tion of the Fells relapsed once more into an almost hopeless con- 

 dition of abandonment. 



Happily, however, a fortunate combination of circumstances 

 has since brought about the permanent preservation of a large 

 part of the territory described by Mr. Baxter, through the inex- 

 orable force of the very necessity long foreseen and pointed out, 

 and which has compelled Medford, Maiden, and Melrose to take 

 possession of the territory around Spot Pond, in order to protect 

 its water shed, and keep its supply of water pure. 



Besides this, Medford, to her honor, has purchased for the 

 same purpose, and set apart for permanent preservation the en- 

 tire territory, situated between Forest street, Elm street, Wood- 

 land road and Spot Pond. 



Stoneham, has, also, to her credit, secured and set apart for 

 preservation Bear Hill, and much of the territory surrounding it, 

 so that, with some reservations also made, nearly one half of the 

 Fells' territory as defined by the Fells Association, has been se- 

 cured for preservation. 



If now, it should come about, as seems not unlikely, that in 

 the carrying out of the comprehensive plans of the Trustees of 

 Public Reservations, and the Park Commissioners; the entire 

 Fells should be secured and set apart, as a distinct park by itself, 

 or as one of a great chain or series of parks, surrounding greater 

 Boston, then it would be a most fitting thing to commemorate in 

 some way the pioneer workers and perpetuate their memories 

 by the dedication of suitable portions to bear their names. 



All honor to them. Theirs is no uncertain immortality. They 

 live in all the woodland scence they loved so well. Their spirits 

 haunt the hills, the forests and the streams. Every leaf and 

 rock, and flower, voices their praise. /Eolian airs breathe for 

 them loving benedictions, and just so long as the human soul 

 responds to the influences of woodland scenery, so long will their 

 names be wreathed with Memory's immortelles. 



The total area of the Fells comprises some 4,000 acres of di- 

 versified land, which has been literally described by a local town 

 orator as consisting of "one third swamp and two thirds rock. " 



Such a description, however, although almost literally accurate, 

 would fail to convey to many minds anything like an adequate 

 conception of the real character of this interesting and singularly 

 attractive region, its wonderfully picturesque loveliness, and the 



