14 LANDSCAPE GARDEN SERIES 



obstacles and secures improvements of inestimable value to the city. I 

 have in mind a small city in Iowa where a lawyer, with a vision of 

 improvements which would mean much to his city, secured, after years 

 of labor, the completion of a number of projects which will be of un- 

 told value to future generations. Although often discouraged, he fought 

 on until much of his dream has been realized, and his fellow citizens, 

 though lukewarm to the undertakings in the beginning, are now the strong- 

 est in their praise. What this man has accomplished can be accom- 

 plished by others, if there is a will to accomplish and faith in the out- 

 come. 



Every citizen should familiarize himself with the details of his city's 

 plan and work for its accomplishment. If there is no city plan, no 

 greater step can be taken for the good of the city than the creating of 

 sentiment leading to the procuring of such a plan. By writing to the 

 National Conference in City Planning, 60 State St., Boston, Massa- 

 chusetts, information can be secured as to how one may go about 

 organizing with a view to securing a city plan. 



Although individuals may accomplish much, when citizens organize 

 for accomplishment each gains from the zeal of the others, and such 

 organization gains dignity and strength in proportion to the number en- 

 rolled. Organizations are often formed for the promotion of some one 

 improvement, generally a local improvement in the city's program of 

 development. By organizing in the section which is vitally effected by 

 such an improvement, there is a means of dealing with city officials in a 

 more forceful manner, and often sufficient pressure can be brought to 

 bear upon the proper authorities, accomplishing much more than could 

 be accomplished where each citizen works alone. 



Local Improvement Societies and Neighborhood Clubs often do 

 much in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and beauty in their 

 locality. Such societies can do much good, as they give that additional 

 touch to their neighborhood which makes it stand out above all others. 



To form such a society is an easy matter. Often two or three of 

 the people most interested in maintaining an orderly and attractive neigh- 

 borhood, talk the matter over in an informal way. Upon deciding to 

 organize, others are called in and the particular problems of their sec- 

 tion are discussed. The matter as to how an organization can assist 

 in maintaining or accomplishing certain improvements may also be taken 

 up. Enough to make organization possible are then asked to become 

 charter members. A name and the objects of the organization are de- 

 cided upon, officers elected and committees are appointed and set to 

 work. 



Funds are often secured by levying an assessment upon every resi- 

 dent of the district, the amount varying in proportion to the size of the 

 individual's holdings. Such funds are used, in some cases, for 1 em- 



