The southern entrance, in Swain's Lane, is in a style com pounded of Gothic of all periods, exhibiting more of tawdry decoration than the sobriety which should have characterized it. The Egyptian style has been selected for the catacombs, which are approached through an arched avenue, with an entrance flanked by two obelisks. This passage. in the upper part of the grounds, is lined on each side by a range of sepulchral chambers, and leads into another avenue, forming a circular walk between similar chambers, each of which has its Egyptian doorway. These sepulchres, amounting alto gether to forty-six, besides eighteen others in the first men tioned avenue, form as many sides of two polygons. an outer and inner one. Midway is an ascent, first by a single flight of steps. and then by others on each side, leading to a terrace overlooking the catacombs, trout which they present a striking appearance; the summit of the inner polygon being. covered with earth, and a large cedar in the centre. The back wall of this terrace is in a setni-Gothie style, crowned by a fimey open-work parapet, placed before another terrace, under the south end of the Gothic Church, erected a feW years ago by Mr. Vulliamy. The prospect from this terrace is exceedingly beautiful.
Norwood Cemetery occupies about forty acres, on the north-west side of a hill to the cast of St. Luke's. Norwood. The entrance is an open arch, which, with the lodge adjoining it, are in inu•h better taste than that of Ilighgate, although, had there been a gateway, the design would have been greatly improved. 'Haire are two chapels—one for members of the Church of England, the other for Dissenters — though varying somewhat in design, there is great similarity in their style. which is a sober, but correct Gothic. The principal objection is the injudicious position of these two buildings, which, from being too near together, neither form distinct architectural pictures, nor group so as to form one design. The architect is Mr. W. 'rite.
Abney Park Cemetery contains about thirty acres, and displays evidence of a simple and pure taste, in its buildings and general arrangement. The entrance, if wanting in architectural composition, has something bold and effective iu its general appearance. The flinr piers are lofty and ell proportioned masses, constructed of Portland stone, upon granite plinths, and are surmounted by handsome coved cap in the Egyptian style. The lodges are in the same style, and extend the frontage to f IS feet, 40 of which are occupied by the piers and gates in the centre. The effect of this entrance is greatly enhanced by the park-like aspect of the and the fine old trees with which they are adorned. Nearly in a line with the entrance is the chapel, in the early pointed style, with lancet windows. The architect is Mr. W. Husking.
The South London Cemetery comprises fifty acres of dry well-drained land. in one of the most beautiful spots o itltin the vicinity of the metropolis. It is situate at Nunhead, between l'tekhant Rye and New Cross. The grounds are most tastefully laid out—there are handsome lodges, a resi dence for the superintendent, episcopal and dissenters' chapels, and extensive catacombs. The architectural ar rangements were superintended by Mr. 13unnings, The West of London Cemetery, situate at Earl's Court, consists of about forty acres. the buildings, &e. in the Italian-Doric style, are of a similar character to those pre viously deseribed. and the grounds are laid out in the pleasure-garden manner, so popular with those who have the management and designing of Cemeteries. it would be well, were a few hints taken from the solemn, beautiful burial-places of the Orientals, in laying out such establish ments in this country.