bbey is noted for the mixed character of its architecture.
Such a confused blending of styles is very rarely to be met with in any
of our English cathedrals. There is no such thing as uniformity and no
possibility of tracing out the original architect's plan; it has been so
altered by later builders.

The Norman pillars of the nave still remain, but they are surmounted by
a vaulted Gothic roof. The side aisles of the choir are also Norman, but
this heavier work is most beautifully screened from view and completely
panelled over with the light tracery of the later Perpendicular.

It is almost impossible to adequately describe the beauties of this
noble choir. The architect seems to have been inspired, in the face of
unusual difficulty, to preserve all that was beautiful in the work of
his predecessors, and to blend it in a marvellous manner with his more
perfect conceptions. There is nothing sombre or heavy about it. It is a
perfect network of tall, slender pillars and gauzy tracery, and at the
east end there is the finest window to be seen in this country,
harmonising in the colour of its glass with the rest of the building;
shedding, in the sun's rays, no gloomy, heavy colourings, but bright
golden, creamy white, and even pink tints, on the receptive freestone,
which, unlike marble, is not cold or forbidding, but naturally warm and
pleasing to the eye.

To conclude this brief description, we can choose no better words than
these: "Gloria soli Deo."

They occur on the roof of the choir at its junction with the nave, and
explain the unity and harmony which exists amidst all this diversity.
Each successive architect worked with this one object in view, the glory
of God alone, and so he did not ruthlessly destroy, but recognised the
same purpose in the work of his predecessors and endeavoured to blend
all into one harmonious whole, thus leaving for future ages a lesson
written in stone which churchmen of the present day would do well to
learn.

Early in the year 188--, I was appointed Precentor of this cathedral,
and in the course of duty was brought much in contact with Dr. F., the
organist.

It was my custom frequently, after service, to join him in the
organ-loft and to discuss various matters of interest connected with our
own church and the outside world. He was a most charming companion; a
first-rate organist and master of theory, and a man of large experience
and great general culture.

One morning, soon af