220 
On the Conferva JEgagropila. 
'1 be grand feature in the'new Garden, is a fine sheet of water, which 
is already animated by a splendid collection of aquatic birds, never before 
seen to so much advantage, Mr. Crofes, has we find, availed himself of 
the assistance of Mr. Phillips, the landscape planter, who has already 
transformed this piece of water, into one of the most interesting lakes in 
the vicinity of Londoij; and on the margin of which, he has erected one 
of the most novel buildings of the age, foriihng a complete Zoological 
Conservatory for carnivorous animals of tropical climates. 
The building is circular, and consists of an inner court-yard, around 
which, the dens are placed, so as to present a new object at every step 
the spectator advances; and the whole being covered by a dome of glass, 
nearly three hundred feet in circumference, ensures the animal an equal 
temperature at all seasons of the year, whilst it protects the visitors also, 
from unfavorable weather. This glazed promenade, will also form a 
bower of all the choicest climbing-plants ever yet congregated on one 
spot; and a stream of water, animated by curious fish, will play beneath 
the plants, entirely around the walk, which will also be overhung by 
birds of the most rare and beautiful species.—the whole enjoying a per¬ 
petual summer, by the judicious arrangements for heating and ventilating- 
The building, which is simple, unique, and beautiful, in its outline, is 
placed on a gentle eminence, commanding views of the most interesting 
])arts of the grounds. A similar building, on a smaller scale, is erecting 
for the monkeys; so that they may be seen exhibiting their antics, at all 
seasons of the year. 
An octagonal building, surrounded by paddocks, for domestic animals 
of foreign climes, is also finished, and filled with rare specimens, so that 
the grounds already possess great attractions, although it is little more 
than a month since the establishment has been formed. 
We shall, in a future number, give a further notice of this Garden, so 
that our readers may form a just conclusion of its merits. 
W- 
Article V .—On the Conferva JEoagropila^ Moss-]3all; 
from Coomere, near Ellesmere, Salop. 
They are found loose at the bottom of the water, and taken up by a 
rake with a long handle, and are from the size of a pea to that of a 
child’s head. The one sent, is a very fine healthy one. A lady at 
Oswestry, has one she has kept since 1818, in a large vessel with rain- 
vvater, in her green-house. When she first placed it there, it was the 
size of a walnut, and now it is as large as a hat, and in the spring is 
beautifully green, and bears diaphanous balls, as large as a pea, which 
dropoff and die, probably for want of their natural Mere, to bring them 
to perfection. 
I remain, yours, &c. 
Bakm'ell, June 5lli. 
W. W. 
