MIDDLESEX FELLS. 



213 



"The people must move and act spontaneously, if anything is done. 

 It is everybody's axe ; and if nobody grinds it, it will be dull for the 

 generations to come. The wood-choppers are sure to grind theirs 

 while a tree is left. Here is work for the press, the pulpit, the plat- 

 form, — for every one who likes to breathe pure air, drink pure water, 

 and see green things." 1 



It is hoped that the publication of this map will, by enabling 

 people to become more familiar with the region, stimulate 

 public interest in the work. The task is undoubtedly a diffi- 

 cult one. To insure success it must be pushed by influential 

 men, and their efforts must be seconded by a generous public. 

 Little assistance can be expected from the city and towns 

 within whose borders the Fells lie ; for they are at present 

 growing very rapidly, and arc so burdened with necessary 

 improvements that they do not feel able to appropriate money 

 for this purpose from their treasuries. They do not, however, 

 realize what a fine opportunity they have for securing a natu- 

 ral park. The city of Boston, which would be largely bene- 

 fited, is already struggling with an elaborate system of parks 

 within its own borders. The Forestry Congress, held in 

 Boston last September, was addressed by Mr. Wrig;ht on the 

 subject of the Fells. A committee appointed by this meeting 

 will endeavor to secure further legislation to secure the pro- 

 tection of forests from fires, and are in consultation with a 

 few prominent friends of the Fells as to what further measures 

 it is advisable to take to secure the success of that project. 



It is not necessary to dwell upon the arguments which are 

 familiar to all, — that the northern portion of Boston and its 

 northern suburbs need a park just as much as the southern 

 portion and the southern suburbs need Franklin (West Box- 

 bury) Park ; that contiguous real estate will increase in value, 

 and the neighboring towns become more desirable for resi- 

 dences ; that a valuable opportunity is offered to secure, not 

 the ordinary garden-park with fountains, flower-beds, and 

 gravel-walks, but a unique park, one after Nature's own 

 heart, and in which she can be enjoyed in her simplicity, 

 unadorned by man's artificial devices ; that a large annual 



Melrose Journal, March 17, 1883. 



