above the ground; and beneath is a vaulted crypt or chamber, to which access is gained by descending a narrow winding staircase in the thickness of the wall, near the entrance doorway. This crypt was constructed for the purpose of insuring the dryness of the superstructure, by obtaining a free current of air beneath it.

The exterior of the building, to the height of about 10 or 11 feet is faced entirely with granite, and above this with Portland stone and granite. The walls are of unusual thickness, and constructed in the most solid manner, a large proportion of the stones weighing from one ton to one ton and a half, and some as much as from three to four tons. All the external columns are of polished granite.

The interior of the building is faced with coloured marbles and serpentines, combined with frescoes and other decorations. Keeping in mind the deep and incessant interest taken by the Prince in the development of the material productions of this and other countries, there was an anxious desire on the part of those who had been intrusted with the construction of his tomb to avail themselves to the utmost of all such materials suited to the purpose, as could be readily procured, more particularly from the British dominions. Thus the woodwork is of Indian teak, the roofs of Australian copper; Wales and Ireland contribute a variety of marbles; Scotland and the Channel Islands supply granite; whilst England is represented by her Portland stone, her granite from Devon and Cornwall, and her Cornish serpentine. Belguim, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, also furnish marbles to enrich the interior of the edifice.

A large sarcophagus, of dark grey Aberdeen granite occupies the centre of the structure under the dome.

The sarcophagus rests upon a step of polished black marble, with kneeling angels in bronze, at the four angles; and upon it is placed a recumbent statue of the Prince Consort in white marble. This work was executed by Baron Marochetti, who was honoured with her Majesty's commands to prepare and carry into execution the design. In this double sarcophagus is intended that ultimately the Queen's remains shall likewise be deposited by the side of her beloved and lamented Consort; and a recumbent statue to correspond with that of the Prince will be placed next to his. Long may this be wanting!

On the upper part of the bronze door-frame, in the porch, is the following inscription :

ALBERTI PRINCIPIS QVOD MORTALE ERAT
HOC IN SEPVLCRO DEPONI VOLAIT
VIDVA MORENS VICTORIA REGINA
VALE DESIDERATISSIME! HIC DEMVM
CONQVIESCAM TECUM

TECVM IN CHRISTO CONSTVCAM

The central portion of the structure forms a chamber, 30 feet in diameter, and 65 feet high, in which the stone sarcophagus is placed, supporting the octagon and dome above.

The external walls, owing to delays arising from the difficulty experienced in obtaining the marble and granite, are now complete.

Mr. George Dines, successor to the late Mr. Thos. Cubitt, of Pimlico, was the builder; and Mr. William Thomas, the clerk of the works.

ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL.

ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL is situated in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle.

The original foundation may be ascribed to Henry I. Great alterations and additions were made by Henry III, but the present interesting and beautiful pile was begun by order of Edward IV, under the direction of Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of Salisbury; subsequently the magnificent work was carried on by Sir Reginald Bray, the supposed architect of Henry the Seventh's Chapel at Westminster, and was completed in the reign of Henry VIII.

Belonging to the Foundation College of St. George now are a Dean, four Minor Canons, thirteen Lay Clerks, Choristers, a Schoolmaster, Vergers, &c.; also a Governor and eighteen Military Knights, and seven Naval Knights.

The Chapel may be viewed daily, between 12 noon and 4 p.m.

It is well to mention here that the Salaries of those whose duty it is to shew the Chapel depend entirely on the Fees given to them by the Visitors, &c.

DIVINE CHORAL SERVICE is performed twice daily in the Choir, at 10.30 a.m. and at 4.30 p.m., except on Sundays, when the Morning Service commences at 11.0 a.m.

The building is an elegant cruciform structure, displaying the latest and most ornamental style of pointed architecture.