in our
climate the strength of the sun's rays is exceedingly variable even in
serene weather. When clouds intervene, a longer time is of course allowed
for the impression of a picture, but it is not possible to reduce this to
a matter of strict and accurate calculation.

The other cause is the variable quality of the paper employed, even when
furnished by the same manufacturers--some differences in the fabrication
and in the _sizing_ of the paper, known only to themselves, and perhaps
secrets of the trade, have a considerable influence on the tone of colour
which the picture ultimately assumes.

These tints, however, might undoubtedly be brought nearer to uniformity,
if any great advantage appeared likely to result: but, several persons of
taste having been consulted on the point, viz. which tint on the whole
deserved a preference, it was found that their opinions offered nothing
approaching to unanimity, and therefore, as the process presents us
spontaneously with a variety of shades of colour, it was thought best to
admit whichever appeared pleasing to the eye, without aiming at an
uniformity which is hardly attainable. And with these brief observations
I commend the pictures to the indulgence of the Gentle Reader.

[PLATE I. PART OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OXFORD.]

PLATE I. PART OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OXFORD.

PLATE I. PART OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OXFORD.

This building presents on its surface the most evident marks of the
injuries of time and weather, in the abraded state of the stone, which
probably was of a bad quality originally.

The view is taken from the other side of the High Street--looking North.
The time is morning.

In the distance is seen at the end of a narrow street the Church of St.
Peter's in the East, said to be the most ancient church in Oxford, and
built during the Saxon era. This street, shortly after passing the
church, turns to the left, and leads to New College.

[PLATE II. VIEW OF THE BOULEVARDS AT PARIS.]

PLATE II. VIEW OF THE BOULEVARDS AT PARIS.

PLATE II. VIEW OF THE BOULEVARDS AT PARIS.

This view was taken from one of the upper windows of the Hotel de Douvres,
situated at the corner of the Rue de la Paix. The spectator is looking to
the North-east. The time is the afternoon. The sun is just quitting the
range of buildings adorned with columns: its facade is already in the
shade, but a single sh