254 



so that the pleasures found in it would be of a character which all 

 who visit could share. Here would be supplied the climate of 

 Southern Italy, where multitudes might ride, walk, or recline amid 

 groves of fragrant trees ; and here they might leisurely examine the 

 works of Nature and Art, regardless of the biting east winds or the 

 drifting snow. Here vegetation in much of its beauty might be 

 studied with unusual advantages, and the singular properties examined 

 of those great filterers of Nature which, during the night season, when 

 the bulk of animal life is in a quiescent state, inhale the oxygen of the 

 air; while in the day, when the mass of animal existence has started 

 into activity, they drink in the carbonic supply given out by man and 

 animals, which goes to form their solid substance ; at the same time 

 pouring forth streams of oxygen, which, mingling with the surround- 

 ing atmosphere, gives vigour to man's body and cheerfulness to his 

 spirits. 



" That in this winter park and garden the trees and plants might 

 be so arranged as to give great diversity of views and picturesque 

 effect, spaces might be set apart for equestrian exercise, while the 

 main body of the building might be arranged with the view of giving 

 great extent and variety for those who promenade on foot. 



" Fountains, statuary, and every description of park and garden 

 ornament would greatly heighten the effect and beauty of the scene. 

 Beautiful creeping plants might be planted against the columns and 

 trailed along the girders, so as to give shade in summer, while the 

 effect they would produce by festooning in every diversity of form 

 over the building would give the whole a most enchanting and gor- 

 geous finish. 



" That, besides these delightful objects, there might be introduced 

 a collection of living birds from all temperate climates, and the 

 science of geology, so closely connected with the study of plants, 

 might be illustrated on a large and natural scale, thus making practi- 

 cal botany, ornithology, and geology familiar to the visitor. 



" That should your right hon. House agree to give the public this 

 source of public enjoyment, your petitioner would recommend that 

 the wood boarding round the bottom tier of the building should be 

 removed and replaced with glass, whereby the appearance would be 

 marvellously changed ; those who drive and ride in the park would, 

 even in winter, see the objects within as they pass by, and the whole 

 would have a light aerial appearance, totally unlike what it has at 

 present. 



" That in summer your petitioner would recommend that the whole 



