60 GARDEN MANAGEMENT. 



under the Exhibition Memorial, from ■which it empties itself over a cascade 

 IS feet wide and 11 feet high, into the lai'ge basin ; from this basin it flows 

 into the smaller basins between the two canals, on either side, by pipes laid 

 on to the right and left of the basin. From these the two canals on each side 

 are filled, and their overflow led back by pipes placed at a proper level, and 

 again emptied into the well, while plugs in the bottom permit of their being- 

 en tirely emptied in the same manner. Other pipes continue the water-supply 

 to the bottom of the gardens, where arrangements exist for turning the central 

 tazza into a basin for nympha) and other water-plants at a future time. The 

 whole gardens are also traversed by smaller pipes arranged with plugs, by 

 means of which, and the api:)lication of hose to them, the whole ground can 

 be efficiently and economically watered. 



145. The walks, which traverse the gardens are equally perfect as models 

 of workmanship and design, forming noble promenades round the whole 

 area, with a broad central path and cross-walks at convenient distances : 

 they are made of the subsoil gravel excavated for the canals and sunken 

 grass promenades. The central and principal cross-walks are throughout 

 40 feet wide, with the slightest possible curve in the centre, which is on 

 a level with the side verge of turf. They were excavated to the depth of 

 18 inches in the principal walks, and 9 inches of brick-and-lime rubbish 

 laid down and heavily rolled in. After settling a short time, 6 inches of 

 coarse gravel was laid down, and a further layer of finer gravel added as a 

 finish, and the whole well rolled. The cross and corridor walks, about 20 feet 

 wide, contain 9 inches of brick-and-lime rubbish and G inches of gravel, applied 

 in the same manner. Neat iron gratings, at regular distance?, receive and 

 convey the rain-water into the nearest drain-pipes. The earthworks, ramps, 

 and glacis, being all formed according to the design laid down by Mr. Nes- 

 field, and the principal architectural works comi^leted, early in this year of 

 grace 1861, the ancient turf, which had been carefully preserved, was again 

 laid down ; and the excellent quality of tlie soil is shown by the smooth and 

 healthy appearance the ramps and glacis now present in all directions. 



146. If there were any among those who accepted the invitation of the 

 Council of the Horticultui'al Society, in June last, having old associations with 

 the place, great must have been their surprise at the alteration a short year 

 had produced. The first impression which a rapid glance convej-s is not 

 entirely satisfactory : the eye wanders over the whole ground, having no 

 resting-place; for the dazzling newness of the arcluLoctm-e leaves it without 

 repose ; the trees, only recently transplanted, are insufficient as yet to cover 

 the nakedness of the walls and terraces. The broad Byzantine arches o£ 

 the corridor, and the two slender twisted columns which support them, give 

 an oriental asj^ect to the gardens, which is increased by the style of the 

 conservatory, which glitters through the present scanty foliage. 



147. The entrance from the Prince's Hoad, which may be accepted as still 

 incomplete, opens uiDon the ante-garden, a space of ground about 800 feet 

 by 400, including the corridor, laid out very simply, in four oblong compart- 



