CHAPTER IV 



PARKS IN TOWNS AND MUNICIPAL FORESTS 



The real history of public parks in towns begins about 

 1840. Before that time there were no municipal parks, 

 except perhaps Glasgow Green. The parks of London 

 were originally the private property of the Crown, and, 

 besides, were in early days not open spaces preserved in 

 the city, but were far away from it in the country. St. 

 James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington 

 Gardens were at a considerable distance from the city of 

 London. Even Glasgow College Green was originally 

 outside the city. In 1845 the Health of Towns Com- 

 missioners made recommendations about public parks and 

 open spaces, which laid the foundations of modern pro- 

 gress in this important measure of public hygiene. The 

 Commissioners said : " In our enquiry into the sanitary 

 condition of large cities and populous districts, where a high 

 rate of mortality and much disease is prevalent, we have 

 noticed the general want of any public walks, which might 

 enable the middle and poorer classes to have the advantage 

 of fresh air and exercise in their occasional hours of leisure. 

 With regard to all open spaces, especially well-ordered 

 squares ornamented by trees or gardens, which already 

 exist in the metropolis and large towns, we strongly 

 recommend their preservation from any encroachment by 

 public or private buildings. Although not open to the 

 public, they contribute largely to the general health of 

 the people. The great towns of Liverpool, Manchester, 

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