In the Natural History Department the most noticeable plants have been selected to represent as far as it was possible the flora of the respective countries. Thus, in the Australian division the Araucaria, Tree Ferns, and Eucalypti, or Gum Trees, are most conspicuous. The other divisions contain many most interesting plants, such as the Tea trees, which are all arranged geographically in their respective positions, and can be readily identified. In the division on the western side of the Nave, many of the beautiful plants are very well known, though indigenous to South, Central, or North America. The Fuchsias, Cacti, Yuccas, Aloes, and some Araucariæ, are amongst these.
It remains now to speak of the splendid collection of Orange and Pomegranate trees which form the noble vista of the Nave, and are principal features amongst the beauties of the Crystal Palace. Some of these are four hundred years old. They once belonged to the Orleans family, and in the latter times of the late dynasty in France were collected by Louis Philippe to decorate his favourite château at Neuilly. Shortly after the accession of the Emperor Napoleon, the property of the Orleans family was sold by public auction, and these matchless natural productions were then purchased by Sir Joseph Paxton for the Crystal Palace Company; there are 110 of these trees in all.
The hanging baskets, which form so delightful an array high up on either side of the Nave, and around each Transept, cannot fail to attract the notice of the visitor. The creeping plants, which cover the columns and cross-ties on each side of the walks, are of great luxuriance and beauty, while at the corner of the South Transept will be noticed a gigantic specimen of the lovely Westeria which is rapidly covering the wide span of the Nave at this part. This was one of the first trees of the kind which was introduced into this country, and it thrives here exceedingly well.
It must have been apparent to the reader how very cursory has been the notice given to the most interesting plants and trees in these pages, and how few of the many specimens have been referred to. Such was a necessity. Yet it is hoped that as the Crystal Palace calls all the aids of Art to the teachings which it conveys, so Nature (a greater teacher still) may side by side yield her lesson too. To the lover of the beautiful it needs small prompting to explore her mysteries, and the rich expression she bears of that he seeks.
Mr. George Eyles is the chief superintendent of the whole Interior Garden.
THE GALLERIES.
THEIR FINE ART, AND OTHER COLLECTIONS.
The main Galleries around the Central Transept, and to the south with the exception of that on the western side toward the road, are devoted to the exhibition and sale of articles of industry. The Picture Gallery is in the gallery which runs over the Stationery Court and the series on that side. The galleries on the eastern side next the garden, with the South Gallery at the end of the building, are devoted to the exhibition of those articles which are for sale on the spot. Amongst these will be found precious metals and jewellery, miscellaneous ornaments, perfumery, toys, and other articles both of use and luxury. The gallery presents a pleasing and animated appearance, the stalls are fitted up on an elegant and uniform plan, and the traffic at them is very considerable. At the western end of the Great Transept the gallery is allotted for the exhibition of manufactured articles, which are not for sale on the spot. The collection is of a miscellaneous, though most interesting character. On the first gallery above this will be found a most interesting collection of drawings and models for the fountains in the Crystal Palace, which have been furnished by Mr. M. D. Wyatt, Mr. Owen Jones (the figures on whose designs were modelled by Signor Monti), Mr. John Thomas, Mr. John Bell, Baron Marochetti, Baron Launitz, and Mr. Hector Horreau. The models display much artistic treatment and inventive fancy.
If we now descend the spiral staircase to the main gallery, and proceed through the industrial exhibition to the right-hand we shall enter the main gallery, on this side, running toward the south end. Here is formed