appropriated to the largest amount of valuable specimens of original work exhibited by any single contributor; and the same gradation of merit, only in a lower degree, attaching to the class of work not original. Towards such an exhibition ladies from all parts of the kingdom might be invited to contribute; and it is surely not too much to anticipate, that such a project would be the means of bringing together a larger number of visitors than are often seen within the walls of the Crystal Palace. Amongst such a selection of work, too, surely some channels of a remunerative nature would be opened, so as to afford lasting occupation to those who desire to employ their time, not only profitably, but agreeably to themselves.
HOW TO CONVERT LONDON INTO A GARDEN.
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If the exhalations of animals be the food of plants, and vice vertd , it is quite clear that plants should be well off in cities could we only get rid of unfavourable circumstances. And, notwithstanding the unfavourable circumstances, many trees and plants do get acclimated in London. And exquisite is the sensation when, from the hot glare in summer time we unexpectedly fall in with a green tree which shades us from the sun’s rays by its half transparent green curtain. On the north side of St. Paul's there are a few trees, one of which stretches out almost lovingly a long and slender branch, gracefully waving up and down over the footpath, and fascinating the eye more than all the architecture, the forms of which it enhances by contrast. It is said that scarcely a quarter of a mile of distance exists without a tree in any part of London; though for the most part they are shut in back-yards. But Lincoln’s Inn, the Drapers’ Gardens, tho Temple, and, abovjall, the small Temple Garden, indicate to us what London might be, and with great advantage to health.
Visible coal smoke, and coal gases not so visible, are the chief impediments to plant growth; and in spite of this, certain trees do grow tolerably healthy. The coal nuisance in the atmosphere prevents the other nuisance from neutralising the growth of our plants. Time was when we resigned ourselves to a smoky atmosphere as a necessary evil; but one day a Parliamentary order, or Order in Council, was issued, that steam-boats and steam-factories — all but the Lambeth potteries — must perforce swallow and consume their own smoke, the fact being not then very clearly understood that a mode of perfect combustion to prevent the generation of smoke was the one thing needful. So boats and factories had to submit and grope in the dark, as they best might, after a solution of the