The Sun.
London, England, 1853-12-30 00:00:00

THE WEATHER AND THE PARKS.

The frost which has prevailed during the past few
days continues, and with increased severity, for from
12 o'clock on Wednesday night the mercury rapidly
descended until it had fallen so low as 151 degrees be-
low freezing point—a lower temperature than has been
known for many years. At 7 o'clock yesterday morn-
ing the thermometer indicated no higher than 17 de-
grees, being 15 degrees of frost, and during the day
had not ascended to more than 27 degrees, again re-
ceding, up to 8 o'clock last night, to 25 degrees, with
a wind at north-north-east, and, from the clear and
bright starlight night, giving every indication of a frost
of considerable duration. On Wednesday afternoon
the wind slightly veered to westward,—the then cloudy
atmosphere was cleared by a descent of snow, which
was eventually frozen hard to the ground. The ice on
the ornamental waters in the Royal parks, &c., had,
from the intensity of the frost, gained such additional
strength as to cause a great accession of skaters and
sliders, as well as to draw to their banks a vast assem-
blage of spectators, particularly on the banks of the
Serpentine.
THE SERPENTINE.—On the surface of this piece of
water there were during the day upwards of 7,000 skaters
and sliders, including several members of the Skating
Club. The ice was in admirable condition when cleared
from the snow. Along the banks were innumerable
stalls, occupied by men lending out skates, who drove a
profitable trade. The only accident in this park during
the day Was that to a young gentleman named George,
residing at 68, Upper Berkeley-street, Edgeware-road,
who, from a fall on the ice, received a severe concussion
of the brain. During the morning, in consequence of
an order from the Woods and Forests, a number of carts
were employed to remove ice from the east end, in order
to supply her Majesty's ice wells at Buckingham Palace.
It was accordingly found necessary to place lines across
to prevent the skaters and sliders from getting on that
portion whence the ice had been abstracted.

THE LONG WATER AND ROUND POND.—The ice at
these places was in excellent condition, and was visited
by, a great number of skaters and sliders. Fortunately
there were no accidents. On the banks of the Long
Water was erected the elegant marquee of the Skating
Club.

REGENT'S•PARK.—The attendance of skaters and
sliders at this point amounted to some thousands, while
from the brightness of the day the banks of the orna-
mental lake were thronged with innumerable spectators.
There were no accidents from immersion, but several
cuts and contusions from falls, which were promptly
attended to by the medical officer of the Royal Humane
Society.

ST. JAMES'-PARK.--The ice on this piece of water had
become materially strengthened by the intense frost of
the preceding night, but was nevertheless considered to
be dangerous in various parts. There were, however,
not less than 6,000 skaters and sliders who ventured on,
and the only accident which occurred took place about
3 o'clock, at the west end, near the fountain, when Mr.
Hooke, 93, Felton-street, and his relatives, Henrietta
and Mary Hooke, broke in, but were speedily rescued
by Superintendent Parsons and several icemen, and at-
tended by Dr. M`Cann.

On the Surrey Canal, Clapham-common, and various
open waters in the vicinity of the metropolis, innumera-
ble skaters and sliders amused themselves without any
serious injury.