(102) Plate XLVIII/a

                                                             Plate XLVIII.

                           VIEW FROM THE REGISTER OFFICE.

THIS plate, which forms the last in the volume, is by no means the least interesting. It is very grand in it-
self, and comprehends two of the principal buildings in Edinburgh, namely, a distant view of the Castle, and
one end of the Register Office. The latter building is in the New Town, near the end of the north bridge.
It is certainly a very handsome structure, and was built after a plan of Mr. Robert Adams. The original
plan, however, has been executed only in part, but it is at present quite large enough for the purpose, to
which it is appropriated. In this building are preserved accurate copies of all transfers of real property in
Scotland, as well as other deeds and records of any consequence; very few however of the latter, which
relate to ancient times, exist at present, as they were carried to England by the orders of Edward I, and
again by Oliver Cromwell: all however, which do remain, are admirably arranged, and preserved in vaulted
chambers, safe from accidents by fire. The characteristic feature of the architecture of this building is
simplicity, but which perhaps is carried so far as to be a slight defect. It is nevertheless an error on the
right side, and far preferable to a variety of ornaments accumulated with no one design whatever. The
front in Prince's-street is complete, and makes a most handsome appearance. Within the building, and
immediately under the dome, is a statue of the present King executed by Mrs. Damer, and with as much
success as might be expected from a female, who does not follow the art as a profession: but it were to be
wished, that public buildings should be ornamented only with the works of the first artists of the age.
From this part of the city, and at no considerable distance, you see the monument of David Hume, which
is given as the vignette to this volume. It is situated on the Calton Hill, and is seen from various
points. The road, by which you ascend to it, is very picturesque and pleasing, and affords a variety of fine
views. The design of the monument is very simple, and by no means unpleasing. It is indeed taken
from the antique, and is said to have been his own choice. He has however raised to himself a monu-