PUBLIC CEMETERIES AND PUBLIC GARDENS. 159 



more than sufficient to meet all the annual expenses of such, a gar- 

 den) ; and it is not only paid, but very large profits have been made 

 there. Now, if hundreds of thousands of the inhabitants of cities, 

 like New- York, will pay to see stuffed boa-constrictors and tm-hu- 

 man Belgian giants, or incur the expense and trouble of going five or 

 six miles to, visit Greenwood, we think it may safely be estimated 

 that a much larger number would resort to a public garden, at once 

 the finest park, the most charming drive, the most inviting pleasure- 

 ground, and the most agreeable promenade within their reach. That 

 such a project, carefully planned, and liberally and judiciously car- 

 ried out, would not only pay, in money, but largely civilize and 

 refine the national character, foster the love of rural beauty, and in- 

 crease the knowledge of and taste for rare and beautiful trees and 

 plants, we cannot entertain a reasonable doubt. 



It is only necessary for one of the three cities which first opened 

 cemeteries, to set the example, and the thing once fairly seen, it 

 becomes universal. The true policy of republics, is to foster the 

 taste for great public libraries, sculpture and picture galleries, parks, 

 and gardens, which all may enjoy, since our institutions wisely 

 forbid the growth of private fortunes sufficient to achieve these de- 

 sirable results in any other way. 



