PUBLIC PARKS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS. 291 



The roomy circles shown in the plan are features of 

 this system that must not be underrated. Any structures 

 of pleasing proportions built on these, will show to the 

 best possible architectural advantage, and tlie value of 

 any such in contributing to the effective appearance of a 

 town, is virtually multiplied by the number of streets 

 centering here — opening up vistas through which they 

 are seen from a distance. Let us imagine the effect on a 

 town of having its imposing edifices located on great cir- 

 cles, like the one shown at the top of figure 114, into 

 which, in this case, twelve streets and avenues open from 

 different directions. The beauty of a structure placed 

 here would benefit a large part of the town, because 

 in effect, belonging as an objective point to each street 

 diverging from it. Yet we constantly build towns in 

 such a way that much of our attractive architecture is 

 buried between masses of buildings and is only to be seen 

 when it is reached. The secret of the magnificence of 

 cities like Paris, Edinburgh, and Washington, is largely 

 found in such an arrangement of streets, edifices, and 

 gardens, that they all contribute their full worth to- 

 wards producing a grand, harmonious effect, with many 

 of the avenues leading towards imposing structures, which 

 then are seen through vistas of tree and garden beauty, 

 that afford refresliing relief to the architecture. 



It is for growing towns to note, that the city which 

 succeeds by proper })lans to so dispose of leading streets, 

 public edifices, town gardens and parks, that each is 

 used to the best advantage, is the one that secures the 

 greatest amount of town attractiveness, and with the 

 least expenditure of material and money. 



Not least among the advantages of garden boulevards, 

 is economy in the area employed, in proportion to the ef- 

 fects gained. A smaller number of acres is required for 

 a given length of these than might be sujjposed. One 

 four hundred and thirty feet wide, would require to the 



