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ALTON TOWERS,* 



STAFFORDSHIRE, 



THE SEAT OF THE RIGHT HON. THE EARLS OF SHREWSBURY, 



XHE principal entrance to the Gardens is beneath a bridge of one arch, called the " Dry Bridge," thrown 

 across the head of the valley in which they are situated, a short distance from a small lake, which, on 

 the high ground, stretches out towards the stables, a range of brick buildings with an extensive stone 

 front and an embattled gateway, flanked by massive square towers. Near this bridge is another, long and 

 solidly built, with stone balustrades, the north-eastern side being washed by the lake, while from the 

 Gardens it appears simply as a terrace, terminating the view in that direction. On entering, the first 

 object that claims attention is a marble bust of the original genius of the valley, Charles, 15th Earl of 

 Shrewsbury. It rests beneath the dome of a model of Grecian art — the celebrated Choragic Temple of 

 Lysiscrates ; and on the base of the pedestal on which it stands, we read the expressive and appropriate 

 inscription, " He made the desert smile." In front of the building is a beautifully designed monogram 

 in box of the letter S, by Mr Whitaker, who for several years has had the management of these 

 Gardens, and to whose skill and taste many of their attractions are due. The interstices are filled with 

 a material from the Potteries, called " Grog," which, when first laid down, is of a bright golden colour ; 

 the borders are composed of pounded brick, made with a highly-coloured description of clay, and broken 

 into small fragments for the purpose. From a distance, the effect of this gay dress, illuminating the 

 curves and lines of the dark green box, is quite novel, and, we believe, peculiar to these Gardens. 

 A little to the right we saw a specimen of the Wellingtonia Gigantea ; minute and unpretending as 

 it then was, how wondrous in size might it not become ! We also noticed here some fine specimens of 

 the Deodar cedar, Douglas, Chilian, and other pines. At intervals beneath the garden walls were 

 placed some characteristic marble busts. The form and treatment of these walls originated at Alton, and 

 certainly deserve notice ; we believe, however, that they are not imitated elsewhere. They are composed 

 of stone, about ten or twelve feet high, and scolloped. On the apex of each division are placed vases 

 planted with Irish Yew, and supported, as it were, on pilasters formed of Cotoneaster and Ivy, running 

 up the face of the wall from an evergreen base. The entire range of outer walls are of this form, with 

 corresponding arrangements, and they certainly are very picturesque. On the left the ground is laid out 

 in large beds, divided by gravel walks with box borders. It is known as the Scollop Walk, and contains 

 an excellent collection of roses and other flowers effectively arranged. Passing down this walk we reach 

 the Conservatories, and so on to the Bath Garden. A careful examination of this Plate will 

 give the key to the design of the building and its accessories without our entering into more than 

 a general description. The beauty and solidity of paiuting is faithful representation, and nothing seems 

 wanting in the artist's treatment of the subject before us to render it complete. In the background 

 rise, from the edge of dense masses of ever-varying foliage, the parapet of the bridge before-mentioned, 



* The whole of these estates were left to Lord Bernard Howard, second son of his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, K.G. ; and his 

 Grace intends to keep up the Gardens for the recreation and enjoyment of the Public. 



