the noted Zoological Gardens, where they left the carriage, or drag. "These gardens, children," said Mr. Cartmell," are among the oldest and largest in the world. They were founded in in 1826 by Sir Humphry Davy, a noted scientific man. We are fortunate in being here about the time the animals are fed, when they are most active. During the middle of the day most of them conceal themselves in holes and dens, under water, or among the shrubbery." The Cartmells here separated into three parties, in order that each might visit the animals in which he was most interested. They all met later in the refreshment-rooms. What an exchange of adventures and views took place around that table! In returning to their hotel, the Cartmells passed by the large building just south of Regent's Park, containing Madame Tussaud's well-known waxwork exhibition. The children wished to stop and visit it at that time; but Mr. French advised them to go in the evening, and see the exhibit under the glare of gas-lights. "What great building is that on the other side of the street?" George asked. "It is the Marylebone Workhouse, where so many of London's poor are cared for." They then drove through the rich West End of London, through Portman Square, containing the town residence of the Duke of Fife, through Berkeley Square, with its planetrees, in which Lord Rosebery has his town home, and then into and through Grosvenor Square, which for a century and a half has maintained the position of being the most fashionable place of residence in London. The party again reached Hyde Park in season to see some of the fashionable driving. They were greatly interested in the powdered lackeys, the sleek coachmen, the highbred horses, and the elegant equipages, containing the most handsomely dressed and most beautiful women and the most refined men to be seen perhaps in the world. They returned through Oxford and Regent Streets. When they reached their hotel, even the children were well satisfied with that day's work, and tired enough to go to bed, after a light lunch. "We must have a ride down the Thames before we leave England," said Mr. French one day to Mr. Cartmell. "It would be delightful. How can we best accomplish it?" "Leave that to me, please." A few days after Mr. French invited them all to a river excursion. Fred thus describes it, in a letter to his cousin, DEAR COUSIN ARTHUR, LONDON, July 12, 1897. Our friend Mr. French has given us to-day a most enjoyable river outing. We went by rail early in the morning to Reading, and then we boarded a fine steam-launch which carried us down to Henley in time to see the great Royal Regatta. Here we stayed a large part of the day, watching the races and the people. Picked crews from all the principal English clubs took part, and it was very exciting. The boats passed very near our launch, which was anchored near the bank. Late in the afternoon we dropped down to Great Marlow, a noted fishingplace, and tied up to the bank for the night, sleeping very comfortably on board. The next day we steamed slowly on past Maidenhead, where we saw many young people canoeing and picnicking. In this vicinity are many houseboats beside the banks, in which the nicest families live for several weeks, to get away from the noise and dirt of the great city. Windsor Castle never looked more magnificent than when seen from the river. Papa, mamma, and Miss Gray left the boat at Hampton Court to visit the old cardinal's palace; but Mr. French and the rest of us preferred to go farther down and see Richmond Hill, which we climbed, and from which we had a fine view of the river and country. We also spent a little time in the well-known Kew Gardens. It was a grand excursion, and I wish you had been with us. Your travelling cousin, FRED. LESSON XII TO THE TOWER AND TOWER BRIDGE "Now, papa, can we ride to-day?" inquired Nellie. "Yes. And each one may select his kind of vehicle." The selections were written down upon pieces of paper, and Mr. Cartmell examined them. The result was, that Fred and George rode together in a hansom cab; Miss Gray, Nellie, and Mr. French went in a landau; and Florence, with her parents, saw the views from an open barouche. "Where shall we go to-day?" asked Fred. "First over the Victoria Embankment, eastward." As they slowly passed through this magnificent boulevard, Mr. French began to talk to his carriage companions about this wonderful street. "It is often called the Thames Embankment," he said. "When was it completed, Mr. French ?" Miss Gray asked. "This embankment consists of a solid granite wall, 8 feet thick, 40 feet high, and 7,000 feet long, extending from Black- Victoria Embankment Gardens. each side are planted with trees. Much of the land included in this great improvement has been reclaimed from the river." The ride was very different from the previous one through the noisy and crowded streets of London. Here there seemed to be plenty of room to breathe and think. The trees gave considerable shade, especially upon the wide sidewalk next to the river. |