THE BOOK OF THE ROYAL 



with a blaze of bright-coloured flowers, producing an effect 

 which once seen can never be forgotten. 



The roof of these arcades has been constructed of a perma- 

 nent character, at a very heavy expense. Being entirely open to 

 the weather both above and below, as well as intended to be 

 used for a promenade, not only great strength, but power of 

 resisting the weather was required ; hence the mode of roofing 

 known as a Fox and Barrett floor has been adopted. This con- 

 trivance consists of a floor of which the beams are of iron, 

 formed not unlike the rails of a railway, with a projecting ledge 

 on each side. These are placed, as bearers, from the front wall 

 to the back wall, and rows of wooden fillets are laid between 

 them side by side, their ends resting on the ledges. A concrete 

 compound of gravel and mortar is then spread over it, covering 

 the beams and fillets to the clej)th of nearly a foot. The whole 

 hardens into one homogeneous mass, and the fillets below 

 may decay or be taken out without the slightest danger ; indeed, 

 in cases where it is desired to take tmusual precautions against 

 fire, the fillets are purposely taken out after the concrete above 

 has set. On the concrete being thoroughly hardened and dry, 

 it is covered with asphalte, as in the arcade in question. There 

 are various kinds and qualities of asphalte ; the kind here used 

 is what is known as SeyseU asphalte. Access is obtained to 

 the roof of these arcades either through the Conservatory up the 

 stairs leading to its gallery, or by wooden stairs at the back, at 

 the respective extremities on each side. 



The view from the top is beau.tiful and extensive ; the Garden 

 itself lies stretched like a map at the feet of the spectator ; and 

 in the distance, unless on unfavourable days, when the smoke 



