iv PREFACE 



may contain valuable suggestions to engineers and others 

 who, though not trained in the art, may be engaged in the 

 work of development of private estates. 



While the master mind in the conception and design of 

 our largest and best park systems is the landscape architect, 

 it must be understood that the execution of his general 

 plans is peculiarly the function of the engineer, as is also 

 the design of the engineering features. The art of the park 

 engineer, though a specialty, is, however, not a narrow 

 specialty. He must be proficient in matters pertaining to 

 the acquisition of lands, and be well versed in a great 

 variety of engineering operations, such as earth excavation, 

 masonry, water-works and sewerage construction, road 

 building and lighting, and occasionally the construction of 

 steel and reinforced concrete bridges. He must also be a 

 good expert witness. 



Wherever possible the author acknowledges the kind- 

 ness of those who have aided him with advice and informa- 

 tion and of those who have furnished him with illustrations 

 for his work. 



He is under special obligation to Mr. John C. Olmsted, 

 Landscape Architect, of Brookline, Mass., and to Mr. 

 Howard J. Cole, of New York, formerly Engineer in Chief 

 of the Essex County Park Commission. 



WILLIAM T. LYLE. 



March, 1916. 



