es of animal and vegetable remains,
apparently the discarded refuse of the inhabitants of the vicinity. In
the same depository were also found very numerous fragments of the red
Roman pottery, usually called "Samian Ware," pieces of glass vessels,
broken terra-cotta lamps, parts of amphorae, mortaria, and other articles
made of earth, and all the rubbish which might naturally become
accumulated in a pond in the course of years. In this mass likewise
occurred a number of Imperial Roman coins, several bronze and iron
styles, parts of writing tablets, a bather's strigil, a large quantity of
caliga soles, sandals and remains of leather, all of which can now be
seen in the highly interesting Museum of the Corporation of the City of
London, at the Guildhall.

CHAPTER XVII.

Foundation of Royal Exchange laid--Medal connected therewith--Father
Mathew's miracle--Christening of the Prince of Wales--King Edward
VII.--Hard work of the King of Prussia--The Earthquake in London--The
Queen drinking "grog"--Photography-Talbotype--Sale at Strawberry
Hill--Presents to the King of Prussia.

The first event of note in this year was the laying, by Prince Albert, of
the foundation stone of the Royal Exchange, on 17 Jan., with all the pomp
at the command of the City authorities. The usual coins, etc., were
deposited in a cavity, together with a Latin inscription, engraved on
zinc, of which the following is a translation: "Sir Thomas Gresham,
Knight, erected, at his own charge, a building and colonnade for the
convenience of those persons who, in this renowned Mart, might carry on
the commerce of the World, adding thereto, for the relief of indigence,
and for the advancement of literature and science, an Almshouse and
College of Lecturers, the City of London aiding him, Queen Elizabeth
favouring the design; and, when the work was complete, opening it in
person with a solemn procession. Having been reduced to ashes with
almost the entire city, by a calamitous and wide spreading conflagration,
they were rebuilt in a more splendid form by the City of London and the
Ancient Company of Mercers, King Charles II. commencing the building on
23 Oct., A.D. 1667; and, when they had been again destroyed by fire, on
the 10th Jan., AD. 1838, the same Bodies, undertaking the work,
determined to restore them at their own cost, on an enlarged and more
ornamental plan; the munificence of Parliament providing the means of
extending the site, and o