We moderns seem to think it a task sufficiently difficult to set up a sound public time-piece without connecting therewith the wonder-working machinery of a wax-work exhibition. The CLOCK AT WELLS CATHEDRAL, made originally A.D. 1340, by a monk named Peter Lightfoot, is one of the best known of its class still in some sort of working order. The dial of this horologe is divided into 24 hours; it shows the motion of the sun and moon, and bears upon its summit eight armed knights on horseback, tilting with lance in rest at one another, by a double rotatory motion. This clock was removed from Glastonbury to Wells after the dissolution of the Glastonbury Monastery. In 1835 the works were so worn away that they were replaced by a new train, the curious old dial and equestrian knights being still retained. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | [Illustration: Wells Cathedral Clock.] | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ ST DUNSTAN'S CLOCK [see p. 137]. This Clock, when old St Dunstan's Church in Fleet Street was pulled down, was sold by public auction, and bought by the late Marquis of Hertford, for whom Decimus Burton the architect erected St Dunstan's Villa in the Regent's Park. In the grounds of that villa this old clock with its automaton giants striking the hours and quarters was put up, and it is there still, to be seen in full working order, performing the same duties as of yore in Fleet Street. ST JAMES'S PALACE CLOCK [see p. 138] is one of the most ancient public time-pieces now in use, but is intended soon to be removed it is said to South Kensington Museum. It has a locking-plate with ting-tang quarter, the quarter hammers being raised from the pin wheel while the striking hammer is lifted from the pins in the main wheel. It has a crown-wheel escapement with teeth on its edge, and the pallets working upright instead of over the top like a verge escapement. The hands are connected by the bevel wheels below the clock. The whole of the going train with the intermediate and bevel wheels are attached to the one bar so that the whole of the works have to be removed if one piece requires alteration or renewal. The pendulum rod is of iron. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | [Illustration: St Dunstan's Clock.] | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+