280 SLanfcscape Hrcbttecture 



up, and from which it is gradually and sweetly led 

 away so that they become a consistent experience; 

 let him ask this with reference to the soothing and 

 refreshment of a town-strained human organization, 

 and he will need no argument to lead him to a sound 

 conclusion." 



In other words it may be said of parks as of painting 

 and poetry that they should suggest thoughts of potent 

 and distinct influence on the mind. The thoughts sug- 

 gested may vary with the point of view and mental 

 condition of the individual, but they should in any case 

 arouse the mind and uplift and vivify the spirit. 



Olmsted and Vaux in their work in Prospect Park, 

 Brooklyn, New York, and Central Park, New York, 

 have produced noteworthy examples of pastoral scenery 

 combined with woodland effects of the kind that not 

 only inspires thoughts of a different kind but that en- 

 hances by contrast the beauty of the meadows. These 

 thoughts are explained in the following extracts from 

 another report made at the time the parks were com- 

 menced. How true and fine were these conceptions 

 is shown by the supreme beauty of these parks at the 

 present time some fifty years later. 



"Two classes of improvements were to be planned 

 for this purpose: one directed to secure pure and 

 wholesome air, to act through the lungs, the other 

 to secure an antithesis of objects of vision to those 

 streets and houses which shall act remedially, by im- 



