[2] Some years since there was at Reigate, in Surrey, a successful attempt made in this style of laying out grounds, on the very site where the illustrious Lord Shaftesbury wrote his "Characteristics," and probably the very background of the Gribelin frontispiece to the early edition of that invaluable work. This spot came afterwards into the possession of a gentleman who laid it out and planted it in so many forms, as to comprise in miniature whatever can be supposed in the most noble seats; for in it were a mount, river, parterre, wilderness, and gardens, and a lawn containing four or five deer, terminated by a small wood; yet the whole extent of ground did not exceed four acres. This occasioned it to be called _all the world in an acre_. Something of this kind was also projected by John Evelyn, called _Elysium Britannicum_, the plan of which is to be found in his works; but he did not complete his scheme. Gardening is one of the most interesting amusements of retirement, and without gardens, palaces are but "gross handyworks." Philosophers and Heroes have always been fondly attached to gardens, and their retreats must form an agreeable relief to the cumbrous cares of Royalty itself. * * * * * ST. JAMES'S PARK. _References to the Plan_. 1. Parade at the Horse Guards. 2. Park planted as a garden, with shrubberies and paths. 3. Ornamental Water, containing three islands, planted with shrubs. 4. The new Terrace, fronting the Grand Mall. 5. New House now building. 6. Carlton-street. 7. Continuation of Waterloo-place, opening to the Park, with an ornamental Circus in the centre. 8. United Service Club House and Garden. 9. Athenaeum Club House, with Pleasure-Grounds behind. 10. Travellers' Club House. 11. Heralds' College. 12. Cockspur-street. 13. Pall Mall. 14. New Stable Yard. 15. Marlborough-house-street. 16. St. James's Palace. 17. Present Stable Yards. 18. Duke of York's House. 19. Late Carriage-road in the Park. 20. New Carriage-road, recently the Northern Mall. 21. The new Mall, now the Northern Mall. * * * * * INTENDED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PARKS. [Illustration: Intended Improvements in the Parks.] 22. A Splendid Triumphal Arch, in the front of the New Palace. 23. The King's Palace, on the site of Buckingham House. 24. Terrace behind the Palace; there is also a grand Terrace fronting the gardens. 25. Palace Garden, laid out in a picturesque style; including a line sheet of ornamental water, with a carriage-way from an entrance at Hyde Park Corner. 26. The Green Park. 27. The King's Stables, including those recently built, and others which are in contemplation. 28. James-street, leading from Buckingham Gate to Westminster, with thirteen new houses fronting the Park.