8 METROPOLITAN PARKS. [Jan. 



On December 12 the first and most important of the four 

 sections of the Blue Hills Reservation, containing 9321^ acres, 

 was taken, and the work of preparation for the taking of the 

 three remaining sections is practically completed. 



The Middlesex Fells has presented many more difficulties to 

 be overcome than has been the case in the Blue Hills or at the 

 Beaver Brook Reservation. The existence of the large popu- 

 lation upon at least three sides of the proposed reservation 

 has rendered the decision as to where the boundary line should 

 be run very difficult and requiring great care and judgment in 

 its determination. The wish not to intrude upon desirable 

 buildino^ land of the cities and towns surroundinoj this wild 

 tract, at the same time so shaping the taking that it shall be 

 in harmony with the purposes for which it is to be established, 

 has led to the runnino^ of several alternative lines, and the 

 final determination of the boundary having now practically 

 been completed, the taking can be made at an early date. 



At Revere Beach have been encountered the greatest ob- 

 stacles with which the Commission will have to deal in any of 

 the localities in which it is intended to establish open spaces. 

 The condition of this beach, rapidly growing more serious 

 with every year, is such at the present time as to render 

 impossible the immediate acquiring of the beach itself in its 

 entirety. A plan has been made and will shortly be submitted 

 which comprehends within its lines about one-third of the entire 

 length of the beach. This is based upon and is a part of a gen- 

 eral scheme which eventually will include the entire beach from 

 the existing pier at Crescent Beach to and including the Point 

 of Pines. Just how much more can be taken in the near future 

 and where the ultimate limits of the reservation will be placed 

 are questions for future determination, and largely depend 

 upon the measure of co-operation which is extended to the 

 Commission by the land-owners upon the beach. 



Complete preliminary plans have been made of the Stony 

 Brook Reservation, previously known by the name of Muddy 

 Pond Woods, and little more remains to be done than the 

 preparation of the necessary plans for record and the passing 

 of the papers of taking. No difficulty appears to present 

 itself in connection with this reservation which should delay 

 beyond a few weeks its completion. 



