Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODEEN YOKE. 131
phical society granted a lease of a garden attached to the
lodge, which is divided from the Museum gardens by
palisades. The restoration of these two buildings,—
the last remains of the offices of St. Mary's Abbey,—
have contributed much to enhance the interest of these
admired grounds. The cultivation of botanical science, is
one of the leading objects of the Yorkshire Philosophical
Society, and, although the gardens are not very large, their
conservatories contain many delicate and rare plants. A
grand horticultural and floricultural exhibition is held on
these grounds, annually, at which are exhibited produc
tions of the gardens of the principal nobility and gentry of
the three ridings.
We cannot conclude this notice without observing, that
the first meeting of the British Association for the advance
ment of Science, took place in York, in September, 1831,
under the auspices of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society.
Che Clofetmi of £t. JtconariCs.
These cloister's are situated in Mint yard,* close by the
entrance of the Museum gardens; and are now used as
wine cellars. It appears that king William II. erected an
hospital on the spot, dedicated to St. Peter; but, it being
destroyed by fire, King Stephen re-built it, dedicating it
to St. Leonard. The cloisters are considered as perfect
specimens of Norman architecture as are to be found in
the city.
Che i&tnater Etbrarp.
The fires which occurred in York in the years 1069 and
1137, destroyed the valuable collection of books and ma
nuscripts deposited, prior to these calamities, in the Minster
library. It was not until the seventeenth century, that the
existing collection was commenced; when 3000 volumes,
which belonged to Archbishop Mathew, were presented
• So called from the establishment of a royal mint in that quarter,