THE PUBLIC PARKS OF GLASGOW. 



51 



equipment, as showing difference of ideas in the laying-out of such 

 places. 



Phoenix Park. — The acquisition in 1893 of the site, extending 

 to about 2 J acres, of the Old Phcenix Foundry by the Corporation 

 was a notable event in the history of its Health Department, as it 

 marked the beginning of that department's work in providing open 

 spaces in densely-congested districts. Much public interest was 

 manifested in the work and in the equipment of the place. Local 

 gentlemen provided a bandstand and an ornamental fountain, while 

 trees and shrubs were planted around the margins. The place, 

 however, was not protected by an unclimbable fence, with the result 

 that the shrubs soon disappeared, and now only a few of the larger- 

 growing trees exist. 



Govanhill Grounds. — In comparison, in 1894, the site of an old 

 brick-field, extending to about 4 acres, in the Govanhill district, was 

 acquired by the Parks Department and laid out on quite different 

 lines. It was enclosed with an unclimbable fence, with the result 

 that hardly a tree has been injured, and the majority are vigorous- 

 looking and twenty feet high on an average. Of all the open spaces 

 in the city it commends itself to strangers visiting the city and study- 

 ing the question of open spaces. 



The third is the Balgray Pleasure Ground, in the north-east or 

 Springburn district of the city. This was occupied by a number of 

 small half-slum houses, as well as a fairly good modern tenement, 

 all of which were purchased and the area cleared and laid out at the 

 expense of Mr. Hugh Reid, LL.D., the senior member of a most 

 generous family, who wanted the children of that populous district to 

 have a playground within easy reach. It is admirably equipped with 

 the most modern type of appliances suited for young children. The 

 area does not admit of games such as football, but provision is made 

 for old men in the shape of smoking and reading rooms. This place 

 is also enclosed with a suitable railing, with the result, that the trees 

 and shrubs are undamaged and thriving well, adding much to the 

 interest of the place, which in itself has improved the amenity of the 

 district in no small degree. 



Recent Gifts. 



Before closing mention must be made of recent gifts by generous 

 landowners. In 1914 Lord Glenconner gave 13J acres of land 

 to form a recreation park in the densely-populated and smoky dis- 

 trict of St. Rollox. This will be laid out chiefly in football pitches, 

 along with bowling-greens and gymnastic appliances for children. 



In the Newlands district 13J acres were given by Sir John Stirling 

 Maxwell of Pollok for parks purposes, but the area has been 

 temporarily laid out in garden allotments. It is expected that by 

 1920 operations to lay out the park will be commenced. 



Another gift of 13 acres has recently been made by Sir John 



