Norman, chiefly the work of Bishop Gundulf in the days of the First Henry; but, as we proceed eastwards, the succeeding styles prevail, the characteristic simplicity and grace of the Early English predominating. Below, the spacious crypt—a forest of pillars and gloomy vaults—is worthy of attention, and certain dungeons may be visited, which look even now sufficiently awe-inspiring. Leaving the precincts, we are not unmindful of Bishop Fisher, the learned adversary and victim of Henry VIII.; nor of a subsequent occupant of the see. Bishop Sprat, now, perhaps, less remembered for his learning and his political notoriety in 1688 than known as the author of some dreary and affected poems.
Quitting the city, and taking a road nearly parallel with the river, we ascend a steep hill whose summit commands a wide and magnificent prospect. The “Medway smooth” of Milton is seen issuing from the barrier of chalky hills which traverse the county and cross several of its river valleys. Pursuing its majestic course, in many a bold curve, through the narrow but fertile vale, at length it widens seawards to complete that union with “Father Thames” so sweetly sung by Spenser. The numerous towers and spires of Rochester and its suburbs are seen rising above trees and shipping, and lower down the busy dockyards and great arsenal of Chatham. The distinctive features, both ancient and modern, of English scenery and civilisation are seen grouped together in striking and comprehensive unity.
Pursuing our pilgrimage across the country, and keeping as long as possible in sight of the “lovely Medua,” as Spenser has termed the river, we admire its green banks, its mazy sinuosities, and the numerous antique churches seated near it, even where extensive lime-works contribute more to utility than to beauty or atmospheric purity. Soon, however, a very different region is reached, for we have to cross the hilly barrier already mentioned, whose steep sides, sprinkled with aged and gnarled yew-trees, are haunted by fresh and cool breezes; hedge-rows and ragged copses are gay with the green clematis, the white-blossomed cornel, and the ever-graceful briony. As we rise towards the open downs the wild plants, which delight in the soil of the chalk formation, display their bright and varied hues. The botanist cannot fail to observe the unusual size and beauty of the wild milkwort, with its calyx of dark blue, pink, or white enclosing its singular and delicate blossom.
On reaching the summit of these heights a truly noble prospect expands before us. The great central plain of Kent, through which the Medway here flows, is seen spreading wide eastwards and westwards, not with that monotony which wearies the eye in some of our agricultural counties, but exulting, as it were, in all the rich variety of cornland, pasture, and hop-grounds, alternating with luxuriant orchards and dark woodlands, while, enclosing the glowing picture with a noble frame, the far-extending downs of Kent and Surrey rise blue in the distance. As we descend into this great inland basin the interest of the journey does not diminish. Winding country-roads lead through this blooming, undulating country, past many an elm-shaded hollow, and along many a breezy ridge, where innumerable larks welcome the sunshine; while old mansions and granges, amidst vast walnut and yew-trees, contribute, with quaint timber cottages and old mills, to enliven the varying scene. At length we reach Maidstone, the capital of this fine district, a town which unites to an aspect of considerable antiquity all the tokens of modern activity and prosperity. It is, indeed, the centre of the Kentish hop-district, and, from its position at the head of the Medway navigation, it has become the seat of various manufactures and considerable local traffic. The bridge commands a pleasing view of the Medway, on whose eastern bank rises an ancient and stately church. Old timber-fronted houses, decorated with fantastic carving, are conspicuous in some of the principal streets. In history, however, Maidstone has not obtained much celebrity, the only recorded event of importance being the storming of the place by Fairfax in 1648.
We bid farewell for a time to the pleasant old kingdom of Kent, leaving Maidstone by the North Kent Railway, which affords frequent glimpses of the Medway and Thames.
W. B.
PROFESSOR BESSEL AND HIS TAILOR.
Bessel, the celebrated astronomer and professor at the University of Königsberg, till his twentieth year, was a clerk in a mercantile house at Bremen, where he devoted the whole of his leisure time to the study of that science which subsequently rendered his name European. By his mercantile engagements he had acquired a taste and knowledge of manufactures, which distinguish him to this day for the elegance and neatness of his wardrobe. Family affairs having called him, a few years ago, for a short time to Leipsic, during the great Michaelmas fair; while sauntering there one day amongst the numerous magazines, and looking at the various articles exposed for sale, with the eye of a connoisseur, he was struck with the beauty and pattern of a piece of a new fabricated cloth which had just been patented at Bradford, and a small sample of which had been sent to Leipsic. Bessel at once bought a few yards for a dress coat. On his return home, he sent for his tailor, and showing him the cloth, the latter admired the article, but declared that the quantity procured was not sufficient. Bessel knew perfectly well that he could not possibly get at Königsberg the stuff required, and in his despair he sent for another tailor, who declared the quantity quite sufficient, and actually brought in a few days the ready coat to the entire satisfaction of the astronomer. On his walk to the University one morning, a schoolboy passed him with his books under his arm, and clad in a jacket of the very same pattern and cloth he was so proud of; stopping the lad, he inquired of him to whom he belonged, and was not a little surprised to learn that the father was the very tailor who made him the coat. There was no doubt now, that the tailor had found the quantity ample enough, to cut out of the excess a jacket for his boy. He asked the boy to accompany him home for a few minutes, whence he sent for his first tailor; the latter having
