AN IDEAL PUBLIC PARK. II3 



extra-mural suburbs became the favorite residences of the well- 

 to-do, and it was the picturesque grounds of the private estates 

 of the rich which gave the first impulse to the creation of parks 

 for the common people in recognition of their common right to 

 the enjoyment of God's pure air and the beauties of nature. To- 

 day there is not a city or government that does not fullv com- 

 prehend the importance and value of public parks for its citizens, 

 not only by increased tax returns, but chiefly by their benefits in 

 ministering to the health and pleasure of the masses, who cannot 

 afford the expensive outings of the rich. They are a necessary 

 part of the comforts and health-giving recreations of modern citv 

 life. 



The definition of "an ideal public park" will unavoidably dif- 

 fer as men's minds differ. An occasional visitor to the park finds 

 an object or a series of objects ideal, when a habitual visitor goes 

 by without noticing anything in particular; others comprehend 

 what was aimed to be accomplished in landscape effects, and are 

 more apt to have a true appreciation of its work and character. 

 A region containing a large enough area to combine most all 

 the essential features desirable in rural scenery, of undulating sur- 

 face, meandered by lake or stream, winding valleys, growth of 

 natural woods and open spaces for greensward, would be an ideal 

 tract for a park. Lines of needed drives and walks adapted to curves 

 of the natural surface, trees and shrubs to be kept in harmony with 

 the natural character of the site, and nowhere a manifest desire 

 to obtrude the artificial work of the landscape architect in place of 

 nature's teaching,, will give the highest impression of 

 a correct rural or ideal park, distinctly adapted to stimulate a poetic 

 sensibility, in the enjoyment of nature and its soothing, tranquil- 

 izing charms of sympathetic mystery, grandeur and sublimity. 



But this higher example of landscape art does not appeal to 

 the sensibilities of the masses who resort to the parks. While they 

 enjoy pure air and find pleasure in exercise, many of them do not 

 comprehend the elements of beauty in landscape, or the potent 

 charms of rural scenery. For this reason (and because it would 

 be difficult to obtain a tract of ground close to the city comprising 

 all the requirements for an ideal park) it is that human handiwork 

 and ingenuity are employed to unite essential elements of natural 

 beauty in harmony with the subordinating elements existing or 

 which of necessity must be introduced for the accommodation of 

 visitors, such as shelter buildings, refectories, suitable buildings 

 for public convenience, music pavilion, accommodations for picnic 

 grounds, drinking fountains and settees, and boat houses to accom- 



