praying Angels, the fulness of their meaning may be felt without the
aid of any inscriptions beneath the feet to set forth who or what they
are."

[Illustration: SECTION THROUGH TOWER AND TRANSEPTS.]

SECTION THROUGH TOWER AND TRANSEPTS.

The eastern side of the screen, though without statuary, is no less worthy
of inspection. Over the gates the large oval space is filled with the
sacred monogram I.H.C. The base consists of polished Devonshire marble.
The diversity of tint of the metals used is in itself a source of colour,
but the whole of the hammered iron-work of the foliage has been painted
with oxides of iron and copper, while the colour scheme is further carried
out in the mosaics.

The whole effect is certainly beautiful, and the screen is perhaps the
best example of this kind of work produced in modern times. The cost of
the screen was L3000, though the sum paid by the Chapter in accordance
with their agreement was only L1500. The same firm, the Skidmore Art
Company, who made it, also supplied the large corona and gasfittings.

A brass eagle presented by the Misses Rushort to the Cathedral, is placed
near the south-west corner of the screen; it was designed by Cottingham.

*The Central Tower.*--Immediately above the four great arches of the
central tower, the interior walls are, says Professor Willis in his report
on the Cathedral, "Of a very singular construction; twelve piers of
compact masonry on each side, beside angle piers, are carried up to the
height of 26 ft., and connected half-way up by a horizontal course of
stone, in long pieces, and by an iron bar, which runs all round
immediately under this bonding course. Upon these gigantic stone gratings,
if I may be allowed the expression, the interior wall of the tower rests,
and they also carry the entire weight of the bell-chamber and bells.

The whole space is now completely open from the floor of the Cathedral to
the wooden floor of the bell-chamber, which is painted underneath in blue
and gold. From this floor hangs, the handsome corona of wrought iron.

Before Mr. Cottingham's restoration was commenced in 1843, however, the
whole appearance of the central tower was different, and the beautiful
lantern with its many shafts was hidden from view by a vault of the
fifteenth century, which rose above the great arches and completely
concealed the upper portion of the tower.

In his specific report of the condition of th