A town is a large number of houses,

A town is a large number of houses, schools, hospitals, theatres, factories, works and other buildings constructed near each other. All these buildings are divided into blocks by streets. Short narrow streets that join larger ones together are called lanes. On one side of the streets the buildings have even numbers, on the other - odd numbers. The main streets are usually paved with stone or asphalt. Along the streets carts, cars, buses and trolley-buses run.
In large towns tramways are laid down the wider treets, along which tramcars rattle with great noise. On both sides of the streets are raised pavements on which people walk.
In very large towns, which are generally called cities, pedestrians walk along the foot-pavement. In England walkers keep to the right, while vehicles on the road keep to the left.
People usually cross the streets at special places, called crossings. When the traffic is very heavy, the policeman, who regulates the movement of the cars and buses, has to stop the never-ending stream by raising one hand, thus affording the pedestrians a chance of crossing the street. On the foot-paths, close to the gutter dust-bins stand, into which refuse is put.
In large towns the ground-floors and the first storeys of the houses, that line the principal streets, consist of shops. These shops with their windows where the articles on sale are displayed, are attractive to look at. The windows are very large and the plates of glass often reach almost to the pavement.
In the centre and in other important parts of a large town there are squares, gardens and market places.
A town is generally situated near or on a river across which bridges are built. In almost all towns there are places of interest, which a stranger would be invited to see - monuments, cathedrals, museums, etc.
In every district of a big city tourist information displays are available nowadays. They have a map of the district with all the attractions and other useful facilities: metro stations, bus stops, parking lots, stores, hotels, restaurants, snack-bars, public bathrooms or lavatories, etc.
A town is governed by a council, the head of which is the mayor.