ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, WITH THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW ON THE WATER. (Page 308.)

ON the 9th of November, annually, the Chief Magistrate of the City, being newly elected, proceeds by water to Westminster-hall, where he is sworn into his office before the Barons of the Exchequer.  He embarks on board his own barge, at Three Cranes Stairs, accompanied by the aldermen, sheriffs, and the liverymen of the company of which he is a member, and is followed by the various free companies of the city in their respective barges.  The barges are all built on the same plan; the Lord Mayor's being more profusely decorated with flags.  Each has a large and handsome state room; on the roof of which is placed a numerous band of music, who play during the procession.  Flags decorate the bow, stern, and deck of the barge. A prodigious number of boats and wherries, with private companies, attend his Lordship on this occasion. The whole forms a very lively and pleasing scene if the weather be fine, which at that season of the year is seldom the case.

In the background of the Plate is a grand view of the south side of St. Paul's cathedral.

(p. 492)