INTRODUCTORY 
3 
remains to be achieved in that direction before their 
capabilities will have been thoroughly developed. The 
opportunity is great, and if only the best use can be 
made of it London Parks could be the most beautiful 
as well as the most useful in the world. It is impossible 
to praise or criticise them collectively, as they have 
different origins, are administered by separate bodies, 
and have distinct functions to perform. It cannot be 
denied that the laying out in some and the planting in 
other cases could be improved. Plans could be carried 
out with more taste than is sometimes shown, and new 
ideas be encouraged, but on the whole there is so much 
that is excellent and well done that there is a great deal 
to be proud of. 
The various open spaces in London can easily be 
grouped into classes. First there are the Royal Parks, 
with a history and management of their own; then there 
are all the Parks either created or kept up by the London 
County Council, and most of the commons and other 
large open spaces are in their jurisdiction also, though 
a few parks and recreation grounds are under the 
borough councils. Municipal bodies for the most 
part take charge of all the disused burial grounds con¬ 
verted into gardens, though some are maintained by 
the parish or the rector. Then there is another class 
of garden which must be included, namely, all the 
squares of London, as, although few are open to the 
public, they form no insignificant proportion of the 
unbuilt area. 
All through London there are survivals of old 
gardens, which are still either quiet and concealed, or 
thrown open to the public. Such are the grounds of 
the Charterhouse, of Chelsea Hospital, or of the Foundling 
