The Palace and Park: Its Natural History, and Its Portrait Gallery, Together with a Description of the Pompeian CourtLatham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)
History
The Palace and Park: Its Natural History, and Its Portrait Gallery, Together with a Description of the Pompeian Court
Latham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)
Crystal Palace (Sydenham, London, England)
Passing the façade of the Alhambra Court, we arrive at the Fountains,
which at this end of the Nave correspond to those of the south end in
position, and generally with respect to the aquatic plants which live in
the water of the long basin. The two fountains here are designed and
executed by Monti the sculptor. The figures of Syrens, supporting the
large shells, typify by their colour four races of men: the Caucasian,
white; the Nubian, black; the North American Indian, red; and the
Australian, olive. The smaller figures above these bear fruit indigenous
to various soils. The design of the Fountains is most appropriate, and
the entire composition very artistic. The bronze colour of these
statues, and of many others in the building, is produced by means of the
electrotype process, with signal success. In the water which surrounds
this fountain many interesting plants will be found, in addition to the
lilies and other varieties which adorn the basin of the Crystal Fountain
at the south end of the Nave. The Papyrus plant will be recognised by
its tall green stems topped with fibrous leaves. The manuscripts of the
Egyptians and many ancient nations were inscribed upon sheets made from
the stalks of this plant. Many of the Egyptian architectural ornaments
are derived from the form of the Papyrus, which grows in large
quantities along the banks of the Nile. Rice, sugar-canes, and other
interesting plants, grow along the margin of the water; the most curious
of which, as indeed it is one of the rarest in the whole collection, is
the Lattice Plant. This specimen was but lately brought from Madagascar
by the Rev. Mr. Ellis. The remarkable form of the plant, from which it
is named, will ensure its easy recognition. The gold fish, of which
there are many thousands in the fountain basins of the Nave, have all
been bred there from a few fish which have now grown to a great size,
and may often be noticed steadily sailing amongst their multitudinous
progeny. The temperature of the water, which is heated by water pipes
beneath the surface, is peculiarly favourable to the growth of these
fish.
THE NORTH TRANSEPT, AND TROPICAL END OF THE BUILDING.
It has been found that the valuable collection of Palms and other
specimens of Eastern vegetation, which have been collected in this
Transept and beyond, could only be kept healthy by isolating the
department devoted to them, and raising its temperature to a degree
which would not be pleasant in all parts of the building, or favourable
to the equable growth and seasonable cultivation of the other various
botanical specimens. During the greater part of the season, a curtain
divides this portion of the Palace from the more temperate regions. The
temperature suits so well the plants that some, which on their arrival
appeared not to grow well, have become quite acclimated, wearing a rich
and luxuriant growth of verdure.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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