vy, I'm told it's to be carried right across the channel in time, and then the few good ones ve have left vill be marching off to the enemy." This conceit amused the countess exceedingly, and was followed by many other equally strange expressions and conjectures; among which, Crony contrived to persuade him that great amusement was to be derived in bobbing for mackerel and turbot with the line: a pleasure combining so much of profit in expectancy that the old citizen was, at last, induced to admit the utility of the chain-pier. Retracing our steps towards the Steyne, we had one more good laugh at our companion's credulity, who expressed great anxiety to know what the huge wheel was intended for, which is at the corner by the barrier, and throws up water for the use of the town; but which, Crony very promptly assured him, was the grand action of the improved roasting apparatus at the York hotel. We now bade farewell to our amusing companion, and proceeded to view the new plunging bath at the bottom of East-street, built in the form of an amphitheatre, and surrounded by dressing-rooms, with a fountain in the centre, from which a continued supply of salt-water is obtained. The advantages may be great in bad weather; but to my mind there is nothing like the open sea, particularly as confined water is always additionally cold. On our arrival at home, a parcel from London brought the enclosed from Tom Echo, upon whom the sentence of rustication has, I fear, been productive of fresh follies. [Illustration: page323] Dear Heartily, Having cut college for a _bolt_ to the _village_,{8} I expected to have found you in the _bay of condolence_,{9} but hear you left your _moorings_ lately 8 London, so called at Oxford. 9 The consolation afforded by friends when _plucked_ or rusticated. ~324~~to _waste the ready_ among the _sharks_ at Brighton. Though not quite at _point nonplus_, I am very near the _united kingdoms_ of _Sans Souci and Sans Sixsous_,{10} and shall bring to, and wait for company, in the province of Bacchus. I have only just quitted _AEager Haven_, and been very near the _Wall_{11}; have sustained another dreadful fire from _Convocation Castle,_{12} which had nigh shattered my _fore-lights_, and was very near being _blown up_ in attempting to pass the _Long Hope_.{13} If you wish to save an old Etonian from _east jeopardy_,{14} set sail directly, and tow me out of the _river Tick_ into the _region of rejoicing_; then will we get _bosky_ together, sing old songs, tell merry tales, and _spree_ and _sport_ on the _states of Independency_. Yours truly, The _Oxford rustic_, London. TOM ECHO.