102 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



argument to be brought against the demands of ^* prac- 

 tical politics ; " but in those cases, not unknown, where 

 common sense still has a hearing, there is yet hope for 

 an intelligent treatment of this important question. 

 There are jolaces in this country wliero park superintend- 

 ents have a fairly satisfactory tenure of office, and where 

 they are allowed to manage, more or less, the develop- 

 ment of park plans. There is an increasing tendency to 

 employ competent landscape gardeners in the formation 

 of parks, and other cheering signs combii\e to color our 



FIG. 28. THE IDEAL PARK. 



Rest, refreshment and inspiration in every feature. Prospect Park' 

 Brooklyn. 



hope for a steady improvement of park management 

 along with the improvement of public taste. 



When we consider the purposes of a public park as 

 set forth above, we will see at once why the natural 

 method of gardening best subserves them, and why they 

 are the better fulfilled the more natural and pronounc- 

 edly rural the treatment is. Quietness, restfulncss, 

 simplicity, are the most desirable qualities. And this 

 emphasizes the inappropriatenoss of pattern bedding, of 



