Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Pollution, Analytical Chemistry

    Claims that a report about to be submitted to the Commissioners of Woods, Forests, Land, Resources, Works and Buildings will state that the greenness of the Serpentine is due to the 'Stick-to-skin-vericlos'—a 'beautiful little plant', which Lyon Playfair has found to be 'composed of the same elements as cabbages and green peas'. The report suggests that this substance could be used in 'green soup for charitable Institutions'. The report also argues that lizards and innumerable animaculae can only exist in such a lively state in the river because the river is more conducive to animal life than previously supposed.