The Serpentine

Although complaints have been made, and justly, of the very dirty and stinking state of the Serpentine River, at the west end of the waters, in Kensington Gardens, yet nothing seems to be done, or attempted to be effected, in order to remedy this glaring evil. We have had frequent reason to notice, in terms of praise, the numerous endeavours on the part of the authorities of the Woods and Forests department to improve the state of the public parks and promenades, by forming new gravel walks, planting inclosures of young trees and shrubs, causing chairs and additional seats to be fixed or placed for the ease and convenience of the public, and numerous other evidences of official attention and care; and such being the case, it really seems a pity that this handsome piece of water should be left in such a shameful state, as not only to be most unpleasing to the eye, but actually, from its stagnant condition, rendered most obnoxious to the sense. The cause of such a state of things need not again be mentioned; and we can hardly bring ourselves to believe that means might not be easily and speedily adopted to turn the course of the foul collection into its proper channel. It is most sincerely to be hoped that the authorities of the Woods and Forests department will take this matter into their consideration; and not, by neglecting it, permit their praiseworthy endeavours for the public convenience and benefit to be nullified by this undoubted public nuisance.—Times.