^Evolution of Iborticulture 



others, to all of which were attached gar- 

 dens more or less extensive. 



Space will not allow the mention of 

 other gardens of more or less notoriety in 

 other parts of Boston in former days, nor 

 of the " Training Field " or Common, 

 nor of the origin of the present Public 

 Garden, commenced in 1859. There was, 

 however, in connection with the estab- 

 lishment of this enterprise a provision 

 made for the instruction and benefit of 

 the public which is now known to but 

 few of the present inhabitants. This con- 

 sisted in the conversion of a huge circus 

 building that stood on land west of the 

 corner of Beacon and Charles Streets, into 

 an immense conservatory for plants and 

 birds. The plants were arranged in the 

 four galleries according to a proper classi- 

 fication. The birds were a fine collection 

 of European and tropical songsters, 

 among which were some rare specimens. 

 The following extract is from a news- 

 paper of the day, and gives some idea of 

 its contents: "We advise our friends 

 120 



