SEPTEMBER. 415 



Eight tasteful stone lodges are located at the different 

 entrances, and a substantial iron railing, on a cut-stone base, 

 encloses the entire grounds. 



The only criticism I have to make at present is, that some 

 of the groups of trees at present partake too much of the 

 character of what Sir Uvedale Price calls clumps ; but this 

 may be the result of thick and compact planting for the pur- 

 pose of shelter and protection. But let the original reasons 

 be what they may, it is high time they had a thorough thin- 

 ning out and more straggling trees introduced. 



When the important advantages to the public, — and the 

 poorer classes in this country especially, — of such an exten- 

 sive and delightful pleasure ground is taken into considera- 

 tion, no one will be inclined to say that the expenditure in 

 creating it does not merit the most unbounded success, and 

 the deepest public gratitude. Here nature may be viewed in 

 her loveliest garb ; the most obdurate heart may be softened, 

 and the mind gently led to pursuits which refine, purify, and 

 alleviate the humblest of the toil-worn. 



. It has been justly observed that in the same proportion as 

 sources of innocent amusement and healthy recreations are 

 provided for a people, in the same proportion do they become 

 virtuous and happy. The commissioners of Birkenhead 

 have therefore set a noble example to the directors of public 

 affairs in large towns ; they already have the gratification of 

 knowing that many, many thousands have already been made 

 happier by their exertions ; and generations yet unborn will 

 have occasion to be grateful for this public boon. 



Mr. Edward Kemp, the superintendent, is still in charge 

 of the park, and whom I found to be a very intelligent, 

 courteous, and modest man. Mr. Thomas Hogg, the gardener 

 who was under Mr. Kemp at the commencement, is also still 

 here — both of whom I am under many obligations to for their 

 kind attentions. . 



prince's park. 



To the philanthropic spirit of Richard Vaughan Yates, 

 Esq., are the public indebted for this ornament of the neigh- 



