n conceived since the commencement of the
disputes which terminated in the separation of the American States.
The plan of it is known to be partly that of Mr. Jeremy Bentham. The
culprits are confined in circular buildings, the windows of which are so
constructed, that the overseer from his room in the centre may be able
to view every one of their rooms. The external wall encloses no less
than eighteen acres of ground, within which are six of these circular
buildings, each capable of lodging and employing from 150 to 200
prisoners, with a chapel, infirmary, and other conveniences. Its
situation is called Millbank."

"It looks," said Bob, "like a castle, or tower, of impregnable
strength."

"It is, however," continued Tom, "a useful institution, since it
supersedes that indiscriminate transportation so long practised, and
which, as applied to definite periods, was cruel and unjust, since the
wretched objects were precluded from the power of ever returning
to their native land, however short the intended period of their
banishment. This part of the world is much improved of late years. The
Bridge we are now passing, is an admirable light and elegant structure,
but recently erected, according to the plan of Mr. J. Walker, and
connects, as you perceive, by a straight line of road with Hyde Park
Corner. The road before us leads to Newington Cross, and thence by
various ways to the City. The Bridge consists of nine arches, of equal
span, in squares of cast iron, on piers of rusticated stone formed of
fragments, united by means of Parker's cement. Its width is 809 feet,
the span of the arches 78 feet, the height 29 feet, and the clear
breadth of the road way is 36 feet. It cost above 300,000L. But we
shall shortly cross another bridge, far surpassing it in point of
magnificence."

"It is wonderful indeed," said Bob, "that in a country complaining of
a starving population, such serious sums of money should be expended in
the erection of splendid mansions and magnificent bridges."

~70~~ "Not at all," was the reply, "for perhaps it is one of the
best ways of expending, as it gives employment to thousands who would
otherwise have become beggars on private charity, or paupers on public
bounty, either of which is revolting to the mind of an Englishman:
besides, if your observation applied at all, it would cut at every
improvement of the day; and you should recollect, that, whether upon
true foundations or not, every generation