VAUXHALL GARDENS. (Page 456.)

THE Plate represents the orchestra at the time when the performers are singing, and the company are gathered round in front.  The orchestra is very elegant in its form, is painted white, ornamented with gilding, and almost covered with small variegated lamps.  A beautiful grove of large trees surrounds the orchestra.  On the trunks and branches of the trees small lamps of various colours are disposed in great profusion, and with peculiar taste; the light of the lamps giving the leaves an almost transparent appearance, and producing a brilliant effect.  Piazzas run in various directions in the garden, illuminated with thousands of various coloured lamps, and decorated with arches with transparent paintings.  Specimens of these elegant arcades are seen in the Plate, on the right and left of the orchestra, among the trees.  To the left of the orchestra is a very spacious room, ornamented in a most fanciful manner.  The amusements are singing, music, fireworks, and a sham cascade.  The company in the latter part of the evening (or rather early in the morning) amuse themselves beside with dancing to bands of Italian or German musicians.  When the evening is fine, and the gardens full, the whole presents a scene that is something like the realizing of fairy dreams.

The refreshments here are cold collations, served in a very elegant style.  The boxes are numerous and very handsome; each being ornamented with painted pannels.

Three nights in the week are gala nights; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  The price of admittance is then three shillings; on other nights it is only two shillings.

(p. 501)