St. James's Park. 283 



palace, and the trees of St. James's and Buckingham gardens 

 in the middle distance, rendering Piccadilly, as a leading en- 

 trance into the metropolis, one of its most agreeable streets. 

 In making this alteration in the Green Park, I am aware 

 that I am abstracting a portion of ground from a spot which 

 is more frequented by the lower and middling classes of 

 society than any other in London ; but it will still be acces- 

 sible to them under some restrictions, and being more polished 

 and freed from nuisances, cannot but prove more agreeable ; 

 however, as I am extremely anxious not to be considered as 

 diminishing the enjoyments of these classes, and as I am 

 aware that his Majesty and the ministry have a most decided 

 objection to any thing of the sort, I would amply compen- 

 sate them in appropriating that at present dull, dark-green, 

 useless place, the interior of St. James's Park (d) to their use, 

 by converting it into a source of amusement and admiration 

 as follows. 



St. James's Park. — I propose, as may be seen by reference 

 to the sketch, to add circular ends, and a circular centre to 

 the canal, for the purpose of introducing fountains (t 1 t)^ 

 which might be supplied from the waste water of the Ser- 

 pentine, before alluded to; and if there is not enough to 

 keep them constantly going, they might only be shown off as 

 at Versailles, on particular days, say Sundays, at two o'clock, 

 and on all holidays. A broad gravel walk should pass en- 

 tirely round the canal, with others leading to the gates (uu)% 

 these, with their drainage, will contribute to keep the place 

 dry ; and, perhaps, some of the timber should be taken down, 

 as it would be advisable to render the whole as light, open, 

 airy, and dry as possible ; for it is such scenes, totally divested 

 of all gloom and repose, that best accord with those pleasur- 

 able feelings with which a mechanic or his children seek free 

 and unrestrained enjoyment in walking and exercise. The 

 gates should be opened and shut at a certain hour, but whilst 

 open, subject to no restrictions whatever. It is absolutely 

 necessary to close them at night, to prevent the resort of 

 improper persons ; and to avoid any one being shut in, a 

 large bell might toll previous to closing the gates. Having 

 now pointed out all my proposed alterations, I have only to 

 add, that I am, dear Sir, &c. 



John Thompson. 



No. 1. Wellington Street, Waterloo Bridge, 

 April 25th, 1826. 



We agree with Mr. Thompson, that if his plan were car- 

 ried into execution, it would add greatly both to the grandeur 

 Vol. I. No. 3. x 



