round the docks, and then bent our steps towards the heights, and along
the delightful walk which leads to the Hot Wells and Clifton.

To attempt a just description of the magnificent and romantic scenery
which surrounds Clifton, as it is viewed from the Downs, would occupy
more space than our limits will allow us to devote to the beauties of
landscape; and would, besides, interfere with an intention which Transit
and myself have in view at some future period of our lives, namely,
the making a topographical and characteristic tour through the United
Kingdoms, which being divided into counties, ~294~~and embracing not
only the historical and the picturesque, will be enlivened by all the
humorous vagaries, eccentric characters, and peculiar sports of each,
written in a colloquial style; and embracing the lingual localisms,
proverbs, and provincialisms of the inhabitants: thus producing a
humorous but most correct view of the present state of society and
manners. The materials for such a work have gradually presented
themselves during the progress of the present eccentric volumes; but, as
our object here has been good-humoured satire joined to comic sketches
of existing persons and scenes, more in the way of anecdote than
history, we hope to meet with the same kind friends in a more extended
work, among those who have journeyed onwards with us through two
years--pleasantly we must suppose, by their continued support; and
profitably, we are gratefully bound to acknowledge, to all parties
interested. An early dinner at Clifton, and a pleasant walk back by the
terrace-road, brought us once more into the busy streets of Bristol,
where after sauntering away the time until five o'clock, we mounted a
Bath coach, and started forwards with a fresh impetus, and much promise
of amusement, to explore the territories of King Bladud.

[Illustration: page294]

[Illustration: page295]

SKETCHES IN BATH.

~235~~

First View of the elegant City--Meeting with Old Blackstrap
--Domicile at the Castle Tavern--Matthew and Mrs. Temple
worthy Characters--Sportsmans Hall--Bath Heroes of the Turf
the Ring, and the Chace--Portraits and Peculiarities drawn
from the Life.

May I ne'er flutter in the thoughtless train
With fashion's elves, the giddy, and the vain;
May I ne'er stroll again with Milsom swells
To Tully's shop, or lounge with pump-room belles;
May I