THE THAMES* 



Has its source in the Cotswald Hills, Gloucestershire, and forms a stream 

 near Lichlode, navigable for barges. The chief spring, or Thames head, 

 is about three miles from Cheltenham, and from whence it runs its 

 silvery course to Oxford, Henley, Staines, Kingston, Richmond, 

 Brentford, Hammersmith, Battersea, Vauxhall; its broadest part in 

 London is from Westminster bridge to that of Blackfriars ; its course in 

 the Metropolis is semicircular, and it falls into the sea atShearness; it is 

 one hundred and eighty miles in length, and is navigable for one 

 hundred miles. It has fourteen bridges over it, and the flux of the tide 

 reaches to Teddington locks ; it flows up for four hours and a half, and 

 its reflux occupies seven hours and a half, except at Neap tides, when it is 

 five hours running up and seven hours down. Its greatness and its 

 glories are to be found in the history of the country. Its commercial 

 importance is felt in the remotest regions, where the enterprise of man 

 has led him; the flags of all nations wave over its broad bosom, and the 

 forests of masts ever seen on its flowing tides, bespeak the value it is to 

 the civilized world. Its natural advantages are incalculable. So true it 

 is, as the poet sung 



Majestic Thames, 



Rich river, richer than Factors streams, 

 Than those renowned of yore by poets, roll'd 

 O'er intermingled pearls and sands of gold; 

 How glorious thou, when from Old Ocean's urn, 

 Loaded with India's wealth, thy waves return. 

 Alive thy banks ! along each bordering line 

 High culture blooms, inviting villas shine ; 

 And while around ten thousand beauties glow, 

 These still on those redoubling lustre throw. 



COMING IN OP THE TIDE OP THE GANGES. 



Of all the rivers of India the Ganges is the most sacred. It is, in the 

 estimation of the natives, a god, and the most secure way to Heaven is 

 through its waters. Hence, whenever it is possible, the Hindoo comes 



* For a most interesting detailed historical account of this beautiful river, see 

 Tombleson's " Thames and Med way," illustrated with highly splendid steel plates, sold 

 at half its published price, by Lacey, 76, St. Paul's Church Yard. 



