a fine village situated on the northern bank of the river Thames, a mile westward of Westminster, remarkable for a magnificent hospital of invalids and old decrepid soldiers; and a pleasure house, called Ranelagh, to which a great deal of fine company resort in summer; and a noble botanic garden belonging to the company of apothecaries. The royal hospital of invalids was begun by Charles II, carried on by James II, and finished by King William. It consists of a vast range of buildings, that form three large squares, in which there is an uncommon air of neatness and elegance observed. It is under the direction of commissioners, who consist generally of the officers of state and of war. There is a governor with 500l. salary, a lieutenant-governor with 400l. and a major with 250l. besides inferior officers, sergeants, corporals, and drums, with above 400 men, who all do garrison duty; and there are above 10,000 out-pensioners, who receive an annuity of 7l. 12s. 6d. each; all which expense is defrayed by a poundage deducted from the army, deficiencies being made good by parliament.

The botanic garden is very extensive, enriched with a vast variety of domestic and exotic plants, the original stock of which was given to the apothecaries of London by Sir Hans Sloane. At Ranelagh garden and amphitheatre, the entertainment is a fine band of music, with an organ and some of the best voices; and the regale is tea and coffee.