HC Deb 18 February 1873 vol 214 c601
MR. F. S. POWELL

asked the First Commissioner of Works, What is the nature of the works of which a commencement has been made by the construction of an embankment in the Serpentine; and, whether he has any objection to place in the Library plans and drawings in explanation of the designs?

MR. AYRTON,

in reply, said, the works being carried on in the Serpentine were not of so formidable a character as they might seem to his hon. Friend to be. They amounted simply to a very economical method of constructing a small island for the protection of the water fowl, which had hitherto fared very badly in that respect.