168

GENERAL GUIDE BOOK.

Tlie footmarks, the bones, the very skin in some cases, ofanimals long since extinct, have been preserved by being buriedin mud which has afterwards been converted into solid rock.From these obscure guides, the comparative anatomist has venturedto describe the general form, the habits, and the peculiarities ofthe race. From such descriptions, penned chiefly by Cuvier ,Mantell, and Owen, has Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins restored andby degrees built up the animals. Possessing a great know-ledge of the peculiarities of many living species ; and beingstrong in his own feeling of what was probable and natural in thenumerous details that required consideration, he has skilfully andcautiously constructed these restorations, and his embodiments ofthe opinions of the greatest palaeontologists are indeed equally boldand conscientious. Professor Owen, the most eminent livingauthority upon these subjects, has kindly rendered Mr. Hawkins every assistance in his undertaking.

Ile-descending from the Plateau once more to the large fountain,tlie visitor turns to the left, and proceeds round its margin untilhe arrives at the further end of the basin, where he will notice anornamental cataract is contrived. On the left-hand of the pathwhich winds from this point, is a high bank constructed of rootsof the trees whieh grew in the woods once covering a great part ofthe Crystal Palace gardens. The effect is very striking and pic-turesque, being greatly aided by the wild flowers which grow soluxuriantly on all parts. It will have been noticed that roundthe confines of the lake we have just quitted, where the geologicalrestorations are, the flowers are purposely nearly all wild ones,and they give a singularly natural and fit appearance to thisinteresting district. It must be mentioned that the whole of theCrystal Palace Exterior Gardens are under the personal super-intendence of Mr. Gordon, and it will be confessed theirbeautiful condition answers to his assiduous care. A few stepsfurther, and the visitor arrives at the junction of two roads.Selecting that to the left, he will speedily gain the foot of theEosary, and the mound, at the top of which is an ornamentalarabesque, arcade designed by Mr. Owen Jones. He will herefind roses of every variety, besides other plants which climb thesides and around the roof of the areade.

Proceeding round the Eosary to the right, we quit the moundat the second outlet, and journey along a path, on either side ofwhich are flower-beds and groups of Ehododendrons and Azaleas.Bearing to the right we reach the basin of a fountain. Choosing