Public Parks. 



In compliance with the resohition of the Academy, I propose 

 this evening to call your attention to the question of Public Parks, 

 and their influence upon the moral, physical, and sanitary condition 

 of the inhabitants of great cities. The benefits resulting from such 

 dedications to public uses, have been known and appreciated by all 

 civilized nations. And in this connection I trust that it will not be 

 deemed out of place, if I give a brief sketch of what has been done 

 in other cities, both ancient and modern, both at home and abroad, 

 with a view of adornment, and of affording to the inhabitants, 

 not only agreeable places of resort, but pi^oving efficient aids in 

 promoting public health. 



At no period in the history of this city has this question excited 

 so much attention as at the present time ; and it is with feelings of 

 the deepest responsibility that I enter upon the consideration of the 

 subject, not alone as a member of this Academy, but as the repre- 

 sentative of the Board of Health, and as a private citizen, deeply 

 interested in the future growth and welfare of Chicago. In treating 

 of this subject, I lay no special claim to originality, but I shall simply 

 state facts, allowing you to draw your own conclusions ; while, at 

 the same time, I shall apply well-established laws and principles, 

 which are necessary to the proper elucidation of this question in 

 connection with the climate, topography, and diseases of this city. 



The necessit}^ for creating public parks, and on a scale commen- 

 surate with the prospective greatness of the city, is recognized by all 

 classes of our citizens, and it is to be hoped that the action of those 

 who are charged with the responsibility of selecting the locations, 

 devising the plans, and providing the means for securing these 

 results, may prove wise and judicious, and thus receive the commen- 

 dations of posterity. 



" Best is Pelasgicura empty," 



was wisely expressed by the Pythian oracle, thereby denoting that 

 every large and populous city, as well as Athens, should have its 



