CHAPTER XIV.

THE ZOOLOGICAL AND PLEASURE GARDENS.

Rome, at the period of her greatest splendour, brought savage monsters from every part of the globe then known, to be shown in her amphitheatre, to destroy or be destroyed, as spectacles of wonder to her citizens; and it well becomes Britain to offer another and a very different series of exhibitions to the population of her metropolis-animals brought from every part of the globe to be applied to some useful purpose, as objects of scientific research, and not of vulgar admiration.-Sir Humphrey Davy.

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS,

Regent's Park. These gardens, independent of their zoological attractions, are probably the most delightful lounge in the metropolis. Equally suited to the amusement of the young and the old, the cheerful and the melancholy, the ignorant and the learned, all are here sure of enjoyment, at least; and it will be strange indeed, if instruction, in some shape or other, be not superadded; for is it not indeed a sublime study to observe how beautifully the links in the great chain of nature are wrought, and how admirably are the habits and structure of some of these animals adapted to the wants of man, while all are subservient to some great purpose in the scale of creation.

The gardens, which are of great extent and beauty, were opened in 1828, and were the first of the kind in this country, and are superior to any other for the same purpose in the world. They owe their origin to the energy of the late Sir Stamford Raffles, and Mr. Vigors, M.P. The grounds are extensive and tastefully disposed, and possess horticultural attractions in no mean degree, and so laid out as to best suit the numerous animals located within them, and at the same time with an unfailing attention to the picturesque beauty of the general arrangement. From the rustic entrance lodges runs a broad terrace walk, bordered with a choice variety of flowers, and continued over the lower ground at the same level for some distance by a handsome viaduct; beneath which is a long range of roomy cages, forming one of the most striking objects in the gardens, and in which will be found an extensive collection of carnivorous animals. To the right of the terrace walk, immediately on entering, is a shaded winding path, an opening in the foliage of which discloses a fine view of the park; and in the foreground graze several rare

ruminant animals. Dispersed throughout the grounds with a view to produce as picturesque an effect as possible will be found numerous graceful buildings, admirably adapted for the wants of their various inmates, erected from designs by Mr. Decimus Burton. The reptile house is especially deserving of notice, containing as it does a larger collection of reptiles than in any preceding exhibition of the live animals of this class.

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The collection of rare and beautiful specimens is large: on the 1st of January, 1850, it consisted of 1361 living animals. viz.: 354 mammalia, 853 birds, and 154 reptiles, amongst which we would point out as most particularly worthy the attention of the visitor, a remarkably fine specimen of the rhinoceros; an immense white polar bear; the graceful giraffes; the fierce aurochs; the sacred Brahmin bull the spotted leopard; the intelligent-looking seal; the patient llama; and an immense land tortoise, the gift of her Majesty; the kingly vultures; the soaring eagles; the swift ostrich; the fine collection of owls; the terrific pythons; and the deadly cobra capello, or hooded snake; but during the last few months the hippopotamus, and his Nubian keeper, have been the reigning favourites. The various animals are exhibited in paddocks, dens and aviaries, suited to their several habits. In 1830, William IV. presented the society with the collection of animals from the Tower, and additions are constantly being made either by gift or purchase.

Open daily, from nine o'clock A.M. to sunset. On Sundays, to Fellows only. Admission, one shilling: on Mondays, sixpence. The Society's Rooms are at No. 11, Hanover Square.

SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS,

Manor Place, Walworth. These gardens were originally formed by Mr. Cross, in 1831-2, who removed hither the whole of his splendid collection of animals on the demolition of Exeter 'Change, formerly known as the itinerant menagerie of Mr. Polito. The grounds, which are picturesque and occupy about fifteen acres having been tastefully laid out under the superintending care of Mr. Phillips, and the avenues to the several buildings planted with upwards of two hundred varieties of the most choice and hardy forest trees, of this and other countries, forming a complete arboretum, all of which are clearly labelled. In the centre is a large circular lake, three acres in extent, in which are numerous aquatic birds. On the right of the lake is a large, well-planned and well-ventilated, circular, glazed building, having four entrances; in the centre are placed the cages of the carnivori, of which the lions are particularly deserving of notice. The collection of animals, birds, and reptiles is large, and is continually receiving new accessions; altogether forming a most interesting and instructive resort. The panoramic views introduced on the borders of the lake, and which are changed annually, have been much admired; and with the fireworks, the production of that unrivalled London artist, Southby, form great objects of attraction during the summer season.

The South London Horticultural Society hold here several excellent exhibitions of flowers and fruit during the season, on which occasions the gardens are additionally attractive. Through the liberality of Mr. Tyler, the proprietor, the boys of the Royal Naval School at Greenwich, upwards of six hundred in number, accompanied by their band, pay an annual visit to this establishment. The season commences about Whitsuntide, and ends in September.

Open daily. Fireworks on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Admission, one shilling; descriptive guide, sixpence.

VAUXHALL GARDENS,

On the Surrey side of Vauxhall bridge, easily reached by steam-boat from any of the river piers, or by the South-Western Railway from the Waterloo Station. This highly popular place of public resort, occupies more than six acres of ground, tastefully laid out in groves, grottoes, covered arcades, and picturesque temples, most splendidly illuminated with myriads of coloured lamps. It was originally called the New Spring Gardens, and appears to have been a noted place of amusement as early as 1661, for we find it mentioned in "Evelyn's Diary," as "a pretty contrived plantation." Fepys also visited it, and there saw citizens "pulling off cherries," and "fine people walking, and ladies with masks supping in arbours with mad rogues of the town." In 1712, Addison accompanied Sir Roger de Coverley to Faux Hall, or Spring Garden, when it would appear to have been a truly charming place. "We were now arrived at Spring Garden, which is excellent pleasant at this time of the year. When I considered the fragrancy of the walks and bowers, with the chorus of birds that sung upon the trees, and the loose tribes of people that walked under their shade, I could not but look upon the place as a kind of Mahometan Paradise." Some years later we find Goldsmith, thus eulogising it, in the "Citizen of the World": "I found every sense overpaid with more than expected pleasure: the lights everywhere glimmering through scarcely moving trees; the full-bodied concert bursting on the stillness of the night; the natural concert of the birds in the more retired part of the grove, vying with that which was formed by art; the company gaily dressed, looking satisfaction; and the tables spread with various delicacies."

Notwithstanding the great increase of buildings in the immediate neighbourhood, and the consequent curtailing of the grounds, and the absence of the feathered choristers, Vauxhall has continued to the present time annually to open its gates, and invite the visitor to its bright and dazzling walks; and while numerous other similar entertainments have arisen, and disappeared, it still maintains its ancient renown.

On the right of the entrance, resplendent with thousands of variegated lamps, tastefully distributed among the foliage of innumerable trees, and festooned in all conceivable varieties of form, is the grand quadrangle, formed by four colonnades, which enclose an open space surrounded with walks and planted with trees, called the Grove;

the centre of which is the lofty orchestra, a magnificent Gothic temple, richly ornamented and glittering all over with many coloured lights, and at the outer extremity are boxes for the accommodation of supper parties; facing the orchestra is a pavilion of the composite order, sixty feet in length, called the Prince's Gallery, in compliment to Frederick, Prince of Wales, who in Vauxhall's palmiest days was wont to sup therein, closing the evening with country dances.

The Rotunda is a noble room, sixty feet in diameter, fitted up as a theatre, and capable of accommodating near two thousand persons; here ballets and light theatrical performances take place, and agreeably vary the evening's entertainment.

Is situated in the centre of the grand quadrangle or grove, and has at all times been a source of great attraction to the visitor. Erected in 1735, beneath its glittering roof has stood nearly every popular English vocalist, who, during the last hundred years, have charmed the public with their song; and from hence alternately are poured forth strains of soft and pensive beauty, and melodies of rich and generous humour, in turn, soothing and delighting the gay throngs who nightly crowd around.

The Gardens generally open in May, and close at the end of August. The doors open at seven o'clock, and the amusements, which are of a varied character, consist of vocal and instrumental concerts, at which many favourite artists assist; rope dancing, ballets, and horsemanship in the rotunda; together with dioramic exhibitions and balloon ascents, generally by the veteran aeronant, Green, and which are found particularly attractive, as many as 6800 persons having paid for admission on the night of his ascent on horseback. The whole of the entertainments are closed by a grand display of fireworks, which takes place at eleven o'clock. The concert takes place at eight o'clock. Suppers, wines, and every other description of refreshment may be had in the gardens; the prices of which are affixed to each box. Admission, two shillings and sixpence.