LETTER I.

_GENERAL DESCRIPTION._

These did the ruler of the deep ordain, To build proud navies, and to rule the main.

_Pope's Homer's Iliad_, book vi. line 45. [?]

Such [place hath] Deptford, navy-building town, Woolwich and Wapping, smelling strong of pitch; Such Lambeth, envy of each band and gown, And Twickenham such, which fairer scenes enrich.

_Pope's Imitation of Spenser._

Et cum coelestibus undis Æquoreæ miscentur aquæ; caret ignibus æther, Cæcaque nox premitur tenebris hiemisque suisque; [Discutiunt] tamen has, præbentque micantia lumen Fulmina; fulmineis ardescunt ignibus undæ.

_Ovid. Metamorph._ lib. xi. [vv. 519-523].

The Difficulty of describing Town Scenery--A Comparison with certain Views in the Country--The River and Quay--The Shipping and Business--Ship-Building--Sea-Boys and Port-Views--Village and Town Scenery again compared--Walks from Town--Cottage and adjoining Heath, &c.--House of Sunday Entertainment--The Sea: a Summer and Winter View--A Shipwreck at Night, and its Effects on Shore--Evening Amusements in the Borough--An Apology for the imperfect View which can be given of these Subjects.