The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-06-26 00:00:00

PUBLIC PARKS.

Next to the conservation of life and property, it is the duty
of all governments general or local, so far as their means ex-
tend, to watch over and conserve the public health. The
salus populi should be considered physically as well as poli-
tically,—for of what avail is all our wealth, our palacial splen-
dour, our means of accumulating the refinements and the luxu-
luxuries of this world, if, after a life of commercial anxiety, or
of manual dexterity, we have not health, and its concomitant
cherfulness of heart, to enjoy them ? In a country where
the hours of labour for the operative classes are long and
confining ; where many of the vocations of life whether men-
tal or corporeal, tend of themselves to fatigue both body arid
mind, it is especially imperative to counteract the evil
effects thus producedo and to recruit the waste of energy
and spirit, by that invigorating exercise in the open air,
which absolute inertion or even sleep itself cannot fully
supply were they to be courted, to the exclusion of all
gratification of the senses. We shall not, however, pause
to inquire into the direct causes of prolonged labour in this
country ; neither shall we speculate on the possibility of
reducing it, however desirable such an object might be.
Even could that be accomplished—and many years must
elapse before, from the settled position and complicated re-
lations of society, such a consummation could be hoped for
—even supposing that it could be accomplished, the necessity
for public parks, to complete the healthful, the rightful en-
joyments of the people, would still exist. The confinement
which circumstances at present exact from the industrious
community, leaves them, unhappily, little time for the im-
provement of the mind, and by rendering the ready allure-
ments of the tavern and other viciating resorts less resistible,
only increases the necessity of the proposed
,provision being
made, to draw them from demoralizing, or at best unprofit-
able, to blameless and meliorating pursuits. The opening of
such sources of enjoyment and recreation to the general po-
pulation, it is not too much to say, would thus have a tendency
to improve the public morals. Nothing within a town, however
splendid its edifices, however gorgeous its productions, how-
ever varied its public amusements, tends so much to elevate
the mind and shut out debasing passions, as the contempla-
tion of the beauties and grandeur of nature displayed in a
fine park, with its grassy carpet, its woods, its shrubberies,
its flower-plots, and the extended landscape that bounds it.
And we can conceive no more delightful picture than the
honest artisan, after.a day ofpatient toil, walking in decent
attire, with the partner of his home by his side, and his chil-
dren sporting around him, on the same promenade with his
Wealthier fellow-citizens and their families,—inhaling in com-
mon with them the refreshing breeze, and enjoying a kindred
delight in the objects and prospects that surround them. But
we need scarcely further urge the.point. The advantages of
parks for the health and recreation of the people are so ge-
nerally acknowledged, that few persons will be bold• enough
to question them, and those misanthropic few we can afford
to pity, and shall not take the trouble to blame.
We rejoice to find that our Common Council have at
length taken up the subject in earnest, and we hope they
will proceed in the same spirit of liberality which they I
evinced on their appointing, on the motion of Mr. Sandbach,
a committee of inquiry into the practicability of obtaining
land, " either within or contiguous to the boundary of the
borough, for the purpose of forming parks, to be for ever
kept open for the benefit and enjoyment of the increased
population of the borough." The mover of the proposition,
in urging it, truly remarked, that " if a recommendation of
this kind had been proceeded with some years ago, the cost
would have been 'comparatively trifling ; and the difficulty
(of purchase) would go on increasing every year, so long as
it was postponed." He added, that " there were many
situations within the parliamentary boundary that would be
suitable for the purpose.. On this last point we should be
glad were it in our power, after considering the question with
considerable attention, to concur with that gentleman. This,
however, is a mere matter of opinion as to locality, and does
not affect the propriety of the object in view. We appre-
hend there are not " many suitable situations within the
boundary, but we see no difficulty in making up any defi-
ciency that may arise by (in the language of the Com•
mittee's advertisement) resorting to land " contiguous" to
it.

The number of parks to be formed is not as yet fixed
upon ; but it appears desirable that there should be, if suitable
ground can be found, at least three,—one general or central
park, and one at or near each of the extremities of the town—
a north and south park. Our contemporary of the Albion, of
the 15th instant, recommends for that in the north " the
land lying between Great Mersey-street and Boundary-
street," as " very eligible ! " He adds that " the appropria-
tion of the spot for such a purpose. would be attended with
many obvious advantages, amongst which would be, that it
would check the deterioration of the property at Everton, if
it did not cause the restoration of that once favourite retreat
to its pristine popularity." We do not admire the taste, or
concur in the reasoning of our contemporary on this point.
The land in question possesses no advantage but its proximity
to the town. In every other respect it is altogether ineligible.
It consists almost wholly of brick fields, and, to be made
arable, raust.be forced at a great cost. The land, too, is for
the most part suitable only for buildings connected with the
northern docks, and a great price would consequently be
required for it. It is moreover too limited in extent; and
to crown all it is nearly surrounded with large iron foundries,
boiler works, chemical works, brick fields, lime kilns, manure
depots near the canal, and la variety of et-ceteras, which
render it anything but delectable and which would fill it .
'with smoke, impure gases, &c., "the least a death to vegeta-
tion." The Albion must surely have overlooked these little
matters, so derogatory of the spot he has fixed upon for the.
formation of a little Elysium. With regard to its redeeming
Everton from its recent depreciation, we merge all 'such
speculators in the general good. The money to be expended
in the formation of parks belongs to the public, and the
best sites attainable ought to be chosen without reference to
private rights. But we proceed to submit otn• own sugges-
tions on the subject, in the hope that they may be at least
deemed worthy of the consideration of practical individuals.
The grand object is to obtain sites for the parks which
shall possess the following requisites :--contiguity, as far as
possible, to the town ; purity of air ; adaptation of soil for
the rearing of forest trees and shrubs; and, if possible, a
command of surrounding prospects.
In our paper of the 26th of May, in an article on the Bo-
tanic Garden, after strongly urging the necessity of public
parks, we had the honour to be the first to propose (on the
suggestion of a friend) that the land on three sides of the
garden should be purchased for a general or central park.
We also suggested that the corporation should purchase the
Botanic Garden ; and we have reason to believe, from what
we have since learned, that the proprietors of that establish-
ment would deal with the council on easy terms, on condi-
tion that the garden should be properly kept up for the bene-
fit of the public. The land alluded to is the property of Mr.
J. S. Leigh and Mr. Hawkes, and includes Plurnbe's Hall,
with its rookery. As we then observed, " this land would
be within what is called a ring fence. It is finely undulated
and wooded, so that it might readily be converted into a
spacioui public park, with a drive or ride all round for car-
riages, horses, and pedestrians—the Botanic Garden being
in the middle. The ground is in every respect admirably
suited for the purpose, and it is, we believe, the only ground,
within a convenient distance of the town, that is available
for the purpose." We mean, of course; combining all the
requisites for an extensive or central park. A second visit
to the ground, and conversations with gentlemen of practical
experience in landscape gardening, have confirmed our opi-
nion; We are since, too, enabled to add, that not only in
soil and in trees already grown is this ground admirably
adapted for the purpose, but that it presents, particularly
from the elevated ground on Mr. Leigh's estate, some de-
lightful views, the eleVation at that point being greater
than that of even Edge-hill. Eastward is seen Ormskirk,
Knowsley, the Bolton hills, and a large extent of interme-
diate country. From the south end of the ridge a fine view
is obtained of Cheshire, as high up the river as Halton Cas-
tle, also of the hollow of the Dee, and of the Welsh moun-
tains. Edge-hill and the intermediate villas are pleasing
objects to the west, and on the whole the views are more
extensive than might be anticipated by those who have not
visited the 'ground. The Botanic Garden being in the centre,
would always form an appropriate part of what we may call
the general establishment. The land extends beyond the
railway, towards Wavertree, on which side it is also pleas-
ingly wooded, and as there is a deep cutting through the hill,
through a considerable portion of its extent east and west,
handsome fancy bridges might •be constructed, from which
the view of the trains, passing and repassing, might be en-
joyed without personal danger. Any of the land that might
not •be wanted, or any contiguous land which the Council
might buy at the same time, might readily be leased, 'or
afterwards sold to great advantage, as it would, from the
proximity of the park, soon become greatly enhanced in value.
The extent of the park here proposed is considerable, but not
too large for the population of so rapidly an increasing town as
Liverpool ; and we do hope that the Council will, if they err
at all, err on the liberal side, as in that case the error, as the
town grows out, will, gradually amend itself. It may be ob-
jected that the ground is too far from the town. Our reply
is that it is the nearest that is available for a spacious park ;
that it is only, after all, a pleasing walk distant, and that so
far from any apprehension being entertained that it would
not be amply attended. the attendance at the Botanic Gar-
den'(in the middle of it) on the recent public nights has been
numerous, respectable, and orderly. On Monday week, the
day being fine, between nine and ten thousand persons visited
the grounds.
We now come to the consideration of a site for the North
Park, which, from the crowded state of the town at that end,
would appear to be rather more requisite than a park at the
south end.

The nearest ground we can point out in that direction, is
that situated immediately beyond the parliamentary boun-
dary, on the west of the road to Walton, extending north-
westward towards Bootle, and now partly occupied by Mr.
Skirving as a nursery. This land partly skirts the nursery
on its west side; it includes some large fields north of it,
and it extends beyond the two windmills, along the height or
eminence between Walton Church and the sea, and thence
down to Bootle. It is thus beautifully undulated;. it com-
mands a most extensive view of the river and the shipping,
which is no small consideration to the people of our modern
Tyre ; the inland views are also extensive and full of interest-
ing objects ; the soil is of prime quality ; the air is pure and
invigorating, and what is of primary importance, it belongs
to a nobleman who, from his known liberality and his love of
natural history and rural scenery, would no doubt treat with
the Council on advantageous terms for any number of acres
that might be required for a park for the public of Liverpool.
Another advantage of this land is that it could never be en-
croached upon by works or buildings that could create nuis-
ances, and that the seaward prospect would remain open.
We know, indeed, of no site so suitable in that direction,
unless, indeed, the nursery itself, which is now almost a
park ready made, if it could be obtained, which we should
doubt. From the ground alluded to, Everton and its church,
St. Domingo house and other mansions in that direction are
fine objects, as is Walton with its beautiful gothic steeple in
the opposite direction.
With regard to a South Park, we are not prepared to point
out a suitable and attainable site. Harrington-is creeping so
rapidly out in houses towards the " Flags, ' and Wellington-
road, that we fear nothing on that side Park-road can be
obtained. The proximity of the large forges below, and of
docks, is also detrimental, if not fatal, to the establishment
of a park in that locality. Further on there are vacant fields
finely sloping to the river, but the question is, could they be
purchased for a reasonable sum ? On the east side of Park.
road there are also large fields, but the soil is a thin black
sand, scarcely suitable for arboriculture, and the probability
is that this land will be laid out in streets. A site further
south must, we apprehend, be sought ; but the urgency of
the case is not so great as regards the south end as the other
parts of the town, as it is more elevated and more open and
In conclusion, whether our suggestions be adopted or not,
we would again express our strong conviction that the Coun-
cil cannot devote any portion of their disposable funds to a
more truly beneficial and legitimate object than the esta-
blishment of parks for the use of the public ; and we would
again urge upon them, that the longer purchases are delayed,
the more difficult will it be to effect them,—if, indeed, the
object would not be defeated altogether, by even a few years'
indecision and delay. Land within the precincts of a great
and increasing town will no more wait for any man than
will " time or tide." Let, therefore, the watchword of the
Council be " Carpe diem ! "

CORRESPONDENCE.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A correspondent, remarking upon the present extraordinary
cold weather, informs us that there has been during the
past week, a tremendous demand upon the pawnbrokers
for ladies cloaks, Taglioni and down the road coats, which
had been laid up for the summer months. We certainly
have noticed in our perambulations that many of our fair
townswomen have exchanged the butterfly for the chrysalis
form, and that here and there the outer garment of a
" swell " betrayed marks of the careful folding of "my
uncle."
THE LOST UMBRELLA.—We have not yet heard whether
the vagrant umbrella, lent to a lady in Rodney-street, some
time ago, has returned from its peregrinations. Perhaps
our contemporary of the Mercury can give some informa-
tion on this delicate subject.
THE WELSH HARP.—" An Englishman," who attended
the recent Eisteddfod, has furnished us with the following
remarks on the construction of the Welsh harp :—" Sir,—
having heard great talk about the Welsh harp, I had the
pleasure of seeing one of the first manufacture of South
Wales, which is far superior to those of North Wales manu-
• facture, both in workmanship and richness of tone. The
maker, I am informed, has a peculiar method of construct-
ing his harps, for which he stands unrivalled. The playing
at the Eisteddfod was excellent throughout ; and I think the
principle of the meeting deserves the warmest support of
every Englishman as well as Welshman."
OxFonn's " Tom THUMB" EPISTLE.—We have been fa-
voured, exclusively, with Lord Normanby's reply to Mr.
Edward Orford, upon his application for the " History of
Jack the Giant Killer," &c. The following is a copy of
his lordship's letter :—" Lord Normanby presents his re-
spects to Mr. Edward Oxford, and is sorry to inform him
that he cannot comply with. Mr. Oxford's request, the
celebrated works he mentions being at present out of print.
In place of them, Lord N. sends a set of his own novels,
which, vanity apart, Lord N. thinks will, as to sense, be
found by Mr. Oxford to be nearly upon a par with the
far-famed ' Jack the Giant Killer,' Tom Thumb,' &c."
ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.—A correspondent has fur-
nished us with the following particulars respecting the
" Ancient Druids," who joined in the procession to open
the Eisteddfod :—" Most of your readers doubtless ob-
served the individuals in the procession of the Eisteddfod
that were dressed in the peculiar, garb of the Ancient
Druids. Although to modern eyes, and especially to the
ignorant, they appeared objects worthy only of being
laughed at, yet to those who have studied history, their
costume was in every respect appropriite, and strictly in
accordance with the dresses of our venerable forefathers,
those highly gifted men to whom were entrusted the reli-
gious observances of the whole of Europe, Asia, and Africa,
the expounding of the laWs, and the education of the peo-
ple. Custom alone makes things absurd, so that a pro-
cession similar to the one we saw, and which created such
a sensation among the Liverpool public, would, in the
Druidical times, have been beheld with the greatest reve-
rence and devotion. I do not say that the Druids of the
present day hold the same religious opinions as. the Druids
of old, as we know that they are associated together solely
to relieve their sick and distressed members, and to pro-
vide a fund to inter, in a suitable way, any of the brethren
that may be called from this vale of sorrows, and that reli-
gion and politics are strictly forbidden in all their lodges.
I have been informed, on authority on which I can impli-
citly rely, that they have 300 lodges, numerously and re-
spectably attended, and that the two lodges in this town
are highly so. After leaving the Amphitheatre, the mem-
bers of the two lodges proceeded to Host Marshall's, Edge-
hill Coffee-house, where, after partaking of a dinner pro-
vided in that superior manner for which Mr. Marshall is
so celebrated, Past-Arch Turner was called to the chair,
and the evening was passed in the utmost harmony and
brotherly love. The singing was first rate, and the toasts
and sentiments apropos to the occasion. About half-past
eleven o'clock the chairman vacated his seat, and the com-
pany separated, highly pleased with the day's proceedings."
TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.
Sin,—Wishing that every one should have encouragement
who perseveres in their profession, I think it nothing but
right that the maker of the Glamorgunshire Harp, whose in-
ventive genius has materially improved that instrument, by
giving it that full rich and powerful tone that distinguishes
his harps from every other, should have the benefit of your
extensive publication.—Yours, &c.,
AN OBSERVER.