Downing Street! What subject could be so interesting? What street, amidst the thousands of streets in this metropolis, possesses a tithe of the importance which attaches to it? Most momentous to the British empire, and not to it only, but to the whole civilized world, are the daily doings in Downing Street. The well-being of the human race is often more or less affected by the decisions which are come to there. But of this, more anon.

Where is Downing Street? in what part of London is it situated? the country reader will inquire. So will the visiter to the metropolis, whose stay is limited, and who is anxious to see every locality possessed of particular interest. Downing Street is situated in the heart of London. It is about a quarter of a mile south of Charing Cross, and about an equal distance north of Westminster Abbey, the courts of law, and the houses of Parliament. It is on the right hand, at the furthest end of Whitehall, just as you enter Parliament Street. Every one fancies that as it is the place where the leading government offices are situated, it must be a very imposing street; a place which will dazzle the eye by its splendour. He finds himself sadly mistaken when it meets his gaze. He can hardly persuade himself that he has been directed to the right place. He sees clearly enough, from a little board on the corner-house, that this is a Downing Street; but he will not be convinced that it is the Downing Street.