THE PARKS OF SYDNEY. 1'7 



presence of cattle is sometimes objectionable through 

 deposits of manure on the paths, and frightened horses 

 sometimes chip the stonework of kerbs and steps. Sheep 

 are better animals for keeping the grass of parks in order, 

 but the Sydney climate does not suit them, and it is 

 usually inconvenient to make suitable arrangements with 

 butchers for the loan of them. Then, as they are so readily 

 interfered with by children and others, they cannot be 

 employed in parks unless there is a shepherd, or where 

 there are special circumstances which render the super- 

 vision of them convenient. 



While the use of stock as lawn-mowers has the draw- 

 backs stated, I am of opinion that, in some parks, the 

 advantages of their employment far outweigh their dis- 

 advantages ; certainly complaints on the part of the public 

 in regard to them are few and far between. The plantations 

 (if any) in a park require to be fenced if stock are to be 

 admitted, while the condition is always insisted upon that 

 none but quiet animals are admitted. I think a few 

 horses quietly grazing, or cows peacefully chewing the 

 cud in a park, supply an element of beauty and of rural 

 peacefulness that gives an added charm to a people's park, 

 particularly in crowded cities where children are usually 

 debarred from the pleasure of seeing animals under rural 

 conditions. 



V. Buildings etc. in and abbutting on Parks. 

 a. Buildings. — It is a truism that no structures should 

 be erected in a public park which are not necessary to 

 carry out the objects of the park. Thus, administrative 

 offices, places for the storage of material, such as road- 

 metal, tar, timber, tree-guards, soil, etc.; also workshops 

 (including plant-frames and other appliances for the propa- 

 gation of plants), are necessary; so are buildings for public 

 refreshment, lavatories etc., band-stands, shelter-pavilions, 



