ee,
runs towards the Irish Channel.

* * * * *

PRESTON is a populous manufacturing town, in which cotton-spinning is carried
on to a very large extent, and is surrounded by a rich agricultural district,
which furnishes in abundance every kind of farming produce. The borough
returns two members to Parliament, is a corporate town, and has acquired a
distinction by its Guilds, which are conducted with great spirit every twenty
years. The market, which is held on the Saturday, is well supplied with
fruits, vegetables, and fish, salmon included, taken from the river Lune.

* * * * *

LANCASTER, twenty miles northward, is also a borough town, returning two
members to Parliament, and is governed by a mayor and town council. It is
one of the ancient ports of Lancashire, and, being the county town, the
assizes for North Lancashire are held there. Some years ago the assizes for
the whole of Lancashire were regularly holden at Lancaster, and in those
palmy days, as the judicial sittings generally extended to sixteen or twenty
days, a rich harvest was reaped, not only by "the gentlemen of the long
robe," but also by the numerous innkeepers in the place. The assize business
for South Lancashire was at length removed to Liverpool, as the most
convenient site for the large number of suitors from that part of the county;
and since that period the town of Lancaster has lost much of its importance.
There are many objects of especial interest within the town and in the
immediate district. The ancient castle (now the county gaol), once the
residence of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; the Nisi Prius Court, an
elegant and spacious building from a design by the late Mr. Harrison of
Chester; and the old parish church, are worthy of close inspection; whilst
from the castle terrace and churchyard delightful views of the river,
Morecambe Bay, and the distant hills of Cumberland and Westmoreland, are
commanded. The village of Hornby, a few miles northward, situated on the
banks of the Lune, is one of the most picturesque and retired spots in the
kingdom. The river, for several miles from Lancaster, is studded with
enchanting scenery, and is much frequented by the lovers of the rod and line.

From Lancaster the tourist may proceed easily, via the Lancaster and Carlisle
railway, into the very midst of the Lake district. Kendal is about twenty
miles from Lancaster, and from the former pretty town a branch line runs
direct to Windermer