[Picture: The Fire-engine]
We know of no place better supplied with engines for putting out fire,
than London; and though fires are very frequent, they seldom do so much
damage as formerly, when houses were built of wood, or without
party-walls.
An engine is a very clever contrivance: the pipes convey the water over
the tops of the houses; and if an engine arrives in time, it frequently
prevents the flames from spreading further. {29}