[Picture: The Quadrant, Regent Street]
This is one of the most beautiful of the new improvements at the west end
of the town, and is thought to be the most singular and magnificent line
of streets in the world. At the entrance of the Quadrant stands the
County Fire Office. The Building is surmounted by a colossal statue of
Britannia, behind which is an observatory, which affords a view over
London and the surrounding villages; the purpose of which is, that, on an
alarm of fire, the managing director may ascertain the position in which
it lies, and send the engines, which are kept at the back of the
building.