98 THE FLORAL WOKLD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 



as a show place are, therefore, at an end ; it will cease to be the resort of 

 fashion and curiosity ; other attractions have superseded it as a place 

 of poj)ular resort ; the age has ontgrown its capabilities, and the regime 

 under which its exhibitions were conducted ; and it promises to become, 

 what has long been wanted, and for which it is admirably adajjted, a place 

 of reference, consultation, and authority, on all that concerns systems of 

 culture, and the comparative excellencies of the varieties of fruits and 

 vegetables, both old and new. "VYe trust the reforms which ha-\'e been well 

 begun will be carried out without regard to the protestations of a few who 

 would encumber it with their leaden coiuisels, and surely hasten its ulti- 

 mate dissolution. 



PALACE OF THE PEOPLE, MUSWELL HILL. 



{Abridged from the City Press.) 



It has long been a reproach to the northern side of the river Thames, that, although 

 it possesses great attractions for the lovers of natural scenery around the favourite 

 resorts of Hampstead, Ilighgate, and Hornsey, no institution of importance has risen 

 up in the neighbourhood of its teeming population, affording opportunities of mental 

 and physical enjoyment for the masses of the people. The delay in the formation of 

 the long-talked-of Einsbury Park adds to the force of this reproach, which is at last 

 to be swept away, without the aid of Government or any compulsory rate, by the 

 erection of the Palace of the People, on Muswell Hill. 



No site could have been chosen more appropriate for the purpose. It is on the 

 line of the Great Northern Railway, commanding picturesque views in all dii-ections. 

 The property which has been purchased contains about 450 acres of undulating land, 

 intei'spersed with iine oak timber, and the locality is remarkably healthy. The plans 

 for the building, as designed by Mr. Owen Jones, are now being exhibited at Messrs. 

 Leggatt's, 79, Cornhill, London. 



The Palace of the People will be no servile imitation of its predecessor, the Crystal 

 Palace; for, although the primary object of its founders is to supply an analogous 

 source of enjoyment to a population of more than a million, who are practically 

 debarred by distance from frequent visits to the other side of the river, yet the new 

 palace possesses features of so oi'iginal and distinctive a character, that the greatest 

 admirers of Sydenham wiU find abundant matter of interest in a visit to the sister 

 institution at Muswell Hill. 



Amongst the more prominent of these may be mentioned — First, The great dome 

 of 200 feet span, or 60 feet wider than the dome of St. Paul's, covering a winter 

 garden, in which a proper heat can be maintained for tropical plants without incon- 

 venience. The dome will be glazed on all sides, and will be visible and effective from 

 all parts of the building. Secondly, A corridor and teri*ace-walk surrounding the 

 palace, from which, and from the semi-circular refreshment-rooms at each end, 

 beautiful views will be obtained in all dii-ections, as the most elevated portion of the 

 estate, on which the palace is to be built, is nearly in the centre of the grounds. 

 Thirdly, The vast concert-room and lecture-Iiall, which is thrown out from the north 

 side, and thus breaks the monotonous line, to the eye, externally. This magnificent 

 hall will hold 10,000 persons in comfort, and the approaches are so arranged that the 

 whole company can disperse in five or ten minvttes. 



In addition to all the attractions of ^music and the fine arts, it is intended 

 that the permanent treasm-es of the institution shall be made subservient to the 

 cause of education in some of its most popular and useful branches — such as 

 English history, physical geography, astronomy, geology, and mining. All these 

 subjects will be illustrated on a large scale, and the galleries will be open to the con- 

 tributions of travellers and collectors fi-om all parts of the world. Lord Brougham 

 has kindly accepted the office of president of this department, and will be surrounded 

 by a council composed of men who have devoted themselves to the improvemeut of 

 the people. 



