ry low bow, with thanks for his most welcome
"lift," exclaiming with Buckingham, "I will remember that your Grace is
bountiful." In very sharp tones "John" was told to drive on, while my
friend walked away, quietly laughing in his sleeve at the success of his
impudence, but regretting that he had not alighted sooner to be nearer
home.

Surprising are the changes that have taken place on the West Derby-road
of late years. It was originally called Rake-lane, and Rocky-lane from
Richmond-hill. A complete little town has sprung up upon its pleasant
meadows and bountiful cornfields. The Zoological Gardens, within a very
few years, was the uttermost verge of this suburb. I recollect very well
the opening of those once beautiful gardens. They were projected by the
late Mr. Atkins, a gentleman who was the proprietor of the largest
travelling-menagerie in the country. The place he had selected for his
undertaking was called "Plumpton's Hollow." This was originally a large
excavation, whence brick-clay which abounds in the neighbourhood had been
obtained. Mr. Atkins, possessing great taste and judgment, was highly
favoured and much thought of by the late Lord Derby, who consulted him on
many occasions and honoured him with his patronage, benefiting the
gardens as much as he could, by adding to the collection. Mr. Atkins
chose this site for his gardens, believing it to be far enough out of
town for the convenience of the public, and healthy enough for the due
growth of his trees and plants, and the well-being of his animals. The
Zoological Gardens were, under Mr. Atkin's management, very different, by
all accounts, from what they are now. I have seen on fine summer days,
numbers of ladies of the highest respectability taking the air in them,
accompanied by their children, while at night the attendance was most
excellent, being patronized by the highest families in the town who
seemed to enjoy the amusements provided with the utmost zest and relish.
The collection of animals was remarkable at that time. Captains of
vessels frequently brought rare and curious animals as presents, so that
every week some new specimen of interest was added. I look back with
pleasure to the many hours I have spent in the Gardens shortly after
their being opened. They were admirably conducted, and in great repute
as a zoological collection. Mr. Atkins took his idea of forming them
from the success of the Gardens then lately established in