Hyde Park

one of the famous parks of London. It lies in the west central part of the city and may be reached by way of Oxford Street or Picadilly. It comprises 390 acres and adjoins Kensington Gardens. Before the English Reformation the site belonged to the abbots of Westminster. Henry VIII converted it into a park. In the reign of Elizabeth stags and deer were still hunted in it. Charles II held his horseraces here. A winding sheet of artificial water called the Serpentine occupies the center. It is fed from the Thames. Walks and drives are laid out with skill. The greater part of the park is covered with a dense green sward such as is seldom seen outside of the British Isles. There are no signs to keep off the grass. A flock of fine long-wooled sheep takes the place of lawn mowers.

Aside from thronged streets of business, such as the Strand and Cheapside, Hyde Park is one of the most animated scenes in London. People of every station pour into the park. At from seven to eight A. M. and again from eight to nine P. M., the park police raise a flag. At this signal boys and men disrobe, even the veriest chimney sweep, and plunge into the Serpentine for bathing, swimming, splashing, and fun. In winter the Serpentine is used for skating. From five to seven P. M. the drives are thronged with the carriages of fashion. At this hour the finest equipages in London are here. The ladies of society in elegant toilet, attended by coachmen and powdered lackeys, throng the drive, riding up and down in stately fashion, exchanging greetings. Thousands of well dressed people walk, saunter, and talk along footpaths that follow the drive.

A track a mile and a half long, following the southern border, is kept exclusively for horseback riders. The old name, Route du Roi, French for the Route of the King, has been corrupted to Rotten Row. From twelve to two in the afternoon, and later, Rotten Row is a brilliant scene. The walks at the sides are thronged with spectators, while hundreds of riders of both sexes display their glossy steeds and horsemanship. Some ride sedately as if for conversation and air. Others dash by on as fine riding horses as are to be seen in the world.

Beds of flowers are disposed artistically, but not in a way to interfere with freedom and pleasure. Hyde Park is one of the most aristocratic, and, at the same time, one of the most democratic, parks in the world. All sorts and conditions of people are admitted freely and are kept in perfect order. Of late years it has been the scene of many workingmen's outdoor meetings gotten up as a demonstration for or against pending political measures.

The entire park is surrounded by a lofty iron fence with nine gates adorned with statuary. At midnight they are closed, and quiet reigns within. See London; Pall Mall