178 LONDON PARKS & GARDENS 
Deptford Park 
Deptford Park is a complete contrast to the semi- 
rural Dulwich. It is in one of the most densely-populated 
and poor districts, where it is greatly needed, and has 
been open since 1897. The site was market-gardens, 
and was sold by the owner, Mr. Evelyn, below its value, 
to benefit the neighbourhood. It is merely a square, 
flat, open space of 17 acres, with only a few young 
trees planted round the outskirts. Near the principal 
entrance in Lower Road, the approach is by a short 
walk between two walls. Along either side of the path¬ 
way, and for some little distance to the right and left, 
after the open space is reached, a nice border of herba¬ 
ceous plants has been made along the wall, and a few 
beds placed in the grass on either side, and ornamental 
trees planted. Thus the entrance to this wide play¬ 
ground is made cheerful and attractive, and a pleasant 
contrast to the grimy streets outside. 
Telegraph Hill 
Between these two extremes lies a small Park known 
as Telegraph Hill. It is only 9J acres, and is cut in 
two by a road, but it is very varied in surface. The 
origin of its name is from its having been a station 
for a kind of telegraphy that was invented before the 
electric telegraph had been discovered. Two brothers 
Chappe invented the system, and were so successful in 
telegraphing the news of a victory in 1793, that their 
plan was adopted in France, and soon throughout 
Europe. In Russia a large sum was expended in 
establishing a line of communication between the 
German frontier and St. Petersburg; but so slow was 
