_Regent Street_.

_London University_--The situation of the first University founded
in this immense city is most peculiarly favourable, being equally
removed from the busy and confined part of the metropolis, and from the
fashionable and idle; whilst it is not inconveniently remote from either
extremity. The building was commenced on the 30th of April, 1827, when
the Duke of Sussex laid the first stone, in the presence of a large
concourse of noblemen and gentlemen. The design is by William Wilkins,
Esq., R.A., who has evinced in the principal elevation and general
character of the edifice considerable taste and science. When completed,
it is intended to consist of a central part, and two wings projecting at
right angles from the extremities of the former. The first portion only
of this is at present finished. It extends from north to south 430 feet,
with a depth, from east to west, including the two semicircular
theatres, of about 200 feet. The elevation is at once classical and
chaste, having a bold and rich portico in the centre, elevated on a
plinth, to the height of the first story (19 feet,) and is approached
by numerous steps, which are arranged to produce a fine effect. Twelve
Corinthian columns support a flattened pediment, in the tympanum of
which is to be a composition in basso-relievo, analogous to science and
literature. Behind this pediment is a cupola, finished by a lantern
light, in imitation of a peripteral temple, crowning and ornamenting a
grand octagonal vestibule, or saloon. North of this is the museum of
natural history, 118 feet by 50, and 23 feet in height, opening to
the museum of anatomy, which latter communicates with two rooms for
professors, and to one of the large theatres, or lecture-rooms. East of
the vestibule is a large hall, and to the south is the great library,
corresponding in size, &c. with the museum of natural history; the
small library; rooms for the librarian, for apparatus, and also another