III. 



THE MALL AND VICINITY. 



In all the Park the noblest conception of the land- 

 scape architect has been achieved in the Mall. It is 

 superb. The magnificent stretch of arched vistas made 

 by the four rows of grand old elms (mostly American) 

 gives the impression of some vast open-air cathedral. 

 As you stand at the extreme south end this feeling is 

 aroused with impressive effect. From this point you 

 get the full sweep of the majestic lines of trees, and it 

 is impossible not to feel their dignity and grandeur. 

 The broad, open space fills you with its stateliness, and 

 the splendid trees lift their Gothic arches with a serene 

 nobility which both hushes and exalts the soul. If 

 anyone can walk down this majestic arcade without a 

 feeling of reverence, that person is wanting in any 

 appreciation of the message which trees silently ex- 

 press to man. I know not when I like this temple 

 best. It is noble and majestic at all times, be it in 

 those lovely June days, when the leaves move as with 

 the sounds of a thousand hushed organs whose echoes 

 whisper and whisper and whisper with that indescrib- 

 ably cool refreshment which the ear loves to hold and 

 dwell upon ; or be it in autumn, when the loosed winds 

 descend upon the broad boughs and drive the flying 

 gold from their branches, sounding the while the mighty 



