The chasteness and beauty of the Ionic style of architecture adopted in this magnificent edifice have been much and justly admired. The centre, and the east and west fronts are adorned by lofty porticos, each supported by eight Ionic columns. The centre of the building is surmounted by a magnificent dome, lighted by sixteen windows, and ornamented round by pilasters. Inclosed within the outer dome is a smaller one encircled by twelve windows, so as to afford sufficient light to the Long Room. The interior of this building will amply repay the stranger for a visit. The grand front is opposite Castle-street; and, entering in this direction, the first object which claims attention is the massive grouping of the pilasters which support the floor of the Long Room over head. The stairs, flanked by handsome iron balustrades,--the landing-places supported by eight Ionic stone columns, each of a single piece,--the four pilasters, and the elaborate ceilings,--are all deserving of particular attention. The Long Room is altogether splendidly designed and executed; lighted by fourteen windows on the sides, and by twelve as already observed, in the inner dome. The ceiling is divided by lateral and transverse beams into regular compartments, all beautifully ornamented. At each of the opposite ends of this noble apartment are a corresponding flight of stairs and landing-places. But to convey a just description of this monument to the genius of commerce is at once difficult and tedious; we therefore recommend all who may visit Liverpool, as admirers of its docks, harbours, and splendid edifices, to devote an hour to the Custom-house--a building which reflects great honour upon the architect, and serves as a lasting ornament to the second city of the empire. [Illustration: ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH, LIVERPOOL. (from St. George's Basin)] ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH AND ST. GEORGE'S BASIN, LIVERPOOL. "Here have the wild deer bounded,--here the trees Waved, a wide-spreading forest, in the breeze! Then came the woodman's axe,--the forest fell,-- The shrine arose, and peal'd the chapel bell;-- The crowd of pilgrims and the sound of prayer Disturbed the woodland savage in his lair.... What hear we now!--what see we in the gale! The city's shout,--the far-expanding sail,-- The crowded Mart,--the tramp of busy feet-- And wheels that shake the densely-peopled street."