178 LONDON PARKS & GARDENS 



Deptford Park 



Deptford Park is a complete contrast to the semi- 

 rural Dulwich. It is in one of the most densely-populated 

 and poor districts, where it is greatly needed, and has 

 been open since 1897. The site was market-gardens, 

 and was sold by the owner, Mr. Evelyn, below its value, 

 to benefit the neighbourhood. It is merely a square, 

 flat, open space of 17 acres, with only a few young 

 trees planted round the outskirts. Near the principal 

 entrance in Lower Road, the approach is by a short 

 walk between two walls. Along either side of the path- 

 way, and for some little distance to the right and left, 

 after the open space is reached, a nice border of herba- 

 ceous plants has been made along the wall, and a few 

 beds placed in the grass on either side, and ornamental 

 trees planted. Thus the entrance to this wide play- 

 ground is made cheerful and attractive, and a pleasant 

 contrast to the grimy streets outside. 



Telegraph Hill 



Between these two extremes lies a small Park known 

 as Telegraph Hill. It is only 9^- acres, and is cut in 

 two by a road, but it is very varied in surface. The 

 origin of its name is from its having been a station 

 for a kind of telegraphy that was invented before the 

 electric telegraph had been discovered. Two brothers 

 Chappe invented the system, and were so successful in 

 telegraphing the news of a victory in 1793, that their 

 plan was adopted in France, and soon throughout 

 Europe. In Russia a large sum was expended in 

 establishing a line of communication between the 

 German frontier and St. Petersburg ; but so slow was 



