this time a neglected appearance, unworthy of a metropolitan royal
park, adjoining to the constant residence of the court." He goes on to
say, "My heart ached, and the tears started from my eyes as I brought
to mind the crowds of beauty, rank, and fashion, which till within
these few years used to be displayed in the centre mall on evenings
during the spring and summer. Here used to promenade, for one or two
hours after dinner, the whole British world of gaiety, beauty, and
splendour! Here could be seen in one moving mass, extending the whole
length of the mall 10,000 of the most lovely women, in this country of
female beauty, all splendidly attired, and accompanied by as many
well-dressed men. The present promenades in Hyde-Park lose the effect
produced by rank and distinguished character, owing to those classes
being shut up in their carriages." Another writer, speaking of the
park in Charles's time, with its Dorimants, Millamours, and
Millamants, says, "every thing around breathes of beauty and gaiety,
the air is courtly, silks are rustling, and feathers fluttering in the
mall; fair forms are hovering, and bright eyes glancing round; at
every turn you encounter lords and beauties." In the "neglected state"
we have long concurred; and we sympathize with our tourist in his
other lament; for the former we have a remedy at last, and it affords
us pleasure to know that the first of these tourists possesses health
and vigour to watch the progress of the _improvements in the parks_;
and we hope that he may live many years to enjoy their completion. But
for the second evil, we fear there is no remedy, since the disease is
mortal to social happiness; unless that the proffered improvements may
once more reinstate the Montpellier promenades of the park in
fashion's favour. Editors are, however, very subordinate personages,
when

----Fashion so directs, and moderns raise