NEW PARK. 61 



in size, and really appears finer and more convenient, than the 

 one I described in Liverpool. The roof, which is mostly of glass, 

 is high and airy, and is supported by two rows of slender iron 

 columns, giving to the interior the appearance of three light and 

 elegant arcades. The contrivances to effect ventilation and 

 cleanliness are very complete. It was built by the town, upon 

 land given to it for the purpose, and cost $175,000. 



The baker had* begged of us not to leave Birkenhead without 

 seeing their New Park, and at his suggestion we left our knap- 

 sacks with him, and proceeded to it. As we approached the 

 entrance, we were met by women and girls, who, holding out a 

 cup of milk, asked us " Will you take a cup of milk, sirs ? 

 good, cool, sweet coiv's milk, gentlemen, or right warm from the 

 ass ! " And at the gate was a herd of donkeys, some with cans 

 of milk strapped to them, others saddled and bridled, to be let for 

 ladies and children to ride. 



The gateway, which is about a mile and a half from the ferry, 

 and quite back of the town, is a great, massive block of handsome 

 Ionic architecture, standing alone, and unsupported by any thing 

 else in the vicinity, and looking, as I think, heavy and awkward. 

 There is a sort of grandeur about it that the English are fond of, 

 but which, when it is entirely separate from all other architect- 

 ural constructions, always strikes me unpleasantly. It seems 

 intended as an impressive preface to a great display of art within; 

 but here, as well as at Eaton Park, and other places I have since 

 seen, it is not followed up with great things, the grounds immedi- 

 ately within the grand entrance being simple, and apparently 

 rather overlooked by the gardener. There is a large archway 

 for carriages, and two smaller ones for people on foot, and, on 

 either side, and over these, are rooms which probably serve as 

 inconvenient lodges for the laborers. No porter appears, and the 

 gates are freely opened to the public. 



