Of dealers in milk there are two classes,—the one keeping cows, the other purchasing from large dairymen in the outskirts, and retailing it on their own account. Their customers mostly live in neighbouring streets, which are called “milk-walks,” and are often disposed of as other trades. It is stated that fifteen thousand cows are necessary to supply London with milk, and it has been calculated that it is usually adulterated one-third. The milk-carriers of London are mostly Welsh girls, and did, until of late, wear the national hat. Our sketch exhibits one of them carrying home the produce of her master’s cows from St. James’s Park, while a man drives a cow and calf from the pasture there; but this is a picture of the past. The park no longer affords pasture for cattle; population has driven them farther away. The background remains the same. WESTMINSTER ABBEY.The present church was erected by Henry III. and his successors; the western towers are by Sir Christopher Wren. Behind the altar is the chapel of Edward the Confessor, in which is kept the coronation chair: adjoining is the chapel of Henry V. Around these chapels are nine others, dedicated to various saints. Next to the eastern end of the church stands the chapel of Henry VII. The first stone was laid in Feb., 1503, by Abbot Islop; the building cost £14,000, an enormous sum for the period. It was designed by Sir Reginald Bray. The Abbey contains the monuments of many great men; one spot is occupied by poets, and called “Poets’ Corner.” In the foreground may be seen the tower of the parish church of St. Margaret’s, Westminster. |