The more churches there were in a town, there should be as many public fountains. Under the ancient law, a tub was placed at the entrance of the temples, in which the priests washed their hands and feet; under the new, and in imitation, fountains were placed near the churches, where the christians, before entering, washed their face and hands. This remark was applicable especially, in Rouen, before the revolution, where the number of churches and fountains was quite equal. There are not now thirty seven parochial churches; but we can still count thirty six public fountains, not including those in many private houses.

Of all these fountains, only seven merit particular attention, from their architectural and historical character. They are the fountains of the Croix-de-Pierre, the Crosse, the Grosse-Horloge, the Vieux-MarchÉ, the Pucelle, Saint-Maclou, and Lisieux.

FOUNTAIN OF THE CROIX-DE-PIERRE,

Carrefour Saint-Vivien.

There formerly existed, not far from the fountain known at present under the name of the Croix-de-Pierre (stone cross), a cross, which had been raised through the piety of the inhabitants; but, we now can find no authentic document of the period of its being erected; all we know is that it had been rebuilt in the year 1628.

This fountain is composed of three partitions in the form of a pyramid, and is ornamented with some statues; its appearance is exceedingly fine. One may still form an idea of the beauty of its architecture, in spite of its ruinous condition, and even the repairs it has undergone.

FOUNTAIN OF THE CROSSE,

At the corner of the streets des Carmes, and de l'Hopital.

This is a small monument in the gothic style of the end of the XV^th century. The sculptures which decorate it, are remarkable for their fineness and delicacy. It is surmounted by a royal crown. Its name comes from its being situated at the corner of the house, which had for sign the crozier belonging to the monks of Notre-Dame de l'Ile-Dieu.

Some etymologists see in the word Crosse, an alteration of the english word cross. In the year 1815, this fountain was completely renewed.

FOUNTAIN OF THE GROSSE-HORLOGE,

At the corner of the streets des Vergetiers, and the Grande-Rue.

FOUNTAIN OF THE VIEUX-MARCHÉ,

On the old market place.

A modern square building, of the doric order. It was erected by M^r Bouet, an architect of Rouen.

FOUNTAINS OF SAINT-MACLOU, AND OF THE PUCELLE.

Strangers will be repaid for their trouble in going to see these fountains. The first, is situated at the corner of the church of Saint-Maclou; there remain still two figures of children, an elegant creation of Jean Goujon. We mention the second, the fountain of the Pucelle, on the place of the same name, on account of the historical recollections, which are attached to it. It is a heavy composition of Paul Slodtz. Its want of style causes us to regret the beautiful triangular fountain, which was erected after the execution, in this square; of the heroine of Vaucouleurs, a monument which instead of destroying, they should have tried to preserve.

FOUNTAIN OF LISIEUX,

Rue de la Savonnerie.

This fountain is by far the most remarkable of the whole. It is thus named on account of its being erected against a house, which belonged to the bishop of Lisieux, who lodged in it when he came to Rouen. At the top of the pyramid, we may remark Apollo, dressed in a most extraordinary manner, and represented playing on the harp. Under the god of the poets, we distinguish the horse Pegasus. Immediately beneath, a figure with three heads is represented, of which the manuscripts make a philosophy[21]. The nine muses are distributed in the rest of the masonry, under the figure with three heads, which might almost be that of a Hecate. Rocks, trees, turf and sheep, form the accompaniements of this Mount-Parnassus.

The water ran formerly from two brass figures of Salamanders, which indicated the date of the time of Francis the first. Mutilated as it is, this monument is still very curious, and merits to be visited. Its erection dates from the year 1518.