HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



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tlie subject "was tlms treated : — the Exhibition having taken 

 its origin in Great Britain, and having been contribnted to 

 by all nations, the design emblematised these facts by 

 representing Britannia sujjported by the four quarters of the 

 world. It had a rusticated base, from which sprung a single 

 octagonal shaft of granite, surmounted by Britannia, and at the 

 four angles of the base were seated the four statues. This was 

 to have been produced for 6000/., being all the money at the 

 disposal of the Committee. 



At the suggestion of H.E.H. the Prince Consort, a change, 

 immensely to the advantage of the monument, but involving an 

 additional expense of 800/., was made ujDon the design ; eight 

 granite columns were placed at the angles of the pediment, and 

 eight additional pilasters were added. The centre shaft of the 

 monument was, as abeady said, originally an octagon ; by the 

 advice and under the direction of Sydney Smirke, R.A., it was 

 converted into a round shaft. The Eoyal Horticultural Society 

 agreed to defray a portion of the expenses attending the erection 

 of the Memorial. 



As finally adjusted and executed, the under base is quadran- 

 gular, and taken from angle to angle forms a square of 22 feet ; 

 at each angle it contains large bronze copies of the Medals 

 distributed at the Exhibition of 1851. The sides of the 

 quadrangle are cut out by a curve which sweeps in, and are 

 inlaid with red polished granite panels. 



Upon this base, which is about 5 ft. high, the figures are 

 seated : — Africa is represented by a Negress, over whose limbs is 

 thrown a cloak of African manufacture. Asia is represented 

 by an Indian princess, decorated with jewels, bracelets, amulets, 



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