MEMOIR. 



ning, and drew up the "Kules of American Pomology." 

 Every moment had its work. There was not a more use- 

 ful man in America ; but his visitor found still the same 

 quiet host, leisurely, disengaged ; picking his favorite 

 flowers before breakfast ; driving here and there, writing, 

 studying, as if rather for amusement ; and at twilight 

 stepping into the wagon for a loitering drive along the 

 river. 



His love of the country and faith in rural influences 

 were too genuine for him not to be deeply interested in the 

 improvement of cities by means of public parks and gar- 

 dens. Not only for their sanitary use, but for their ele- 

 gance and refining influence, he was anxious that all our 

 cities should be richly endowed with them. He alluded 

 frequently to the subject in the columns of his magazine, 

 and when it was resolved by Congress to turn the public 

 grounds in Washington, near the Capitol, White House, 

 and Smithsonian Institute, into a public garden and pro- 

 menade, Downing was naturally the man invited by the 

 President, in April, 1851, to design the arrangement of the f 

 grounds and to superintend their execution. All the de- 

 signs and much of the work were completed before his 

 death. This new labor, added to the rest, while it in- 

 creased his income, consumed much of his time. He went 

 once every month to Washington, and was absent ten or 

 twelve days. 



He was not suffered to be at peace in this position. 

 There were plenty of jealousies and rivalries, and much 

 sharp questioning about the $2500 annually paid to an 

 accomplished artist for laying out the public grounds of 

 the American Capital, in a manner worthy the nation, and 

 for reclaiming many acres from waste and the breeding of 

 miasma. At length the matter was discussed in Congress. 



