places the existing path system is excellent. But in other places, 

 in face of these topographical difficulties, it seems to us extremely 

 unsatisfactory, confusing, ardous and uninviting to follow, failing 

 to lead to the best points of view and neither conforming pleasant- 

 ly to the natural topography nor accompanied by a bold and 

 skilful modification of the topography so as to conform to the 

 exigencies of proper circulation. 



We believe, therefore, that there should be a very careful and 

 thorough study of the whole system of circulation, existing and 

 prospective, with a view to determining, firsts all those areas in 

 the Garden within which the existing means of circulation can 

 reasonably be regarded as permanently satisfactory, so that 

 improvements and refinements to the plantations can there be 

 undertaken without danger that things will have to be seriously 

 upset by subsequent changes in or additions to the path and road 

 system. This will clear the way for perfecting the landscape 

 beauty of those areas by refinements in the vegetation to the 

 utmost degree that the available means and skill will permit. 

 Concentration on that sort of improvement will make more 

 showing, esthetically, per dollar expended than where costly 

 structural changes are needed, and for that reason should prob- 

 ably receive preference in the earlier part of the program of 

 improvement. 



But in preparation for a second step in the program of improving 

 the existing features, those areas within which the existing means 

 of circulation can not be regarded as permanently satisfactory 

 should be studied in detail, section by section, and detailed plans 

 prepared for successive sections to determine the precise locations 

 and grades of the permanent paths and roads; the sometimes 

 radical changes in grading required in connection therewith; 

 and at least the general nature of the treatment of vegetation 

 contemplated. This will show what improvements in detail of 

 vegetation within these areas can safely be undertaken pending 

 the expected changes in paths, etc., and open the way for under- 

 taking these improvements without serious risk of waste. 



And then, as a third step in the program, the more costly 

 structural changes can themselves be undertaken, section by 

 section, accompanied by perfecting the vegetation in direct 

 connection therewith. 



Throughout this program of improvement of existing features, 

 the paths and roads and grading should be considered solely as 

 a necessary means to the end of developing and maintaining 

 in the most beautiful manner possible, those features of scientific 

 and horticultural and landscape interest for the sake of which 



0l4] 



