tion of Mr. Curtis, and in a few years will, no doubt, become one of the chief ornaments of the metropolis.

BATTERSEA PARK.

This park, at present in course of formation, will extend the whole distance between Battersea Bridge and Nine Elms, and from the bank of the river to the public road across Battersea Fields, making the length of the park about two miles and a quarter, and its width a little more than a mile. A carriage drive, fifty feet in breadth, will be formed along the bank of the Thames, and a suspension bridge will be thrown across the river to the spot where the Red House now stands: towards the construction of which the Marquis of Westminster has contributed £60,000.

VAUXHALL GARDENS,

On the Surrey side of Vauxhall-bridge, occupy above six acres of ground, tastefully laid out in groves, grottos, covered arcades, and picturesque temples, most splendidly illuminated with myriads of colored lamps. In addition to the concert and fireworks, there is an extensive stage, for ballets and light theatrical performances. Ninety years ago, Fielding, the great novelist, felicitated himself that the "extreme beauty and elegance" of these gardens were too well known to need description, which he felt incapable of giving: and their charms have been both multiplied and enhanced by succeeding proprietors.

The gardens generally open in May, and close at the end of August. The doors are opened at seven, the concert begins at eight, and the fireworks at eleven o'clock. Admission one shilling.

E

CREMORNE GARDENS

Are situated on the north bank of the Thames, just above Battersea-bridge. The grounds are pleasantly laid out, and form an agreeable promenade. During the summer season there are a series of amusements of a similar character to Vauxhall, together with aquatic tournoments, &c. Admission, on gala nights, one shilling; other evenings, sixpence. Omnibus fare sixpence. Steam boats convey visitors from all the piers to Chelsea, fare twopence,

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS,

Regent's-park. These gardens, which were opened in 1828, 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 so laid out as to best suit the numerous animals located within it, and at the same time with an unfailing attention to the picturesque beauty of the general arrangement. During the summer months they are a source of great attraction. The buildings are from designs by Mr. Decimus Burton. The animals are exhibited in paddocks, dens, and aviaries, suited to their various habits. In 1830, William IV. presented the society with the animals from the Tower.

On

Open daily from nine o'clock A.M. to sunset. Sundays to Fellows only. Admission one shilling: on Mondays sixpence.

SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS,

Manor-place, Walworth. These delghtful gardens were

originally formed by Mr. Cross, 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 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, in which are numerous aquatic birds. The collections of animals, birds, and reptiles, are large, and continually receiving new accessions; and altogether form a most interesting and instructive resort. The panoramic views introduced on the borders of the lake have been much admired, and form great objects of attraction during the season.

Open daily. Admission one shilling; descriptive guide, sixpence.

BOTANICAL GARDEN,

Chelsea: established in 1676, by the Company of Apothecaries, as a Physic Garden. It is nearly square, and covers about two acres of ground; the southern side being bounded by the river, and the northern by the main street of Chelsea, the whole being surrounded by a lofty wall. The green-house and two conservatories which adjoin it are on the northern side, and the whole is laid out in walks, dividing the ground into square and oblong plots, of which there are a great many. On the western side there is another hot-house of smaller dimensions, and two tanks of an oval shape, for the cultivation of aquatic plants, which are very old, and surrounded by stone in a ruinous condition. On the southern side are two gigantic cedars of singular shape, planted in 1635.