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tempted on the Mediterranean, or in this country on the Gulf of 

 Mexico or in California, they would be exceedingly dreary. Under 

 such circumstances, it is not therefore simply a matter of taste or 

 convenience, but in some degree a necessity, that devices of an ob- 

 viously artificial character are used to make public grounds at- 

 tractive. 



In this latitude on the Atlantic slope, however, although a formal 

 and highly ornate treatment is perfectly appropriate where the chief 

 object of a public ground is that of a social rendezvous and prome- 

 nade, it is not the only, nor always the most desirable treatment of 

 it. If it is so situated as to command interesting views, for instance, 

 it may be better that it should be laid out and furnished in such a 

 way that these views will be seen through harmonious and suitable 

 foregrounds. If there are disagreeable or incongruous objects near 

 by, it is better that it should be supplied with boscage borders, which 

 will be manageable screens against them. 



In the nature of the case, adequate provision for simple, rural 

 recreation requires large space of ground, it being a primary object 

 to secure the greatest possible change of scene from the confinement 

 and rigidity of the city, and to induce a sense of freedom and a dis- 

 position to ramble. This object has, moreover, to be reconciled, as 

 has been shown, with that of maintaining neatness and good order, in 

 spite of the careless and often reckless movement of many thousand 

 people all turning out for exercise and recreation at once ; and it is 

 impossible of accomplishment, except on a site of considerable breadth, 

 where large opportunity and invitation for dispersion can be given. 

 It is better, on the other hand, that a drive intended to be used as a 

 promenade should not be so far extended that a long period will be 

 required to pass through it and see all who are upon it, nor should it 

 be so wide that friends cannot be easily distinguished when passing on 

 the opposite side. The avenue beyond the arch, and the drive about 

 the lake, in the Bois de Boulogne, which is preferred to the wide ave- 

 nues nearer Paris, is everywhere less than sixty feet wide, and in some 

 parts less than forty. 



It may then be said, that in the design of public grounds, two quite 

 different uses of them, and two quite different artistic ideals may prop- 

 erly be had in view, and that under certain conditions of situation, 

 soil, climate, and society, one only of these uses, and one only of these 

 ideals can properly be controlling. Individuals must be expected to 

 place a greater value on one or the other use, and to be better pleased 

 with one or the other style of grounds, according to their habits and 

 the bias of their natural or acquired tastes. There can be no greater 



