1885 .] Analyses of Booh. 169 
after death tell in favour of a future life for the lower animals 
also. More; not a few Spiritualists testify to the reappearance 
of deceased dogs, cage-birds, &c. But we hope that the author, 
who admits himself a believer in Evolution, does not literally 
uphold the dodtrine of the “ great gulf” separating man from the 
anthropoids. 
Second A nnual Report of the Metropolitan Public Garden , Boule- 
vard, and Playground Association. 1884. 
We have here the report of a Society which in an unobtrusive 
way is effecting a good work. We fully admit the general truth- 
fulness of the sad picture here drawn of the condition of a large 
part of the metropolitan population. The question, what can be 
done to reduce the “ din and uproar,” — “ the whirl and hurry, 
slavery and closeness,” among which the majority of Londoners 
live and die, is becoming more and more pressing. Among the 
various agencies operating in the right direction the formation of 
public gardens, parks, and playgrounds wherever practicable is 
not one of the least valuable. Every increase to the small stock 
of what is beautiful amidst the general squalor and ugliness of 
this overgrown city must have, as far as it goes, a humanising 
influence, especially upon the young. The public may be con- 
gratulated on the passing of an Adt which prohibits the eredtion 
of buildings upon disused burial grounds. This measure, by de- 
priving such land of all value to the building speculator, renders 
its acquisition for the formation of public gardens easier. We 
may, however, regret the squeamishness which dictated the 
clause forbidding the playing of games in such grounds. 
The Association seems- to have been very fairly successful in 
its operations. As a rule local authorities, landowners, incum- 
bents of churches, &c., have shown themselves desirous of aiding 
the work of the Association. Occasionally, however, their pro- 
posals have been declined. Two instances are given of vestries 
which at first received the subjedt favourably, but at the last mo- 
ment suddenly and unaccountably changed their minds. Two of 
the City Companies have rejected the scheme for throwing open 
certain plots of land, and certain boards of trustees have adopted 
a similar policy. 
We venture here to suggest that the Association should, if 
possible, endeavour to secure for the public that portion of the 
Alexandra Park known as “ The Grove,” containing trees which 
are simply magnificent, and if destroyed, could never be replaced. 
Should the ground ever be sold, as is not unlikely, these trees 
will assuredly be hacked down by some wretched building- 
VOL. VII. (THIRD SERIES). 
o 
