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668 THE PHOTOGRAPHIC NEWS. [October 16, 1885. Again we leave Peterboro’ for Ely, through the dreamy, sea-like fen-land, across the old and new Bedford rivers, the banks dotted by lazy anglers of both sexes ; cool evening shades gathering round the snug farmstead, or miniature villages; clustering round tiny churches, each on their little fen island. At length, a sharp curve of the line, and we are rounding the base of the Isle of Ely ; a little hill in the level country, crowned with its massively- grand Minster, and, as we see it for the first time, with ELY CATHIEDHAL. the last rays of the sunlight tinting its noble grey towers, all the intervening space filled with terrace after terrace of red and yellow-tiled houses; and the river winding round the base, deep and sluggish, dotted with smart skiffs or heavy barges, a picture is impressed on the mind that can never be erased. Early in the morning we com mence work ; and what a plethora of subjects Ely pre sents 1 Beginning with the early morning sun at the east window and Lady Chapel; working round to the south east, where are remains of monastery, Prior Cawdor Chapel, and an infinite variety of quaint buildings and effects, not forgetting the elaborately carved doorway in the Dean’s garden; from here also take a “ shot” at the famous octagon. The interior of choir, looking from the altar, should also be done in the morning light, when about two hours will suflice with <., and this is a picture that should on no account be missed, embracing as it does the canopied tombs, carved choir stalls, octagon, and unequalled painted ceiling of the nave. The decorated chapels behind the rcredos are specially fine, the carving being perfectly marvellous. By this time the light will be about right for the west front, and, with or without the cannon in the foreground, it is a picture that is quite unique. Notice, also, the old palace of the bishops on the right, a fine specimen of domestic architecture of the time of Henry VII. But we must hurry on, leaving unmentioned many joints that the photographic visitor will at once note for himself. We now take our last flight, viz., to Norwich, calling at Bury-St.-Edmunds. At this latter flace we find subjects in the old Abbot’s Bridge at the ower end of the town, now disused, buc still a “ picture.” The curious Norman tower, with the Abbey ruins behind, and the fine monastry gate with portcullis complete, are all pleasing studies. Late in the afternoon we reach Norwich, but there is still sufficient light, and in the right quarter, for the cloisters, with their varied arches in decorated and per pendicular styles ; while the lofty spire, so richly encrusted with ornament, and so perfect a work of art, stands out clear and sharp. Norwich is full of quaint corners, old-world courts, clustering gables, and flint-work churches, all curious, and many deeply interesting. In and about “Tomblaud” some Prout-like corners may be found. The west front of the cathedral is not imposing, but the famous east end supplies sorne charming studies, also a morning view from the meadows, including, in the fore ground of the view, gabled, red-tiled, old houses peeping from the orchards. That done, continue down the lane to the river side, pass under the old water gate, enter the ferry boat, and cross the river; then turn and look back at the ferry house, old archway, and cathedral tower in distance, and I think the camera will not rest long in its case at Pull’s Ferry. On the other side of the city, about a mile-and-a-half out, is a most delightful old house, now the Dolphin Inn, formerly Bishop Hall’s Palace, easily accessible by omnibus. We have now run to the extreme tether of our time, and reluctantly turn our faces homewards, the tour having afforded a most abundant variety of «food for the camera,” and a supply of fresh vigour to mind and body; so that, to amateurs casting about “ where to go ” during the coming season, we will say with all confidence : Try the Eastern Counties, but—don’t forget “ Murray.” Corxespondence. NEEDED, A PHOTOGRAPHIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. Sir,—At last, at the B. M. Library, I have traced out the early history of the transparent film to replace glass plates, and am astonished to find that this palpably good notion should have been allowed to sleep for eighteen years, after being worked out to a practical end by George Dawson and others, when at King’s College. You shall have my article on this interesting subject in a day or two. It has struck me with astonishment that there is no perfect collection of periodicals, books, &c., on, or con nected with, photography come-at-able, even at the B. M. Library, by photograpic students or workers, though we have so many photographic societies. This ought not to be. What does the old Society do with the books, &c., it had for the use of its members some years ago I At the Inventories the old Society exhibits the basis of a museum illustrative of the historical development of photography- very imperfect, but if it were proposed to make the collec tion perfect, many would help to make it so. The sooner such an attempt were made, the better, for, to my know ledge, many specimens very illustrative will presently be