48 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1894. 



half to three-fourths of a mile in width, containing over 1,000 acres. 

 On much of it absolutely nothing formerly grew, as every changing 

 wind produced a corresponding change in the surface. On other 

 portions, less subject to change, there was a low growth of the poison 

 oak, and perhaps other undesirable vegetation. Between this tract 

 and the Pacific is a range of hills which protect it from chilling sea 

 breezes. 



"Beyoud the town, the bushy mounds between, 

 Roll drifts of yellow, wrinkled sand — 

 Uncrested waves, that dash against the green, 

 Like ocean billows 'gainst the land." 



The barren portion was first planted with wild lupine and a Euro- 

 pean sea beach grass, Ariindo arenaria, to hold the surface from 

 blowing about ; then a species of pine and certain shrubs were set 

 and watered, until their roots took possession of the surface and their 

 tops furnished shade, giving other vegetation needed protection. 

 Thus this unpromising tract has been conquered with all the strata- 

 gem of war. Its surface now gives no indication that immediately 

 beneath the velvet lawns and flower beds, such as California alone 

 can produce, there is nothing but sand. More than 100,000 trees of 

 many species have been set, and the growth of a few years is simply 

 astonishing. It is claimed there is now a greater variety of vegetable 

 life here than in any other park in America. The situation of this 

 park is perhaps unequalled for a climate peculiarly adapted for a 

 great variety of plant life, as in the summer its contiguity to the 

 ocean brings cool breezes therefrom, and in the winter the Japanese 

 current brings the warm water of the ocean to these shores, softening 

 the breezes as they are wafted upon the land, so that in the park it 

 never freezes and is never sweltering. In the park, miles of the finest 

 drives have been constructed ; these are kept constantly watered and 

 speed is regulated, except on one stretch of 6,000 feet, where Jehu is 

 allowed full liberty. Several monuments have been erected here in 

 memory of men of note ; the finest of these is one erected to the 

 memory of Francis Scott Key, author of The Star Spangled Banner, 

 the late James Lick having left by will $60,000 for that purpose. 

 This beautiful Golden Gate Park lies about four miles from the busi- 

 ness portion of the city and is connected therewith by fine lines of 

 street cars. Many thousands often visit it in a day, and find here a 

 most charming spot for recreation, as there is nothing but beauty for 

 the eye, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons a large band discourses 

 the sweetest music for the ear. In fact, this park, with its drives, 



