4 BIRDS OF THE 



been built, while the grounds were partially 

 laid out with a variety of ornamental trees 

 and plants. A company was organized, of 

 which Mr. Gray was chairman, and went 

 zealously to work. A very large circus- 

 building situated just back of the corner, 

 west of Beacon and Charles streets, was 

 converted into an immense conservatory 

 for plants and birds. This had four gal- 

 leries, to each of which plants were assigned 

 according to a proper classification. It be- 

 came a place of great attraction for the 

 public until the building and the entire 

 collection were destroyed by fire. The ad- 

 jacent grounds were filled up and the gar- 

 den was enlarged by the city, with the 

 provision that it was never to be built on. 

 In 1859 these grounds became our Public 

 Garden, and in i860 it was remodeled by 

 laying out and planting on a definite and 

 proper plan.*' 



It would appear, therefore, that the in- 

 ception of the Public Garden dates from 

 1839, when a portion of its lands began to 

 be cultivated for public use and enjoyment 



