and under the direction of Mr. Soane. In measures 57 feet in diameter, and about the same in height to the lower part of the lantern; the divisions between the lights are formed by Caryatides; which support the crown of the dome, and have not an unpleasing, though singular effect. The large iron-stoves which formerly stood here, have been removed, and open fire-places introduced, as being more favourable to ventilation. Here also large desks, with pens, ink, &c. are placed for public conveniThis edifice is wholly constructed of incombustible materials, in order to exclude every danger from fire :—and it must be stated that such likewise is the case in all the new buildings erected at the Bank, under the superintendency of its present architect.

ence.

The various offices appropriated to the management of the different Stocks, (excepting the 3 per Cent. Reduced Office,) branch out from the different sides of the Rotunda and its Vestibule; the latter adjoins to the entrance in Bartholomew Lane, and is designed and ornamented with much taste. In the different offices, under the several letters of the Alphabet, are arranged the Books in which the names of all Persous having property in the Funds are registered, as well as the particulars of their respective interests.

The Stock Offices were originally constructed by Sir Robert Taylor, but considerable alterations have been made of late years, and some parts wholly taken down to make way for new and more convenient buildings. The Four per Cent. Office, which is nearly in its primary state, is more noticeable from presenting an exact imitation of the interior of the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, than from being skilfully adapted for business. The roof is sustained by Corinthian columns of stone, with wood capitals; above which, and extending to the walls, are small domes for the admission of light; through this arrangement the rays being thrown directly downwards, are unpleasantly reflected from the white paper of the books. This office measures 64 feet 202

in

in length by 45 broad. The Five per Cent. Office is in the same style of building, and of similar dimensions.*

The Three per Cent. Consol Office was erected by Mr. Soane on the site of the old Bank Stock Office, and an adjoining apartment: it is 89 feet 9 inches in length, and 50 in breadth. `This noble apartment was designed from models of the ancient Roman Baths. It has ornamented piers sustaining a vaulted ceiling, in the centre of which rises an elegant dome, with lantern lights, supported by Caryatides. The soffites of the arches are decorated after the antique, with sunk pannels, roses, and other classical enrichments. Adjoining to this, and built in the same style, is the Three per Cent. Consol Dividend Office, which is in length 64 feet, and in breadth, 45 feet 9 inches: here the dome over the lantern lights is supported by columns in lieu of figures. The new Bank Stock Office is of similar dimensions and architecture, excepting that the dome is supported by pilasters in place of columns.

The following Regulations for conducting the business of the Transfer Offices were made by the Bank Directors, after the conviction of Francis Fenton, one of their Clerks, for Forgery, in September, 1799.

No Transfer to be entered without a Ticket.

No Stock to be allowed to be transferred till it has been accepted.

No Transfer to be entered nor witnessed in any of the offices but by the Clerks belonging to each division in their respective offices. Although a Clerk in one office may not witness a Transfer in another, yet he may be allowed to vouch for the identity of the Party transferring, but must sign his name at length to sach voucher. All other persons who shall vouch for the identity of the Party transferring, must sign their names at length.

All Clerks in the Transfer Offices when they shall see a Person about to sign a Transfer, or an Acceptance, must notify to each person what He or She are about to do, more particularly when the Party appears to be unac. quainted with the business.

The Supervisors are requested to sign the Transfers, adding the letter S at the end of their names.

They are likewise required whenever they meet with any irregularity or omission in a Transfer, to report it immediately to the head of the office.

The Hours of Acceptance are from Nine o'clock till Eleven; aud from half past One till Three o'clock.