that a popular Earl, of whatever politics,
would be able to resume the ancient influence of the house, and again return
two.

* * * * *

LEAMINGTON, about two miles distant, may be reached by two turnpike roads and
a pleasant footpath; the distance of all being about two miles.

Mineral waters, fashion, a clever physician, the Warwickshire hounds, the
surplus capital of Birmingham, speculative builders, and excellent sanitary
regulations have contributed to the rapid rise of this picturesque and
fashionable watering-place; in what proportions it would be difficult to say.

The waters, which resemble mild Epsom salts, first brought the village into
notice in 1794, although the existence of mineral springs at Leamington
Priory had been recorded by Camden and Dugdale. In 1794 people drank harder
than they do now, read less, played cards more, were altogether "faster," and
had more need of purifying waters and pump-room amusements. A long war shut
out our idlers from the Continent, and created an additional demand for our
native mineral produce. At a later period the talents of Dr. Jephson
attracted an army of invalids and would-be invalids; Sir Walter Scott's
novels brought Kenilworth and Warwick Castle into fashion, just as Garrick,
like a second Peter the Hermit, preached up a pilgrimage to Stratford-on-
Avon. So land-jobbers and builders rushed to prepare tempting abodes for the
armies of the sick, the sporting, and the romantic, who gathered round the
springs.

Although the beautiful stone which has made Bath the queen of watering-
places, was not to be had, the materials for Roman cement, then lately
invented, were plentiful. With these aids the town authorities had the good
sense to enforce cleanliness, and all manner of rules for making the streets
fit for the lounging promenades of the well-dressed. Water-carts and brooms
were kept in active employment; beggars and dust-heaps were under the eye of
a vigilant police.

The result was, that at the expense of many ruined builders and speculators,
Leamington grew from a pretty village into a fine town, peopled not only by
invalids in the water-drinking season, and sportsmen in the winter season,
but by a number of permanent residents of independent fortune, of all ranks
between retired manufacturers and Irish peers. Attached to the manufacturing
districts, it has become what Brighton is to the London Stock Exchange.

As hunting quarters, Leamington is conv