These steps are never without groups of negro girls, some carrying the water on their heads, with that graceful steadiness of step, which requires no aid from the hand; some tripping gaily with their yet unfilled pitchers; many of them singing in the soft rich voice, peculiar to their race; and all dressed with that strict attention to taste and smartness, which seems the distinguishing characteristic of the Baltimore females of all ranks.
The Catholic Cathedral is considered by all Americans as a magnificent church, but it can hardly be so classed by any one who has seen the churches of Europe; its interior, however, has an air of neatness that amounts to elegance.

The form is a Greek cross, having a dome in the centre; but the proportions are ill- preserved; the dome is too low, and the arches which support it are flattened, and too wide for their height.

On each side of the high altar are chapels to the Saviour and the Virgin.

The altars in these, as well as the high altar, are of native marble of different colours, and some of the specimens are very beautiful.

The decorations of the altar are elegant and costly.
The prelate is a cardinal, and bears, moreover, the title of "Archbishop of Baltimore." There are several paintings in different parts of the church, which we heard were considered as very fine.