20 J. H. MAIDEN. 



in that continent, although the rainfall is considerable, it 

 is gradual, and that the tropical downpours we have in 

 Sydney seldom occur. Our Sydney paths have to be care- 

 fully graded and usually drained on both sides with gutters, 

 (I prefer semi-circular glazed tiles). Without side drains 

 those dainty well raked gravel paths of Europe would be 

 frequently washed away. With all our precautions no 

 human foresight can prevent much damage from this cause 

 in Sydney. 



A good macadamised road is one of the best for a park, 

 but during our long spells of dry weather it requires water- 

 ing and a good deal of attention in other ways, to prevent 

 the stones working loose. 



An asphalt (or to speak more strictly tar-paved) road is 

 a rarity in Sydney, though roads of true asphalt are com- 

 mon enough in London and other large cities. Such roads 

 have the very great merits in a park of cleanliness, smooth- 

 ness, and consequent quietness, but have the disadvantages 

 of dismal colour, and of reflecting too much heat. The tar- 

 pa vecl roads of which T speak, possess some of the merits 

 both of macadam and true asphalt, but are inferior in 

 durability to the latter. The finest asphalt (tar-paved) 

 road in Sydney is in the Centennial Park ; it is 33 feet wide, 

 and is at present 100 chains long, fresh portions being con- 

 verted from macadam into tar-paving each year. 



We have a grass Ride in the Centennial Park 39 feet 

 wide and 192 chains (i.e., 2\ miles, 12 chains), long. I 

 have not figures in regard to similar Rides in public parks 

 in Europe, but they are apparently not numerous. I observed 

 one in the Thiergarten of Berlin, about 20 feet wide, but 

 it was much cut up when I saw it. 



b. Fences. — A park should be securely fenced, but the 

 fence should be artistic. In city parks I prefer the stone 

 coping and iron-railing. Galvanised iron should not be 



