SUCCESSFUL NATURAL PARKS. 9 



although it seemed improbable in the drizzling rain that I should 

 meet the keeper, I at once turned back through the fence opening, 

 hid the portfolio under a log, and again returned to explore the 

 character of the place. In a few minutes I met the keeper and 

 spent some time with him learning of the nature of the park. 

 An old resident of Portland had left the ground, less than two 

 hundred acres, to the city on condition that a path should be 

 maintained through its wilderness, but that the natural beauty 

 should not be changed. The Park Board of the city, headed by 

 the mavor, is evidently faithfully carrying out the intent of the 

 donor. The watchman, deeply interested in the matter, keeps the 

 path clear and as dry as possible, cuts partly through fallen logs, 

 so as to permit easy stepping, removes stones, and trims the side 

 of the path where the bank is steep : provides for the drainage 

 across the path, especially where the ground is soggy, but in- 

 variably leaves everything untouched except in the narrow wind- 

 ing way. 



A few crude log benches have been erected with a bark liut 

 and teepee ; in the rocky stream several small dams have been 

 made, the accumulated waters turning crude but picturesque 

 waterwheels and pumps which are constantly in motion to the de- 

 light of the juvenile visitors. Outside the park, except in almost 

 inaccessible places, much of the vegetation, especially the larger 

 ferns, are badly broken and trampled, but inside one looks in 

 vain for evidence that anything has been touched. No one can 

 miss seeing the placard, and evidently its warning is rarely, if 

 ever, disregarded. The fence consists of a few uprights driven 

 between trees and supporting slender saplings held by wire. The 

 entrances are openings in this fence, less than two feet wide, be- 

 tween two uprights, yet although 'a public road borders one side, 

 the isolation of the park is complete. On fine days and on holi- 

 days the visitors may number several hundreds ; usually a dozen 

 or so visit it every day, and workmen pass through as a short 

 cut between their country homes and the exposition side of the 

 citv. The object is a success, the expense nominal. 



And when, as is rapidly occurring, forests have been obliterated 

 from the vicinity of Portland, the cit\- may congratulate itself 



