THE PAKKS OF SYDNEY. 23 



pattern in which the seat itself is curved so as to afford 

 comfort to the sitter. In setting a bench the seat itself 

 should not be horizontal, but should be raised a little in 

 front, thus throwing the occupant a little back, as that 

 p osture conduces to rest. 



The question of paint for seats and rails 1 in parks is 

 sometimes debated. Some people prefer green, as being 

 theoretically the most natural colour, harmonising with 

 everything around. Unfortunately, during our hot summers, 

 trees and grass etc., are often not green, but even with all 

 vegetation "In verdure clad," it may not follow that inan- 

 imate objects in the vicinity, such as fences, railings, and 

 seats should be similarly coloured ; also, owing to its lack 

 of durability, green paint soon becomes of a sombre, 

 unattractive hue. I prefer a quiet stone-colour as the 

 most appropriate for our parks. It has the merit of dura- 

 bility, and has a bright clean appearance. Clean paint is 

 necessary in a public park for the sake of appearance and 

 also on sanitary grounds. Accordingly all seats and rails 

 should be painted once a year. This arrangement is also 

 most economical in the long run, because of the improved 

 durability of the wood or iron. 



IV. Plantations, Grass, Depasturing of Stock. 

 a. Plantations. — The planting of a park can only be 

 touched upon, at this place, in a general way. In its lay- 

 ing out, the indigenous trees should be conserved if possible; 

 I do not say at any price. Some trees should be cultivated 

 for the purpose, mainly, of giving shelter to the public. 

 The problem of producing beautiful landscape effects is not 

 one suitable for discussion here, except in very general 

 terms, for one cannot go into essential details except with 



1 Since the above was written an article has appeared on " Green Paint 

 in the garden landscape." — (The Garden, 22nd March, 1902, p. 185). The 

 article mainly discusses the tints of green for plant boxes, and the subject 

 deserves more ventilation than it usually obtains. 



