30 Public Parks. 



private gentleman for the public benefit. I am informed that the 

 necessary funds have been raised for its improvement, and that as 

 soon as possible work will be commenced, * 



CHICAGO. 



Coming now to Chicago we find her public grounds distributed as 

 follows : in the North Division is Lincoln Park, containing about 50 

 acres, 35 of w^hich may be said to be improved, whereon the sum of 

 $60,000 has been very judiciously expended during the last three 

 years, making it a truly beautiful place. With the lake and the 

 character of the ground, there is here afl:brded a fine opportunity for 

 landscape gai'dening. Many trees have been set out, and two and a 

 half miles of carriage drives, and about the same length of graded 

 walks, have been constructed. Unfortunately the carriage drives are 

 not wide enough. Several picturesque lakes are also found in it. 

 Washington Park is also in the North Division, situated between 

 North Dearborn and North Clark streets, and Washington and 

 Lafayette places. It contains 2y\ acres, upon which a few trees 

 have been planted, and improved by two conci'ete walks running 

 through it, and is enclosed by a common fence. Lake Park, is a 

 tract lying along the lake in front of Michigan avenue, extending 

 from Randolph street to Park Place, and when filled will contain 

 about 40 acres. Dearborn Park is between Washington and 

 Randolph streets, fronting on Michigan avenue, containing lyVo 

 acres, and is surrounded by an iron railing with a few stunted ti'ees 

 scattered here and there, together with an occasional evergreen. The 

 attempts at improvement of this piece of ground have been singu- 

 larly abortive, and in a sanitary point of view much more benefit 

 can be derived by the sale of this property for business purposes, 

 and the application of the proceeds to the purchase of grounds 

 elsewhere, — as for instance in the 5th Ward between 26th and 

 31st streets. The Court House Square contains 2yf„^ acres, but 

 with the extension of the public buildings the area which will be 

 left for decoration will be insignificant. Several unsuccessful 

 attempts have been made to improve this square. Ellis Park has 

 an area of about 3 acres, and is situated near the Douglas Monu- 

 ment, and is covered by a few forest trees. Union Park on the 

 West Side contains 17 acres whose improvements have cost the 

 sum of $42,584.74. The attempt at landscape gardening in this 

 park has been unfortunate, as the extent and character of the 



* Dr. P. v. Schenck, Health Officer, St. Louis. 



