[1] We quote these passages from an excellent description
of Virginia Water, in the Third Series of the London
Magazine, and, for the most part quoted in vol. xii. of _The
Mirror_. The reader should turn to these pages.

Many persons may be disposed to question the taste of the Boat-house
in the Engraving. Its style is toy-like, and too artificial to suit
our idea of picturesque propriety. It was built by direction of the
late King, and its design or approval was probably one of his labours
of leisure. It is less decorated and fantastical than other buildings
in its vicinity, and perhaps deserves the faint praise of prettiness.
Grave persons dislike the little bells attached to the lantern-like
part of the roof, and consider them too closely allied to the cap of
folly. Perhaps this objection to the building itself will only make
the contiguous scenery more delightful. Of its varied character, the
Engraving furnishes an accurate idea, since the original sketch was
made in the course of last year. We could linger amidst these sylvan
glories all the live long day, with a canopy of foliage just to
shelter us from the heat of the meridian sun.

* * * * *


PEERAGE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

(_For the Mirror_.)


To the Barons of England, of a truth, it may be said, man is indebted