ardson," is indeed highly to the honour of all concerned; for our seamen, after experiencing the hardships and dangers of a maritime life, have a just claim to expect to finish their days, sheltered from want and the vicissitudes of fortune; and it certainly must be a consolatory reflec tion to them, that in case of necessity they have such an asylum."

They then entered the building, the whole arrangement of which, and the beauty of the paintings, greatly pleased them; an old seaman leading the way, explaining the various subjects, and giving every information concerning the management of the hospital.

My dear Sir," said Charles, "how truly did you say, that good actions communicate pleasure whenever they are reflected on! for what a satisfaction must a survey of this charity have given to those who willingly contributed towards it, when it makes even my heart glow with delight, that am simply a spec

tator."

Having examined every particular of the hospital, they walked to the park, whose beautiful situation and delightful views so entirely employed their thoughts, that their father was more than once obliged to remind them it was far beyond their usual dinner hour. At length they forced themselves away, and entering the carriage, Mr. Richardson ordered it to Blackheath, where they found a dinner provided for them at the inn.

Having made a hasty meal, they proceeded to view the curious cavern discovered in the year 1780, on the left side of the ascent to Blackheath; and having procured a guide, they entered it.

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The guide led the way with a lan

tern, down a regular flight of steps composed of chalk, and at least fifty feet from the surface of the earth, at the entrance, and, as the guide informed them, at the extremity of the cavern 160 feet. They then reached the apartments, which are seven in number, and where the

guide lighted up candles. Some of these apartments are from twelve to thirty-six feet wide each way, and have a communication with each other, by arched avenues. The sides and roof of these are chalk, the bottom of sand: some of the apartments have large conical domes, upwards of thirty-six feet high, supported by columns of chalk, and in one of them is a well of very fine water, twenty-seven feet deep.

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Papa," said Mary, "can any judgment be formed for what these caverns. were made ?"

"None certain," replied Mr. Richardson. "These which you now see, as you were before informed, were discovered by accident; but Camden, a learned historian, who wrote in the time of James the First, in his survey of the county of Kent, informs us, that in many parts of this county are to be found pits of great depth, very narrow at the entrance, but very spacious beneath, where they have distinct chambers or apart

i

ments, supported by pillars of chalk. As these pits are never found but in a chalky or marly soil, he judges that they were made by the ancient Britons, who dug from them chalk to manure their lands. He then informs us, that Tacitus, a Roman writer, observes, that the English Saxons were accustomed to dig coverts and holes under-ground, as places of refuge from the cold of the winter, and also as receptacles for their corn, as they could there conceal it from their enemies."

Charles and Mary were not soon weary of exploring this cavern: but Mr. Richardson observing the latter shuddered, and complained of extreme cold, desired the guide to lead the way out.

"How amazingly curious!" said Mary, as they reached the top of the stairs, and again beheld the rays of the sun, which was setting as splendidly as possible, for the last of October," yet how gladly do I again see the cheerful light! I shall hereafter

consider it with redoubled pleasure; for how dreadful must a dwelling be where it never enters !"

"Dreadful indeed," resumed her father; "yet, how many are condemned to labour in the bowels of the earth where no beam of cheerful sunshine can ever perforate, to dig for metals and minerals for the use of their more fortunate fellowcreatures, who never consider the sorrow and labour they have been procured with!" My dear Sir," said Charles," when I have made myself master of the history of my own country, I know no study that would afford me so much pleasure as natural history."

"You are perfectly right, Charles," answered his father. "No pursuit is more pleasant, nor better calculated to improve the mind; I therefore think your intention commendable."

"I think I have heard," said Mary, "that the county of Kent is particularly famous for cherries!"

It is so," replied her father. "Cher