his estate for some months in every
year. She had dressed her head with wild-flowers of every hue; her gown
"was a blue watered silk; and from her waist hung, by way of
_chatelaine_, a string of locks. A number of keys graced her companion's
girdle", but we are unable to say if his quays belonged to her locks.

Upon the introduction of these illustrious characters to the Royal
Commission the usual question--"Have you anything to say about the
Corporation?"--was put to them, and FATHER THAMES at once gave his
evidence, in his usual flowing style:

"Had for many years been committed to the care of the Corporation, but
had received at their hands nothing but ill treatment. Remembered that
many aquatic plants once adorned the whole course of his stream. Had
been told by worthy MASTER CAMDEN that those curious botanists, DR.
PLUKENET and MR. DOODY, found on the Thames at Westminster, bitter
cresses, the three-cornered bulrush, the water reed grass with an
oat-like pannicle, and a great pond-weed with pellucid leaves. Believed
that the same locality could not now produce a reed worth a rush.
Remembered that salmon, lampreys, mullet, and other fish, used to ascend
his stream above Westminster, until the Corporation suffered that stream
to be polluted by various abominations. Never saw any fish now,
excepting those which were thrown in, dead, by the clerk of the markets.
Had heard of Whitebait; but had never seen any. Believed them to be no
fish--but a composition of lard, flour, and gold-beaters' skin. Had some
Swans still, but they never sang now. Did not think any one would listen
to them if they did, as 'The Song of the Turtle' had superior
attractions. Remembered to have heard three of them singing 'Water
parted from the Sea,' to MR. POPE, one evening, at Twickenham. On
another occasion, had heard TAYLOR, the Water Poet, trying to teach them
'A Boat, a Boat unto the Ferry.' Believed they ceased to sing when the
City gave up its poet laureate. Thought there should be Writers to the
Cygnet in London, as well as in Edinburgh, but they must not write in
Scotch, as the swans would sing no Scotch song, except, perhaps, "Wha'll
buy Caller Herrin?" Had not seen a Naiad for many years, and thought the
last had emigrated to Ball's Pond, and set up as a clear starcher. Had
been much reduced in size by these and other troubles, but regretted to
say the Corporation had taken advantage of his diminished channel to
build upon his sides