WCP1727

[1]¹

9, St. Mark's Crescent

[London] N.W.

Sept^r. 8^th. 1869.

Dear D^r. Sclater,²

I should much like to propose to the Council an important alteration & improvement in the Gardens, but first wish to know what you think of it, & whether you will give it your support. It relates entirely to the improvement of the gardens as gardens, and not as a menagerie, a point however by no means unimportant. The very large sum now annually spent on gardening operations seems to produce no permanent effect, but has to be renewed year by year. I propose that a portion of this sum should be spent on permanent additions to the attractions of the gardens. [2] The point to which I now wish to draw your attention, is one which has been an eyesore to me for many years, — viz. the retaining walls of black slag used to surround some of the beds, at the side of some of the paths, and more especially at the entrances to the tunnel. They have a dreary, cindery, volcanic, burnt up aspect, — nothing grows upon them, & they resemble nothing in nature but a little bit of Aden³transplanted into the Regent's Park. I propose that these walls should be all gradually removed, and replaced either by slopes of turf, by rough masonry, — or wherever suitable by well designed & well-executed rockwork, — Mr. John Hancock⁴ of Newcastle has specially studied this subject, and executes most admirable [3] reproductions of natural rock surfaces, cliff, ravine, or rock ladder, which when partially clothed with mosses ferns & alpine plants, which thrive admirably upon it, become a most striking imitation of nature. I have seen specimens of his work at Mr Hewitson's⁵ and at Sir W^m Armstrong's.⁶

The two entrances to the tunnel, are admirably adapted to the formation of a rocky ravine exhibiting characteristic rock forms, & when clothed with vegetation I feel sure these would be one of the great attractions of the gardens. The expense could not be very great, and one side only might be done first & the effect seen. If you think there is any chance of the thing being done, I would write to Mr Hancock and [4] ascertain roughly the probable cost, as if done at all I am strongly of opinion that Mr H[ancock] should be employed & the thing done in the best manner.

I presume the "slag" was used a long time ago, & the many & great improvements & additions to the gardens, as Zoological gardens[,] have caused their unsightliness to be overlooked.

Believe me | Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

D^r. P. L. Sclater

P.S. I have other gardening improvements to suggest, but one is enough at a time.⁷