origin from a collegiate church erected in 1704. The cathedral is a spacious Gothic structure, and is reckoned one of the most splendid specimens of this order of architecture in England. The west front, in particular, is much admired. The cathedral is open to the public. In the Episcopal palace Bishop Kidder and his lady were killed by a portion of the building falling in during the great storm in 1703. The chapter house and St Cuthbert's Church are also worth notice. Wells returns two members to Parliament. Annual races are held here. Population, 7050.

About 5 miles from Wells is the town of Glastonbury, where stood the famous Abbey of that name, one of the richest and most powerful monastic institutions in England. The last abbot was hanged on account of his refusal to surrender the abbey to Henry VIII. The ruins of the monastery contain the ashes of King. Arthur, King Edgar, and many illustrious nobles and prelates, but their monuments are now defaced or demolished. The only parts of the monastery in tolerable preservation are the chapel of St Joseph, and the abbot's kitchen. In the centre of the town stands the cross, a venerable but decaying structure. The church of St John is a handsome building, surmounted by a beautiful tower, and that of St Benedict is a venerable edifice erected by Abbot Beer. On a hill northeast of the town is the Tor or St Michael's Tower, the only remaining portion of a church and monastery which formerly stood there. The George Inn was formerly an hospital for pilgrims to the shrine of St Joseph. Population of parish, 3314.

XXVII, GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY TO BATH AND BRISTOL, 118 Miles.