158 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



could not fail to learn something of trees. It might have a botani- 

 cal arrangement of plants, and a lecture-room where, at the proper 

 season, lectures on botany could be delivered, and the classes which 

 should resort there could study with the growing plants under their 

 eyes. It might be laid out so as, in its wooded position, to afford a 

 magnificent drive for those who chose so to enjoy it ; and it might be 

 furnished with suitable ices and other refreshments, so that, like the 

 German gardens, it would be the great promenade of all strangers 

 and citizens, visitors, or inhabitants of the city of whose suburbs it 

 would form a part. But how shall such an establishment be sup- 

 ported ? Cemeteries are sustained by the prices paid for lots, which, 

 though costing not a large sum each, make an enormous sum in 

 the aggregate. 



We answer, by a small admission fee. Only those who are 

 shareholders would (like those owning lots in a cemetery) have 

 entrance for their horses and carriages. This privilege alone would 

 tempt hundreds to subscribe, thus adding to the capital, while the 

 daily resort of citizens and strangers would give the necessary in- 

 come ; for no traveller would leave a city, possessing such a public 

 garden as we have described, without seeing that, its most interest- 

 ing feature. The finest band of music, the most rigid police, the 

 certainty of an agreeable promenade and excellent refreshments, 

 would, we think, as surely tempt a large part of the better class of 

 the inhabitants of our cities to such a resort here as in Germany. 

 If the road to Mount Auburn is now lined with coaches, continu- 

 ally carrying the inhabitants of Boston by thousands and tens of 

 thousands, is it not likely that such a garden, full of the most varied 

 instruction, amusement, and recreation, would be ten times more 

 visited ? Fetes might be held there, horticultural societies would 

 make annual exhibitions there, and it would be the general holiday- 

 ground of all who love to escape from the brick walls, paved streets, 

 and stifling atmosphere of towns. 



Would such a project pay ? This is the home question of all 

 the calculating part of the community, who must open their purse- 

 strings to make it a substantial reality. 



We can only judge by analogy. The mere yearly rent of Bar 

 num's Museum in Broadway is, we believe, about $10,000 (a sum 



