332 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM 
a vertical section, showing a properties-room, P beneath 
the stage, and a vestibule, V, for entrance from the rear; 
and C is the end of arow of seats. Inthe floor plan T,T,T, 
etc., indicate the trunks of high-crowned trees, left standing 
to furnish shade. The artificialities of the plan are such only 
as are necessary: comfortable seats, conveniently arranged, 
and a good stage. These are made of cement on ribbed metal 
lath, plastered on both sides and colored green or gray or 
brown. The sylvan picture round about is carefully pre- 
served. The aisles are grass paths. Under the seats are beds 
of violets. Greensward masks the stage and low evergreens 
define front and rear stage entrances. A bank of tall ever- 
greens furnishes a background at the rear of the stage. All 
around are trees for shade. A rising turf covered bank at 
the rear of the seats provides for overflow on great occasions, 
the limit of capacity being set by a bank of evergreens fronted 
with thorny barberry. Vines added for grace, and flowering 
trees and shrubs for color are used to fill surrounding niches. 
Thick walls of verdure round about exclude outside distrac- 
‘tions. Grass paths of ample width, well defined by border 
plantings, give easy access, and invite pedestrians to keep 
off the other vegetation. 
No community will long gather in such places without 
coming to feel an interest in the wild things. By the posses- 
sion and use of such outdoor places, the public may be 
educated in the appreciation of nature. 
