1852.] 



THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 



79 



(^ . . ^ ) 



\J}is adapted for many purposes of public instruction and recreation, and Py 

 y ought to be preserved — that the extensive uses to which so large a O 

 covered space might be adapted are well illustrated in the evidence of 

 Mr. Cole and Mr. Dilke before the commission on the subject, appoint- 

 ed by the Lords of the Treasury. But, in the report of that commis- 

 sion the objection is taken, founded on a flagrant misconception of 

 Sir Joseph Paxton's evidence, that it would be possible to construct a 

 new building better adapted for a winter garden, at fess cost than 

 would be required to render the Crystal Palace permanent, and to 

 adapt it to Sir Joseph's plan. We have no hesitation in saying that 

 this is a monstrous mistake, and that, if the present structure is thrown 

 away, it is simply a wanton destruction of £160,000 worth of public 

 property, which is not likely to be replaced, except under an amount 

 of excitement equal to that which produced the great exhibition. The 

 building can only now be preserved by a manifestation of public opi- 

 nion in its favor ; and that the most ample opportunities for that pur- 

 pose may be afforded, we shall for the next week throw open the doors 

 to all visitors free of charge. We leave the fate of the building to 

 this final court of appeal, confident that, if our views are sound, they 

 will yet be carried into effect. We are, &c, Fox, Henderson # Co. 

 3 New-st., March 20." 



In accordance with the intimation conveyed in the preceding letter, 

 the public were admitted gratuitously into the interior on Monday, 

 when not less than 30,000 persons — from the peerage downwards — 

 availed themselves of the privilege. The same concourse of visitors 

 has taken place daily during the week ; and still further to test public 

 opinion upon the fate of the building, Mr. Oliveira has issued a circu- 

 lar, with the view of forming a committee and holding a public meet- 

 ing for the purpose. In the meantime, a public meeting is advertised 

 to be held at noon, on Tuesday next, in the Crystal Palace, by per- 

 mission of the contractors, to take into consideration the report of the 

 recent commission. 



■♦ » 



The following effusion of feeling by Anna Carmel, is a specimen of 

 fhe literature of Chester county, written for the West Chester Ee- 

 gister : 



(t A Leaf from My Diary." 



How much I love the Sabbath, and such a one as this has been — so 



calm, so holy, with the sunshine and shadow playing among the bright 



young leaves, as if angel watchers were there, moving to and fro in 



cadence with those over whom they were holding vigil. Each tree 



j and shrub is crowned with a coronet of pearls more precious than 



i the gems that deck the mitred ones of earth; and while the busy mul- 



1 29b , ^9Qm 



