Now we come to the belle of the month of August, who is riding with her papa in Kensington Gardens. An attempt was made--later, I think, than the Exhibition year--to extend Rotten Row into Kensington Gardens, and thus deprive pedestrians--notably children and nursemaids--of their promenades amongst the trees. For some months the equestrian habitués of Rotten Row careered in the Gardens, to the terror and danger of children, and the disturbance of many groups of soldiers and nursemaids. This usurpation created very strong opposition. I lived in the neighbourhood, and I accompanied a deputation to Sir Cornewall Lewis--then in power--with a view of impressing upon that Minister the desirability of rescinding the objectionable privilege which had been granted to the riders. We had some eloquent talkers, but their oratory seemed to me to make no impression upon Sir C. Lewis, who may have listened, but during the harangues he was always writing letters, and no sooner was one finished than he began another; and we left him without an intimation of our success or failure. But what is certain is, that within a week of our interview the equestrians disappeared--I hope for ever--from Kensington Gardens. Leech being a constant rider, both spoke and drew in favour of the new ride. Drawings may be found in the _Punch_ series in which he laughs at the opponents of the horses in the Gardens, and I remember his indignation when I told him of our deputation and its successful issue. [Illustration: THE BELLE OF THE MONTH--AUGUST--TAKING A "CONSTITUTIONAL" IN KENSINGTON GARDENS. TIME, 8 A.M.] Leech was never happier than in the infinite variety of his pictures of life at the seaside; his invention was inexhaustible, as numberless groups of seaside visitors engaged in the search of health or pleasure--from the small digger on the sands to the valetudinarian at the Spa--sufficiently prove. Never was he more delightful than in dealing with the charming lady bathers, one of whom plays the part of the _Month's_ "Belle of September." I think this picture might have inspired the poet of the _Month_, but his lyre is silent.