46 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



tennis courts, model yacht pond, also two ornamental ponds for 

 waterfowl and plenty of swings for children. 



The growth of trees and shrubs has been satisfactory considering 

 all difficulties, and the transformation of an old sandstone quarry 

 into a wild rock garden has changed the bare exposed place into 

 one of interest and pleasure. 



Maxwell Park. 



This small park, given by Sir John Stirling Maxwell of Pollok 

 to the burgh of Pollokshields, also came into the possession of the 

 city in 1891. Though limited in area, it admirably suits the needs 

 of the locality, which is purely a better-class residential one. Fairly 

 well equipped, it has a model yacht pond, courts for lawn-tennis 

 &c., swings for children, and the inevitable bandstand ! Most trees 

 and shrubs thrive well, but owing to the peaty nature of the soil — the 

 place was within memory a peat bog — the most noteworthy are the 

 Rhododendrons, which luxuriate better than in any park within 

 the civic area. 



Pollok Grounds. 



Mention might be made here of those grounds, seeing that the 

 entrance thereto is within a short distance of the aforementioned 

 park. Part of the well-wooded policies of Pollok, to the extent of 

 121 acres, has been granted for ten years — free of rent — to the 

 Corporation for the use of the public by Sir John Stirling Maxwell. 

 In that area there is a grass field of about 20 acres for picnics, games, 

 &c. The paths through the grounds have been extended to admit 

 of the public having more scope to admire the sylvan beauties of 

 the situation. Full advantage is taken of the privilege by the public, 

 and in the spring and early summer months, when the thousands 

 of Rhododendrons, along with the indigenous wild hyacinth or blue- 

 bell, are in bloom, as well as when in autumn the foliage coloration 

 is in its glory, the citizens appear in hundreds to enjoy the scene. 

 The period of ten years expires in 1921, and whether the privilege 

 will be renewed for a further period it is impossible to say, but in 

 all probability it will. Here a slight digression from our subject 

 may be allowed by stating that, in dealing with their lands adjacent 

 to overgrown cities, few have dealt more generously, in regard to 

 space and conditions, to preserve the general amenities of the city 

 than the Maxwells of Pollok. Glasgow would have been a brighter 

 and better place to-day had all proprietors dealt as generously with 

 their property. 



Bellahouston Park. 



The acquisition of this park in 1895, the largest within the city 

 boundaries, is an example of looking forward and securing ample 

 space in the southern districts of an ever-growing city, though at 



