METROPOLITAN ESSENTIALS — THOMAS McCALEB. 



learn that a prominent capitalist will soon donate a fine aquarium to the 

 city. Besides its instructive functions to the people, this project will aid the 

 cause of science, for, as has been remarked by the eminent zoologist, J. H. 

 Bentham, "it is only by studying the habits of the denizens of the ocean 

 in some place where they can be constantly under observation — such as 

 a great aquarium where the conditions of their captivity should resemble 

 as much as possible their native habitat — that we can ever hope to fathom 

 the mysteries of the great deep, and ultimately have at our command the 

 treasures of the sea." 



Another improvement which the Association has recommended is an 

 open air amphitheater in one of our public parks. As our climate will ad- 

 mit of its use during nearly three hundred days of the year, it would be of 

 inestimable service to the people, particularly since their highest nature may 

 there find expression in music, oratory, poetry and the drama. 



Moreover, to afford proof that San Francisco has the noblest site of the 

 cities of the earth, it has been suggested that an observatory be erected at 

 the summit of Buena Vista Park, which perhaps commands our finest view 

 of town, bay and ocean. Here our inhabitants and tourists may seek in- 

 spiration from the unparalleled natural beauties that surround us. 



An art museum worthy of as great a metropolis as ours is also to be 

 desired. Such a museum should have great halls for pictures and sculpture 

 and be of fireproof construction. Its galleries should contain the city's per- 

 manent collection, to which gifts would no doubt be made from time to 

 time, and valuable works loaned. 



As a matter of course improvements like those here advocated, apart 

 from their utilitarian functions, will, if realized, help to make San Francisco 

 a city of beauty. However, this can perhaps better be done by generally 

 improving our architecture. For that reason we might well protest against 

 the character of most of the buildings, particularly flats and apartment 

 houses that are being erected outside the "fire limits" of the municipality. 

 These houses have not inappropriately been dubbed "architectural shams 

 of lumber and paint"; and if by its influence the Association can induce the 

 proper authorities not only to make the building laws more stringent than 

 they now are, but to enlarge the "fire limits," it shall, in my judgment, 

 have performed a great public benefit. By making the structural standard 

 higher, since "beauty in architecture depends greatly upon stability of 

 construction," it follows that the cause of Art would thereby be served. 



In like manner, the Association is directing its energies towards in- 

 teresting the people in the floral adornment of their houses. Indeed, while 

 magnificent parks may be designed, and sumptuous structures planned, 

 such projects must take time and capital to realize, whereas the simple 

 and inexpensive process of generally beautifying our homes with flowers 

 and greenery will tend to give a charming effect to every block equally 

 from one end of the city to the other. A dark yucca rearing along the 

 house front, a clump of evergreen, a patch of lilies in the front girden, and 

 a window box laden with geraniums, detract attention from defects of ar- 

 chitecture, and relieve what would otherwise produce an ugly effect. 



In conclusion, it should be borne in mind as we consider our civic 

 needs, that private beneficence may follow suggestions when coming from 

 an authoritative source, and our citizens can thus leave after them monu- 

 ments which will at once be enduring, beautiful and useful. 



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