prietors resolved to erect it with wood. The structure was accordingly erected in 1740.

It was a noble edifice, somewhat resembling the Pantheon at Rome. The external diameter was 185 feet, the internal 150. The entrances were by four Doric porticos opposite each other, and the first story was rustic. Round the whole, on the outside, was an arcade, and over it a gallery, the stairs to which were at the porticos; and over head was slated covering, which projected from the body of the rotundo. Over the gallery were the windows, sixty in number; and over them the slated roof.

The first object that struck the spectator, in the inside, was what was formerly the orchestra, but was called the fire place, erected in the middle of the rotundo, reaching to the ceiling, and supporting the roof; but it being found too high to give the company the full entertainment of the music, the performers were removed into another orchestra, erected in the space of the porticos. The former, however, remained. It was a beautiful structure, formed by four triumphal arches of the Doric order, divided from each other by proper intervals, which, with the arches, formed an octagon. The pillars were divided into two stories. The first were painted in imitation of marble: the second were painted white, and fluted; and the base of each was lined with looking-glass, against which were placed the patent lamps. The pillars were surmounted by termini of plaster of Paris. The inside of the four arches was decorated with masks, musical instruments, &c. painted in pannels, on a sky-blue ground. The eight compartments which were made by the termini, and were formerly open, were decorated with paintings of niches, with vases. Two of the compartments over the arches were ornamented with figures painted in stone colour; in a third, was a clock; and, in the fourth, a wind-dial. The pillars, which formed the four triumphal arches, were the principal support of the roof, which, for size and manner of construction, was not to be equalled in Europe. The astonishing genius of the architect was here concealed from view by the ceiling; but it may be easily conceived, that such a roof could not be supported by any of the ordinary methods; and if the timberworks above had been laid open, they would have struck the spectator with amazement.

The space on which the structure stood, was inclosed by

Y

a balustrade; and in the centre of it, was one of the most curious contrivances that ever the judgment of man could form. It consisted of a fire-place that could not smoke, or become offensive. In cold weather it rendered the rotunda warm and comfortable. The chimney had four faces, and by tins over each of them, which were taken off at pleasure, the heat was increased or diminished; but the chief merit consisted in having surmounted the many difficulties, and almost impossibilities, in erecting and fixing this fire-place, which every architect, on the slightest examination, must have instantly perceived. The faces were formed by four stone arches, and over each of them was a stone pediment. The corners of the four faces were supported by eight pieces of canon, with iron spikes driven into them, and filled up with lead. These had the appearance of black marble pillars. In the fixing of these, for the support of the whole chimney, several ineffectual attempts were made before a durable position was hit on. On the pediments, and in the space between each of them, were eight flower-branches of small glass lamps, which, when lighted, looked extremely brilliant, and had a pleasing effect. Above the pediments were four niches in wood, in each of which was a painting; and over them was a dome, which terninated this inner structure. The chimney, which proceeded to the top of the rotunda, was of brick.

The band of music consisted of a select number of performers, vocal and instrumental, accompanied by an organ. The concert began about seven o'clock, and after singing several songs, and playing several pieces of music, at proper intervals, the entertainment closed about ten.

Round the rotunda were 47 boxes for the accommodation of the company, with a table and cloth spread in each. In these they were regaled, without any further expence, with tea or coffee. In each of these boxes was a painting of some droll figure; and between each box hanged a large bell lamp with one candle in it. The boxes were divided from each other by wainscoting and square pillars. The latter were in front, and being each of them main timbers, were part of the support of the roof. Each pillar was cased ; and the front of every other pillar was ornamented, from top to bottom, with an oblong square looking-glass in a gilt frame, high above which was an oval looking-glass in a gilt frame; the intervening pillars being each ornamented

with a painting of a vase with flowers, surmounted by an oval looking-glass in a gilt frame: and over each box was a painted imitation of a red curtain fringed with gold.

Before the droll paintings above-mentioned were put up, the backs of the boxes were all blinds that could be taken down at pleasure. But it being apprehended, that many persons might catch cold by others indiscreetly moving them at improper times, it was resolved to put up paintings, and to fix them. These paintings were made for blinds to the windows at the time of the famous masquerades: the figures, at that distance, looked very well, and seemed to be the size of real life; but now, being brought too near to view, they looked preposterous. At the back of each box was formerly a pair of folding-doors, which opened into the gardens, and were designed for the conveniency of going in and coming out of them, without being obliged to go to the grand entrances. Each of these boxes would commodiously hold eight per

sons.

Over the boxes was a gallery, fronted with a balustrade, and pillars painted in the resemblance of marble encircled with festoons of flowers in a spiral form, and surmounted by termini of plaster of Paris. This gallery contained the like number of boxes, with a lamp in the front of each.

At the distance of 12 boxes from the orchestra, on the right hand, was the Prince's box, for the reception of any of the Royal Family. It was hung with paper, and ornamented in the front with the Prince of Wales's crest.

Round the fire-place were a number of tables, and benches covered with red baize, their backs painted with festoons of flowers on a sky-blue ground.

The surface of the floor was plaster of Paris, over which was a mat, to prevent the company from catching cold by walking upon it. The mat answered another useful purpose; for, if the company had walked on boards, the noise made by their heels would have been so great, that it would have been impossible to have heard any thing else. The ceiling was a stone-coloured ground, on which, at proper intervals, were oval pannels, each of which had a painting of a beautiful celestial figure on a sky-blue ground. Festoons of flowers, and other ornaments, connected these oval pannels with each other, and with some smaller

square pannels, on which were Arabesque ornaments in stone colour, on a dark brown ground. From the ceiling descended 28 chandeliers, in two circles: each chandelier was ornamented with a gilt coronet, and the candles were contained in 17 bell lamps. Twenty chandeliers were in the external circle, and eight in the internal. When all these lamps were lighted, it may be imagined that the sight must have been glorious; no words can express its grandeur; and then did the masterly disposition of the architect, the proportion of the parts, and the harmonious distinction of the several pieces, appear to the greatest advantage; the most minute part, by this effulgence, lying open to inspec tion. The propriety and artful arrangement of the several objects were expressive of the intention of this edifice; and this, indeed, might have been said of Ranelagh, that it was one of those public places of entertainment, that for beauty, elegance, and grandeur, was not to be equalled in Europe.

Formerly this rotundo was a place for public breakfasting: but that custom being regarded as detrimental to society, by introducing a new species of luxury, was suppressed by act of parliament in all places of entertainment. Ranelagh was not a place of note, till it was honour ed, in the late reign, with the famous masquerades, which brought it into vogue; after which, for several years, it retained the favour of the public. But these masquerades being thought to have a pernicious tendency, have been long discontinued; although that entertainment had been sometimes revived on very extraordinary occasions. Fireworks of late years were often exhibited in the gardens, in a magnificent style, accompanied by a representation of an eruption of Mount Etna, &c.

Such was Ranelagh, for it is now no more! It was disposed of and converted to other purposes about a twelvemonth ago! We have, however, retained our former description of it, because it is curious and interesting, and some of our readers may be gratified by this account of a place which once contributed in so great a degree to the amusement of the Public.

RANMER COMMÓN, an elevated and extensive common, one mile from Dorking, commanding some fine views, in which St, Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Windsor Castle, are distinctly seen, so as to form a

beautiful landscape, having the constituent qualities of a delightful scenery.

REIGATE, a borough in Surry, in the valley of Holmesdale, 21 miles from London. It had a castle, built by the Saxons, on the east side of the town, some ruins of which are still to be seen; particularly a long vault, with a room at the end, large enough to hold 500 persons; where the Barons, who took up arms against John, are said to have had their private meetings. This cave (for such it may be called) was visited by the editor of this work some years ago, and it gratified his curiosity. Its market-house was once a chapel. The neighbourhood abounds with fuller's earth and medicinal plants. On the south side of the town is a large house formerly a priory. It belongs to Mr. Jones, is beautified with plantations and a large piece of water, and is surrounded by hills, which render the prospect very romantic.

In this town the Earl of Shaftesbury, author of The Characteristics, had a house, to which he retired to seclude

himself from company. It came afterward into the possession of a gentleman, who planted a small spot of ground in so many parts, as to comprise whatever can be supposed in the most noble seats. It may properly be deemed a model, and is called, by the inhabitants of Reigate, "The world in one acre !" It is now the seat of Richard Barnes, Esq.

RICHING PARK, near Colnbrook, in Bucks, a new seat, erected by John Sullivan, Esq. It stands on the site of Percy Lodge, the residence of Frances Countess of Hertford, afterward Duchess of Somerset, (the Cleora of Mrs. Rowe, and the Patroness, whom Thomson invokes in his "Spring"). "It was her practice," says Dr. Johnson, to invite, every summer, some poet into the country, to hear her verses, and assist her studies. This honour was one summer conferred on Thomson, who took more delight in carousing with Lord Hertford and his friends, than assisting her Ladyship's poetical operations, and therefore never received another summons." But whatever were the merits of this excellent lady's poetry, some of her letters, which have been published, evince, in the opinion of Shenstone, "a perfect rectitude of heart, delicacy of sentiment, and a truly classic ease and elegance of style."

RICHMOND, in Surry, 8 miles from London, the