ated in the curricle.

"Greenwich," said Tom, "is not a very long journey, nor do I know,
speaking of the town itself, independent of its surrounding attractions,
particularly to be admired, though it is a neat town, about five miles
from London Bridge, in the county of Kent, with a market on Wednesdays
and Saturdays. It is however, famous for an hospital for decayed Seamen,
the brave defenders of their native soil, who have fought and bled for
their king and country; thought to be the finest structure of the kind
in the world, and for an observatory built by Charles II. on the summit
of a hill, called Flamstead Hill, from the great astronomer of that
name, who was here the first astronomer Royal: and we compute the
longitude from the meridian of this place. It is also a place of great
resort at holiday time, for being so near London. The Lads and Lasses
move off in groups to Greenwich fair, and the amusements at those times
are of so varying a kind as almost to defy description.

"The hills and dales are lined
With pretty girls all round."

~156~~And there are but few who have had an opportunity, but have
occasionally enjoyed a roll down this hill. The roads leading to the
sporting spot are to be seen clogged with coaches, carts, and waggons,
decorated with laurel, and filled with company, singing their way down
or up to participate in the frolics of Greenwich fair. It is however,
much more celebrated for its once having been a Royal Palace, in which
Edward VI. died, and Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were born. On a part
of the site of it, now stands the house belonging to the Ranger of the
Park at Greenwich, also a College called the Duke of Norfolk's College,
for the maintenance of 20 decayed Housekeepers, and another called Queen
Elizabeth's, as well as a Royal Naval asylum for the orphans of Sailors
and Marines; and although we are going down when there is no fair to
attract multitudes to the spot, I can still promise you more solid
entertainment in a review of these truly splendid and useful national
establishments, besides which, the town affords plenty of good
accommodation for refreshment and comfort."

By this time they had passed Westminster Bridge on their road. Bob
thanked his cousin for the information he had imparted, but as the
objects and subjects directly under his eye generally engrossed his
immediate attention, he could not resist the impulse of the moment,
as they turned the