PARKS 233 



made out of alternantheras, echeverias, and other 

 bedding plants were the most interesting and valu- 

 able features of a park because the most persons 

 came to see them. Frederick Law Olmsted, the 

 greatest authority on parks whom the United 

 States has produced, made the very apt reply, 

 "more people go to a circus than to an art gallery." 

 The number of persons who think that a park should 

 contribute to their special hobbies is most exasper- 

 ating. 



Dwellers in cities grow tired and large numbers 

 to recuperate seek the country, the woods, the 

 ocean, lakes, rivers, mountains, in short, nature. 

 There are many, however, who cannot afford either 

 the time or the money to go to the country and so 

 the country should be brought to them. This 

 means that the parks, which every large city should 

 have, must partake as far as possible of the char- 

 acter of the country. Sometimes one wishes to 

 get away from people and have only trees, bushes, 

 and birds for companions. A park should give 

 this opportunity for quietness and rest. Again, 

 many persons will have a desire to leave brick walls, 

 paved streets, and the noises of a city and enjoy 

 natural scenery just as they might wish to look 



