14 METROPOLITAN PARKS. [Jan. 



proposed reservations. By a broken green line we also indi- 

 cated such possible alternative positions for the several boun- 

 daries as seemed worthy of consideration. In accompanying 

 reports we explained the proposed boundaries in detail. 



In accordance with j^our request, we now submit the follow- 

 ing memoranda of the general principles upon which we 

 have worked in determining the lines lately submitted to you, 

 as just described : — 



First. The boundaries of the proposed reservations should, 

 if possible, be established so as to include all lands belonging 

 to the same topographical unit and exhibiting the type of 

 scenery characteristic of each reservation. Obviously, a pub- 

 lic domain is not well bounded if it includes only half a hill, 

 half a pond or half a glen. Neither is it well bounded unless 

 it includes such contiguous lands as form the essential frame- 

 work of the hill scenery, the pond scenery, the glen scenery, 

 or whatever other type of scenery it is desired to preserve. 

 For example, it is desirable to include in the Blue Hills Reser- 

 vation all the hills of the hio^h rano^e down to the base of their 

 steep slopes. Similarly, it is desirable to include in the Stony 

 Brook Reservation all the uplands which enclose the glen or 

 valley of that stream. To city men it is most refreshing to 

 find themselves in what appears to be a wilderness of indefi- 

 nite extent. This impression cannot be enjoyed unless the 

 boundary of a valley reservation is established beyond the 

 summits of the enclosing hills. 



Second. The boundaries of the proposed reservations 

 should be, if possible, established upon public streets or roads, 

 or upon lines drawn where roads may ultimately be built upon 

 good grades. 



The reasons for this principle are many. It is obvious that 

 the back fences of private lands cannot make a handsome 

 boundary for a public domain of any description. It is obvious 

 that private lands abutting directly upon public lands will be 

 much more liable to trespass than they would be if a public 

 roadway separated the two. Private land in the position de- 

 scribed is a nuisance to the public, while the public is likely to 

 be a nuisance to its owner. Speaking generally, the policing 

 and the general administration of a public reservation is greatly 

 facilitated when the boundary is a road. Still more impor- 



