CEMETERIES AND PARKS. 99 



for it. I am glad it is there. Were I asked whether I would approve 

 all that is done there, perhaps I should answer no, and I am glad 

 that I do differ from others, for if all thought alike what a same- 

 ness and monotouN- there would be. The Public Garden also fills 

 its place, as is shown by the fact that from the blooming of the 

 first hyacinth to the time when frost destroys the last hydrangea, 

 many who cannot get beyond the borders of the city are always 

 to be found there enjoying it. Situated as it is, where nei- 

 ther near nor distant views can be obtained, it is better to make 

 it attractive to the masses, even if it does not in all points fulfil 

 the ideal requirements of good taste, or is so judged by those com- 

 petent to criticise. I am sure the popular vote would be for the 

 Public Garden, and I venture to say that no expenditure made by 

 the city for the people is more heartih- appreciated by them. 

 There is now more reason than ever that the Public Garden should 

 be maintained as such, especially when the park sj'stem is being 

 so finely developed. 



Living near Franklin Park, I have been glad, as opportunity 

 offered, to go over it and watch the development of the work. 

 Last year a portion known as the Playstead was opened to the 

 public. Approaching from "Walnut Avenue, you drive around this 

 area of some thirty acres or more, bj' the Pierpont and Playstead 

 roads, and the Overlook, connecting with the old Trail road to 

 Humboldt Avenue. The Glen road, from Sigourney street to the 

 Pierpont road, is finished, forming a direct route to Jamaica Plain, 

 and the circuit drive, from Pierpont road to Williams street, which 

 will eventualh' connect with Forest Hills Avenue. These are 

 splendid drives, and no one can doubt the wisdom of the sj-stem 

 that has been adopted. Everything is done thoroughly and in 

 the best possible manner. The drives are already delightful and 

 enjoyed by thousands every fine day. The trees and shrubs, with 

 the growth of a few short years, will add greatly to the beauty of 

 the Park, and as the time goes on and the plans are carried out, the 

 citizens of Boston will have in their parks a system of developed 

 beaut}' in nature and art, unequalled in this country. 



Then there are the Bussej- Park, and Arnold Arboretum, 

 already suflSciently advanced to be of untold interest, especially 

 the Arboretum, which contains the largest collection of named 

 trees and shrubs in America, if not in the world, and is visited 

 every year by hundreds seeking information on the subject of 



