10 HISTORY OF THE 



which is of primary importance; the comparatively low 

 price of the lands, especially as they recede toward 

 Morton street; the limited nnmbei* of vahiable bnildinofs 

 and other incnmbrances upon the premises; the line and 

 altogether delightful means of approach to it either by 

 Columbus avenue extended and Walnut avenue, or 

 Warren strqet by carriage, thus avoiding the face of 

 the sun in driving out in the afternoon during the hot 

 weather, which, by the way, may be considered of much 

 importance; the proximity to a large and rapidly 

 increasing population in the Highlands; Jamaica Plain 

 in the immediate vicinity, and the old District of Dor- 

 chester, and South Boston also, all being within con- 

 venient distances. Then the excellent facilities of get- 

 ting to it by steam or by horse cars; the Hartford and 

 Erie Railroad, and the Grove Hall horse cars on one 

 side, and the Providence Railroad and Shawmut avenue 

 (now AVashington street) horse cars on the other, all 

 being within a few minutes walk, either of which can 

 be extended much nearer or even carried directly within 

 the area, at a moderate expense, when required to accom- 

 modate increasing numbers of visitors. 



These are good and ample reasons for the selection 

 of this particular site for the chief of the park system, 

 and they can not fail to impress your commission in 

 fjxvor of it. Then withal it will be difficult to find 

 within the 3.4 or 4.5 miles circuit of the city, so large 

 a tract of land and one so beautiful in its undulating 

 surfiice; such charming natural scenery, it being par- 

 tially wooded, with an ample supply of good water, and 

 possessing so many striking recommendations. 



The Austin Farm, containiug about 50 acres border- 



