27 



stolen by wagon loads for sale in the public streets and many a 

 bush and shrub was practically destroyed. 



During the village history of Harlem, and while it remained a 

 distinctively home center, Mount Morris Park was a delightful re- 

 sort by day or night and the old wooden fence and nominal guard- 

 ianship proved all-sufficient because the majority of those who 

 visited it were neighbors and friends and were proud of all that 

 gave dignity or beauty tor the little township. 



Harlem grew rapidly upon the advent of the elevated road, and 

 the influx of strangers developed many actual dangers in the park. 

 Increase of the park force lessened these dangers, but the thorough 

 lighting of the dark corners of the enclosure proved most effec- 

 tual. The reason is simple. The light acted as a preventive, 

 while police and park keepers work on the theory that their duties 

 do not begin until an offence has been committed. 



The New York Botanical Garden has no fencing and very few 

 restrictions. All sorts of difficulties have resulted and many have 

 yet to be overcome. Many of the peasant class of laborers from 

 the Old World have felt free to select what they chose of the trees 

 for fire wood, for what else could a wild bit of forest like the hemlock 

 grove be good for if not for furnishing its quota of fire wood and 

 fence posts ? they argued. Many of our most recently acquired 



fore 



o their 



itill legio 



and t 



: garden 



sal for profit also invaded the 

 place and in the early spring made generous selection of ex- 

 pensive shrubs which had just been set out. 



All these things point to the fact that twentieth century civili- 

 zation has not developed overmuch regard for the rights, welfare 

 or pleasure of our neighbor. Until it does, extensive lighting, 

 effectual fencing and increased policing of the parks, would seem 



o be pri, 

 Howev 



either 



nor stone seems to me to have fitting 

 turesque parks. Hedges should take 

 1 and would detract but little from the 



