MUNICIPAL PARKS 149 



Within the grounds of the present Park, near Lauder- 

 dale House, stood a small cottage in which Andrew 

 Marvel lived, which was only pulled down in 1869. It 

 was considered unsafe, and no National Trust Society 

 was then in existence to make efforts for its preservation. 

 In a "History of Highgate" in 1842 the connection 

 between the place and this curious personage, political 

 writer, poet. Member of Parliament, and friend of Milton 

 is barely commented on. "Andrew Marvel, a writer 

 of the seventeenth century, resided on the Bank at High- 

 gate in the cottage now occupied by Mrs. Walker." The 

 reader of these lines is penetrated with a feeling that he 

 ought to know all about Mrs. Walker, rather than the 

 obscure writer ! 



The kitchen-garden is large, with charming herba- 

 ceous borders, and a long row of glass-houses and vineries, 

 and the grapes produced have hitherto been given to 

 hospitals. Let us hope that the same complaint will not 

 arise here as in another Park, where out-door fruit was 

 distributed, and caused such jealousies that the practice 

 was discontinued. 



With such a high standard set by the existing gardens, 

 it is curious that the new bedding should be as much out 

 of harmony as possible. The beds which call forth this 

 remark are those round the band-stand. The shape of 

 them it is impossible to describe, for they are of uncertain 

 form and indistinct meaning. The flowers are in bold 

 groups, and yet they look thoroughly out of place. 



Wandering one summer's day near the statue, erected 

 to Sir Sydney Waterlow, the writer overheard some girls, 

 who looked like shop-girls out for a holiday, discussing 

 who it was. The most enterprising went up and read 

 the inscription. "To Sir Sydney H. Waterlow, Bart., 



