e Strand Bridge; it is acknowledged to be
one of the most majestic structures of the kind, perhaps, in the known
world, and was built under the direction of the late Mr. Rennie, to
whose memory it is said a monument is intended to be erected. The Bridge
consists of nine equal arches, and like the bridges of the ancients,
is perfectly flat, which you perceive the road we are now travelling is
not, for in some instances you may look over the wall upon another world
below, as we are above the tops of the houses. Its being level is a
circumstance highly favourable to the draught of carriages across it,
and without any apparent subtraction from its beauty. We will alight
here and walk leisurely across, taking time for remark."

The servants now took charge of the curricle, with orders to wait at the
corner of the Strand, while our heroes, having each deposited his penny
at the toll-house, strolled forward.

Tallyho appeared delighted with the views around him: In the front, a
fine prospect of one of the finest cities in the world, and behind an
equally pleasing sight over the Surrey Hills. The day being fine,
and the sun darting his refulgent beams on the bosom of the Thames,
contributed to form, altogether, one of the most enraptured sights he
had ever beheld. The passing and repassing of boats and barges
below; and carriages, horsemen, and pedestrians, crossing the bridge,
alternately attracted his attention.

"Each arch of this bridge," said Dashall, "is 120 feet span; the piers
20 feet thick, with Tuscan columns; the width between the parapets 42
feet; these footpaths are seven feet each, and the road-way is 28
feet. The cost has been immense, and it is not likely that the original
subscribers will ever realize the capital expended."

~72~~ At this moment the sound of music attracted the ears of Tallyho.

"What have we here?" said he, thrusting his head through the
balustrades, by which he found himself almost suffocated with smoke,
which stopped further enquiry.

"Behold," said Tom, "another improvement of the age; that is the
Richmond Steam Boat, proceeding with a cargo of live stock to that
celebrated place of public resort, and, in spite of wind and weather,
will return in the evening. They always have a band of music on board,
for the amusement of their passengers."

"Zounds," said Bob, "they ought to have a smoke-consumer."

"They had one just now," replied Tom; "for I apprehend you assisted them
in some d