Fredrick Law Olmsted Subject File Parks Boston. Mass. Back Bay 1878-8021st May 1878 My dear Mr Sargent, Returning from Washington I have yours of 15th. The photograph is ordered and I will soon send you a proof. I do not expect it to be satisfactorily legible but only sufficiently so to serve certain purposes. Thank you for your invitation. I can not yet make definite arrangements [for my visit to Cambridge] but my intention is to move with my family [there] to Cambridge, going into Mr Godkin's house about the 1st June and making it my headquarters for two or three months. I have made a treaty with him for this purpose and the arboretum will be my principal business until I get through with it. [I feel the difficulty I shall be glad to accept your invitation for a day or two until I can get familiar with the ground]I am not well but I think gaining and quite up to the necessary work if you can occasionally help me to get on the ground [easily for a few] without fatigue. I could do it best with saddle I suppose [and I shall be glad] I think I realize the difficulties of the problem but have no doubt that a way through them can in good time be studied out. As to preliminary work for which you inquire [the only] I think of nothing immediately desirable to be undertaken less than the preparation of a list as complete as practicable of the specimens [trees and shrubs specimens which are] the planting of which at any time hereafter can be contemplated, with a figure against each representing the square of ground which when full grown [they] it may be expected to occupy, and [a] notes as to those needing [special siting] or particular exposure shade mud screen or partial protection or special water supply.Such a list would be the basis of several [classifications and] schedules probably but for ready reference it should be as compact as practicable and [the] arborcultural rather than botanical classifications kept in view.Your site has a marked defect in the poverty of the soil. [and I think you are] Near Boston you are so accustomed to poor soils and the result [of planting trees upon them] in the character of trees growing upon them that I dont think you realize how great a disadvantage you will have [in this respect] or how desirable it is to initiate some [wholesale] comprehensive and liberal scheme for a permanent and radical improvement in this respect. Anthony [Mutcier?] has sent plants [to the Capitol of] to the United States government on my order for which his bill amounts to £128.17.6. [Prefer it can be paid] This must be paid [here] by a Treasury draft for the equivalent sum in greenbacks, but before [this] the draft can be obtained someone must [sign][* The marked [strikeout] defect of your site seems to me to be the poverty of the soil *] [* receipt the bill as agent for Anthony Waterer. Would your friend Mr Skinner feel authorized and willing to do [this.] so? *]C S Sargent 21 May 78 Intends to move to Cambridge. List of trees in Arboretum Poverty of soil.New York 5th Nov 1878 C.H Dalton Esq. Chrm. Dear Sir, In reviewing the discussions I have had with Mr Davis & Mr Bradley the most important result which I find is this. [In] In the plans thus far devised for dealing with the streams emptying into the Backbay [has your purpose of extending] your project [a superior residence quarter in this region] has not been considered. Even without reference to it [such a purpose] the plans [are] were confessedly not [very] satisfactory, and for this reason, as it appears to me, they have never been made complete [and] or regarded as otherwise than tentative [have been] [are regarded as essentially tentative and provisional. Since your project of a park has been brought forward no attempt to accommodate the plans to it has been made. Mr Davis acknowledged] and provisional- It is quite possible that even if there were to be no park it would [have been] be a misfortune to the city if they [had been preserved in] were held to [held to] -- quite possible that it would [have been] be [true?] economy to adopt much more radical and costly plans. Since your project [of a park] has been brought forward no attempt to adjust their questionable plans to it has been made. Mr Orvissaid in effect that if he had been asked to select a situation anywhere about Boston in which the difficulties to be overcome in forming a park would most surely prove insurmountable he should have taken just that in [question and it appears to me that] question; he had examined the plans which you exhibited and felt sure that none of them could ever be carried out and it appears to me that both he and Mr Bradley have been under the impression that although adopted by the city the park project would eventually be abandoned. [Naturally they do not at once give up [such plans as] the ideas about the water ways which they have hitherto entertained [would] and of course they do not see how these can be made to consist with [yours] your project but it does not at]abandoned. Now that they are suddenly called upon to make the adjustment required by the park they are naturally [most] strongly impressed with the difficulties of doing so. But it does not at all follow that because they can not at once adopt plans to the park project which were originally devised without a thought of that project [they can not be accomodated to it, that] they will not after a little thought be glad to drop their old plans and take up the problem as a larger and more important one and find or accept a solution of it which will not only answer your purposes but be much more satisfactory for those to which their attention has been hitherto confined.The only thing I see in the way [?they will] of this is their unwillingness to encounter [feel so doing so will be ? ?] the prejudices with which any new & costly [arrangement] proposition would now be received by the City Government and it will go far to reassure them in this respect if they feel that you will sustain them & share the responsibility with them. While the survey of the bottom is going on Mr. Davis will haveTo C H Dalton 5 Nov '78. Difficulties in the Back Bay. Old plans should be given up and new one made which should recognize the larger possibilities.Mr Dalton; 9th Dec. 1879. My Dear Sir; Yours of 1st inst has only just now come to me having been first mailed unstamped. I must confess that I would [greatly] greatly prefer to drop the word Park and am disposed to stick to [the term] Back Bay -- [I do not like the word park because it is untrue]. What you are to have is [no] hardly more a park than it is a theatre or a [church] market and to designate your [piece of] [certain] salt marsh and water a park implies a [desire I] feeling that the real thing is not as pleasant and favorable to the value of real estate as you could wish it to be. It is a puff and a wholly unnecessary puff for the real thing [is] will be better in the place, than any park could be. Then as to the park like margin the word park will be a constant invitation to unjust criticism and to demands for what may properly be demanded in a park but cannotmarket, and to use the most under the circumstances has to me an air of puffing which it is desirable to avoid. be in a [single] promenade with a sylvan border of the character designed. As to Back Bay all that is to be said is that it is of the class of proper names which [not quite pleasant] though [very] prosaic [if] at first or if regarded analytically are most permanently satisfactory such as Cornhill, Pallmall, High Gate, Brick Yards (Tuilleries) Long Branch, New Port, Cam bridge, Dobb's Ferry. (They tried changing the name of Dobbs Ferry [to Greensburg] [Greenburg and] [& for a l] & for several years the P. O. there was Greenburg, but the [NYL] public would[market and to apply the [?]. to it suggests a puffing effort [to make] as if the real thing was not good enough.] not adopt it). Back Bay is not [a perfectly] very euphonious nor a quite pleasant alliteration, but it is appropriate, sensible and of historical value. Of the names you suggest I [much] prefer that of Water Park. But I would much rather - [next to] [I should prefer The Old Mill Pond]. Boylston Water [Tide Mere] Ledgemere8th, Dec. 1879, [Dear Sir; Having been out of town I have only today recd your book, which I shall read with interest and for which I thank you.] reverse the order and call the interior the Park water - and give special names to diffrnt parts of the outside. Park I do not object as a prefix or descriptive term before another as in Parkway On the whole I advise you to call the basin part [of the place] [of the affair] [The Everglade] [prefix] as [Gladeside P.]prefix, as the [Lo] Lowell Park-Way of the affair. The Everglade. Though we hardly know this term except as applied to [a] the Florida [Morrases] Glades, it is a description and not a proper name meaning (see Webster) [a tract land] "a tract of land covered with water and grass", that is to say exactly applicable to the locality. However, if you think the association unpleasant,of the affair The Everglade or if preferred West Ever Glade which I do not, then say The Salt Glades The Ledgeglade The Sea Glades, or The Glade Water. Then give different stretches of the banks and [streets about] roads about it such names as the following. Everglade Parkway, (or Gladewater Parkway,) Hawthorne Place, Allston Road, Aggasis Terrace, May Flower walk. Boylston Bridge way [Westland Bridge way] Charles Gate Sedgefare Westland Cross. West bay Terrace North bay Terrace. Eastern Place. Longview [Highbanks] [Woodbanks] [Saltcroft end.]Ledgely Bridge, Westland [Fo] Terrace, May Flower Place. Alden Road Salt Croft. Fair Seat Bankshaw [Blooming Bank] Blooming Bank. [Ledge mere Bridge] Lowell Road Whittier Place May Flower Road Alden [Place] Terrace. C H Dalton, Boston 9 Dec. 79. Back Bay Fens. F.L.O insists on keeping the name Back Bay, and suggest Everglades for partially submerged portion and names for streets and paths. Saltcroft Fair leat John Davis. 26th. Dec. 1878. Dear Sir, In our conferences heretofore not much consideration has been given to the salt meadow ground which lies above our proposed ordinary water line, some of it as high as +11. I should like your judgment as to what can be done with it. [in one or two respects.] Suppose a portion of one of the bodies of this meadow should be removed leaving a part to stand as an island in the midst of the basin, the surface of the surrounding water being at +8 and of the island at +9 to +11, would the mud below the sod be likely to spread or wash out and the surface of the island to sink to the water's level? If not, would the island sustain a coating of soil spread [evenly] over it and what might safely be the greatest depth of the superimposed material? [If we form a shore of gravelly material with a slope of 1 in 3 (A. B.) and wish to give it a margin of sedge grass [can we make a mud bed] for [margin can we the purpose] by [depositing upon it mud] dredged from the bottom, as A. B. C. D.]In cutting away portions of these salt meadow areas at what angle may the sloping bottom (of mud) under the adjoining water be expected to stand under the conditions of the proposed basin, re in still water? water at 8 slope of mud Jas. P. Davis, 26 Dec. 78 Boston Back Bay Salt Meadow ground. F. L. O asks about its firmness. 1879, Jan.27 There are two broad dimensions of beauty of vegetation in tidal lands. (1) that of what I know as salt meadows, the beauty of which is in the complete [possesion & dividing of] occupation of nearly level surfaces by a short fine grass- in lawn like breadth and repose. This is our salt hay grass. I don't know its botanical name- (2) that of taller, graceful moving reeds rushes and sedges, in which interest may lie much in the variety and contrast of forms and tints I suppose that the grass of the first class grows only where the ground is nearly of the elevation of ordinary high water- its roots being but occasionally covered, [and during the longer part of the] That is to say where I want the broad quiet effect, I [must] [have] had better arrange level surfaces (of rich, salt marsh mud?) which will [be barely flooded by the tide for covered by the tide but only for ordinarily be] usually be barely covered by the tide (for half an hour) [twice in hourly for once in winter hours. [Of the larger] Of the taller and coarser vegetation I suppose that I may have two classes, one to grow on groundam I right in supposing that in which would not [ordinarily b] often be reached by the tide but would be moistened by infiltration at the depth of three [or] to six inches every [?] hours, the other [to grow between low water] in ground most of the time covered by salt water, that is to say near my low water mark (which will be but a foot below high water). Please tell me if I am wrong. and [what plants] tell me the botanical names of a few plants which I could be most sure of success with -- or which would be most likely under operations of nature to predominate, in the three situations, (1) [just] slightly above [high w] ordinary high water; (2) [just] slightly below ordinary high water, and (3) near and below ordinary low water.If I make a bank at an angle of 45˚. and sod it between high & low water with the ordinary sedge of salt marshes - (of salt creek banks) the tide rising and falling over the whole face will it be likely to live and hold - (this apart from the [question of wash)?] of washing away & gullying?C S Sargent 27 Jan '79 Boston Back Bay Fens. Asking Prof Sargent about Marsh plants & grasses draft (not closely followed) of questions to Prof? Sargent 27th June 79NY. 29th Jan, 1879. My Dear Mr Sargent, I have received yours of yesterday and thank you for its prompt reply to my inquiries. I did not fully present my general idea, and [have] in doing so partially, with reference to particular points, leave a little [?] you. I am now thinking of a [a large] basin as [large] extended (above grade 9) as practicable; the shores to vary much in character, sometimes sandy and beach like, sometimes abrupt, sometimes and as much as can be afforded rocky; the bank above also variable[varia]ble, in degree of steepness, and [the whole] to be, as a rule, overgrown thickly, in a picturesque natural, completely informal even negligent manner, so that after a few years such slight damages as would occur (with the precautions I have in view) would at worst be inconspicuous. [My] In my inquiry with respect to strictly tidal ground plants I had little reference to the [edge] foot of this bank, or to any islands which would bear trees or shrubs. But I wish to avoid large areas of open water, and also, in order to spread the occasional floods over as much surface as possible and so avoid vertical rise of water to have large flats bearing vegetation which would tend to preventthe formation of [heavy swells.] waves. I have large quantities of mud to be dredged and disposed of. I can form [such] flats by making enclosures of solid earth and filling them with mud. mud section mud Plan I shall have also large areas of mud and sedge bank already formed the present surface of which, being several feet above the proposed high water [mark] level, must be pared down so that flood water may pass over it. On these flats I can have a thin layer of any any soil I choose and I can [estab] allow their surface to vary [anywhere] from a few inches above [my] ordinaryhigh with level [an] to a few inches below [my] ordiny low water level Thus, as far as practicable, with a rise & fall of but one foot of tide, I can imitate the conditions in which any of the tidal ground, plants best flourish. what I cheifly want is to be \sure that I can perfectly cover these flats [and slopes from them in some cases to the river shore] with rushy plants in considerable [agreeable] variety. There are a number of [them] such plants which I know, and which I think could be used by planting [natural] of their [best?] sods [or] [clumps of them taken from from natural marshes and sea edges - sea shores but ] upon all these I find myself in doubt [on the question of the] as to the most suitable elevation [for them, as with reference to a] having regard to a tide of one foot. I suppose that the "black grass" [?] to be a little above ordinary high [water - the common sedge with which I am familiar] [water, one "sedge" with which I am familiar a little higher, another and in sand, and] water. What I know as sedge (probably different species) grows both above and below this - in sand and in crevices of rocks. [Is it] Whether it is soil or period of submergence that determines the position I dont know.When there are many plants with which I have a general familiarity, as [to] making pretty effects on the edges of tidal brackish water, [to] which I fear might not grow [in] where the water is [so] as salt as it will be in the Backbay. But in general I infer from your letter that without raising [very] the surface of the flats more than [above] a few inches above ordinary high water level I can have a large variety including [upon the highest ground] in the uppermost possibly certain solidagos, [and] asters and bull-rushes [and at lower levels] and [below] lower the two or three plants which [from the] chiefly cover the marshes between Cambridge and Brighton.C S Sargent 29 Jan 79 Back Beach Fens Explanation of scheme. I have read yours of yesterday. I am so uncertain about the wind of the Back Bay; how it is practicable to use it and what shrinkage [can] in it can be expected under different circumstances that I think it probable I shall find it best to considerably modify the plan as it now stands in my mind after more thorough discussion on these points with Mr Davis I had intended to come on for a consultation with him next week. [When [?] When firs]work. When it shall have been adjusted, I doubt if you will be satisfied with it, and therefore I have little confidence that you will report it to the Common Council this month. My plan for Boylston St includes a plan for a horse car route. With a slight modification which I will adopt in a drawing now to be made, the grade would [be] not be steeper than 1 in 100 and the deviation from the line you have laid down would [not requi make a difference] involve a loss of time in crossing the park of not exceeding 40 seconds. It would be more convenient [for] on an average for all [interests and much more economical.] interests; cost less for construction and [would be a gain for the main purpose of the] give a larger area [for the storage basin.] for storing water. Either of these advantages would alone compensate for [the what is] the slight loss of directness. [I am going to Albany tomorrow.] I have an engagement in Albany tomorrow, I can return to meet you if necessary [on] Thursday p.m. or Friday. You do not mention what day you expect to be here and your brother is out of town. C. H. Dalton 4 Feb, '79 [31 Jan 1879.] Prposes scheme for street R'wy across park from Boylston Șt.24th March 1879. J. C. Dalton Esq. Chrm. Park Department. Dear Sir, Mr Davis will furnish you with an Estimate for Back Bay Park, amtg to one a million & a half dollars. [About] Two thirds of it is for filling, [soil] and street and sewer work. I have not examined it in detail. It seems to me desirable that in presenting it to the public or to the City Government [to attempt] [there should be such a division] it should be so avoided as to [of it as would] show as nearly as practicable how much of the [whole is for ordinary street work, sewers, and drainage] whole is for constructions necessary to a complete city sewer system and for wheel-ways, side walks, road drainage, bridges, [and] culverts lighting, [&] watering, &c - necessary to convenience of public communication, outside [through] and across the Park. There would then be a separate table for the Bridle Road, walks distinctively for pleasure [walks]; margins of basin, boat landing's etc. I should be glad to hear if you are making any progress in the Bussey Farm matter. ¶ I could come on if desirable about the 1st April. Respectfully.C. H. Dalton 24 March Boston Davis est. for Back Bay 2 million which F.L. O suggests should be separated into two parts. Ordinary street construction Park workBoston, Mass. Back Bay 1880The Board of Commissioners of the Department of Parks of the City of Boston: Gentlemen: [the accompanying] I have had the honor to prepare the accompanying plan in cooperation with the City Engineer, under instructions embodying the main results of prolonged debates of your Board, and the result of this written to meet your request for an explanation of it suitable to be offered through the [City] City Council to the public. [The cost of the proposed work [in Back Bay will be] would be [much] larger and the value of the results less, if when once undertaken, it should not be pursued steadily to completion. It is therefore [highly] desirable that this plan should at the outset [by] be closely scrutinized and its aims and motives fully understood. I shall try to set them forth plainly.]14 last suggestion of the commissioners, while it also indicates the location and extent of land which they propose to sell. If sold, it would of course be with proper restrictions in regard to the character of the improvements to be made upon it, and with suitable reservations of streets and avenues. The Commissioners intend to reserve, besides the avenues which they propose to lay out with wide planted borders, and the Reservoir ground, with an ornamental garden around it, a body of land two hundred and sixty feet in depth fronting the Park, to be held by the City as a site for public buildings and institutions, as stated in their last annual report. They do not propose to interrupt, but to improve and amplify all the direct lines of communication through the district east of the park, retaining for Park purposes every foot of land from which a view of the bay or of the sea can be had. But after making all these reservations, there will still remain a body of over one hundred acres of land, to be disposed of with such restrictions as will insure the erection upon it of strictly first class dwelling houses. A former report estimated the proceeds of such sale at two and a half millions of dollars; but the Commissioners are advised that their estimate was too low by at least half a million of dollars. If to this is added a million for its improvement when retained as a Park, which the experience of the Commissioners in dealing with ground of a similar character on the other side of the avenue, induces them to believe would be a fair estimate of the expense, the difference to the City between selling and retaining this land, will amount to at least four millions of dollars. But this is not all: for if we double the price of the land as a fair representation of the value of the buildings which would probably be erected upon it, we shall add immensely to the taxable property 15 of our City, besides increasing her annual revenue by at least half a million of dollars. The general views upon the subject of a sale here presented, were more fully expressed by the President of this Commission, at a public discussion of the matter to which the Park Commissioners invited their fellow citizens last Spring, at the Court House: and they now append a copy of the statement then made, respectfully soliciting a candid consideration of the arguments therein contained. With regard to the ability of the City to make a good title to the land proposed to be sold, the Commissioners entertain no doubt. When this land was first taken and it became necessary to raise money for the payment of awards, City bonds were issued and put upon the market for sale. The chief security for these bonds consisted in a statutory lien upon the Park; and it was objected by capitalists that, for as much as the City had not the fee of the land, but took merely an easement similar to that by which a street is held, if the holder of the security should be compelled to realize, he could have no permanent possession of the land, since it would revert to the owner of the fee as soon as it ceased to be used for Park purposes. In this respect, the security was found to be inferior to that of the city's water bonds, where the entire property of the department, including reservoirs, pipes and hydrants, is pledged for payment. In order, therefore, to furnish a new credit for Park bonds, which should make them equal in this respect to the water bonds, an Act of the Legislature was passed in the Spring of 1865, authorizing proceedings to be taken for the purpose of transferring the ultimate fee of the land to the City. Such proceedings were accordingly had, the residuary interest of the owners was valued by Commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court, and payment made to the parties. This ¶ Back Bay is the common estuary of Muddy River and Stony Brook. When the tide is in it is a broad pool; when the tide is out, [a narrow creek making a crooked way between noisome mud-banks. It is an obstruction to all improvement in an important part of the city, interrupts desirable extension of streets, [and] imperils health [and constitutes] and is [a thorough] thoroughly a nuisance. ¶ The first object of the city in acquiring the property was to remedy these evils. Its second object to establish] [*0.18*]a narrow creek between [broad, deep] broad deep and fetid mud-banks [in parts in parts of which a pole can be pushed to a depth of [fifty] forty feet below the [?] below extreme high water line.] in which soundings have been made to a depth of over thirty feet without reaching firm [bottom] bottom. [Ea] Offensive exudations [from this mud [?]] rise from this mud when exposed by a falling tide to the summer's sun which are perceptible to a great distance.[none of these plans but from the study I confirm the premises, I [cannot doubt] readily believe in [accept] believe that the pulshinhal? soundness of this conclusion should be accepted. I propose, later in this report, to refer to another [aspect of this] branch of the question; [but] what I have here said explains sufficiently, for the present how [you] your Board came at last to inquire whether [a less] [ambitious form of] a form of improvement of a [less] less ambitious character than popular expectations had become fixed upon, would not [better] [for all classes] in the whole better serve the permanent interests of all concerned? [*none of these*]Private enterprise is filling up and building over the adjoining marsh [about it] and notwithstanding the [serious] [[embarrassment] inconvenience and offence caus] embarrassment caused by the Bay, the city, [is rapidly growing forward on three sides, the fourth is th] on three sides is rapidly moving toward it; the fourth is its [mouth?] and yet impracticable of private improvement.[a narrow creek between broad, deep and mephitic mud-banks. [There are low flat low and] It is in the midst of a flat, low and marshy region. The vapors rising from it are carried by the prevailing summer wind directly toward the [most] more densely populated parts of the city. In winter it is [s??pt]][practicable to build upon. It is [conseq] consequently a serious disturbance to what would other wise be the natural growth of the city] [practicable to build upon.] ¶ A serious check and disturbance to what would other wise be the natural growth of the city is thus established, which must, [undoubtedly, must] sooner or later be got the better of. [this having been within the memory of men now living quite as much out of town as the Back [Bay] Bay]¶ Remembering that no considerable extension of the city in compact blocks beyond the Public Garden was nearly as likely to [a] occur when that improvement was projected as a like extension now is beyond and about the Back Bay, it [will] has been [be] generally recognized that whatever is [was] -- to be done should be fitting to what [was] is thus to be anticipated. [[What] temporizing, makeshift expedients, which might be urged on the ground of immediate cheapness are almost [?] to prove [must be] wasteful and extravagant.][Garden was nearly as likely when that imprint was projected as a similar extension now is beyond and all about Back Bay. [now, is.]] ¶ [It] Accordingly, it was generally expected, when the city bought the property and gave it in your charge, that the two streams of Stony Brook and Muddy River 1 The question if Back Bay has been before your Board for several years and is [will] one of greater importance and greater difficulty than is generally appreciated. [With a full understanding of [it intelligent] men [would would be likely to differ in their conclu] the conditions most intelligent men would find it difficult to confidently adopt a conclusion the conditions intelligent [might] men would][any imprvmnt to be made should be made for good, should be substantial and permanent.] [It was generally expected when your Board took charge of the property that the two streams] would be deviated from the Bay, the mud-banks filled over and the site transformed into a public park, and you for some time proceeded with this course in view. It was found however [to be] to have [attended by serious difficulties. Stony Brook for example could not be diverted from its original channel in the degree required, under existing laws, and the necessary legislation for the purpose would be opposed. Under the recently adopted plans for the drainage of the upper Stony Brook Valley, the stream will at times bring down a] [attended by] serious difficulties. Legal authority to turn Stony [Brook] Brook [so far away] from its natural outlet was [wanting. The necessary] wanting and necessary legislation for the purpose was likely to be obstructed by opposing private interests [would be opposed.] Under the recently adopted plans for the drainage of the upper valley of Stony Brook [Valley] this stream would at times bring down a [age of the upper valley of Stony Brook [The it] This stream will bring down at times a] much larger body of water than [it does] at present. To carry [this from] [it] [with] it harmless from the upland region South of Back bay [harmlessly] [to Charles] to Charles River would require [drive] a very large [sewer, and, as this] sewer-like conduit which [it] would have to be built for a long distance in deep marshy ground upon piles; its cost would be [inordinate. It could] excessive and it could not probably be undertaken without draw- age of the upper valley of Stony Brook the body of water which it will at times bring down will be much [larger]in the city [into] into prolonged litigation [and the] The difficulties and hazards thus arising would be liable to defer the completion of the work indefnitely and such [such] delay [would] [to] work serious injustice. [to individuals. To private property owners of the vicinities. It may] [It must be added that the] As in [in] abandoning the idea of a public park and adopting this [which I am to present it will] here to be presented it [appears as if you took a move less promising] may appear that you are [taking a view of the pitfalls of this print of the city or [am] are disposed to adopt] following a less liberal policy in dealing with [it] this part of the city it may be well to [add] add [It is, therefore,] [necessary to add that the] [it is further nicer to say to state that the] a widely [different [solution] conclusion from that which yo have adopted. The work to be done under it [is] will be long and costly, and it is neither desirable that its wisdom should be carelessly taken for granted nor that it should be [hap] half-heartedly accepted by those who are to pay for it through ignorance of the [requirements which the plan is desnged to meet and of the motives which [is] it embodies I shall therefore for these reason I shall [aim] aim to ] [The] add that the property had been purchased for the [city] corporation in various parcels under a provision that none should be taken for which the previous owners refused to receive a certain rate of compensation and the principles which would [have otherwise influenced its form] otherwise have determined its outline as a a site for a park had been [for this reason] necessarily disregarded [Its art] Its form [& outline] was consequently unfortunate for [The difficulties thus ] the purpose. The difficulties thus presented in addition to those growing out of the topography were further complicated by the ne[cessity of reference in its plan- any a any plan for laying it out to connections and] relations to [latrins?] with a [short?] system of which]cessity of reference in [any plan for] laying it out to several more or less independent street systems which have been established at no great distance [with] from its border and for accommodating lines of transit between them. II More than a score of plans for laying out the property as a park, refr [without disconcerting][conditions without disconcerting plans already in progress of execution elsewhere. To supplement the provisions proposed for the purpose in such a manner as to provide a [certain amount] also the proposed measure of rural refreshment with opportunity for exercise and rest in the Open air, a small supplemental cutting only [is required] is called for. [transit. More than a score of plans,] representing in several cases [very] prolonged, arduous and and very painstaking study [to meet these difficulties] by highly capable men, came [before] [were examined by] under the consideration of your Board and it was your conclusion, reached unexpectedly and reluctantly, after [a] prolonged deliberation [upon them] [consideration of them,] that [they did not promise a] none of them promised a park, of sufficient value to the city at large to justify its cost, taking into account the continuous cost which its satisfactory maintenance would involve. [I have seen]transit. numerous Your board was thus brought [at last] to inquire whether a form of improvemt of a less ambitious character than [was] that implied in designating the ground as a park might not on the whole better serve the interests of all concerned.[said sufficiently shows how you came at last to inquire whether a less [ambitious project than you had been which popular expectations expected to produce would not better fit the fit all car fit] all classes of requirements and equally serve the permanent interests of all concerned.] Taking up this [by] question and regarding first the nuisance and inconvenience relief from which was the [most] more pressing necessity [thought to promise a park of sufficient value to the general public to [which would] fully justify its cost, [including] taking into account the continuous cost which its satisfactory maintenance [would] would involve. I shall refer to the [subject] subject in another aspect later in this report. [but this explanation will [suff] suffices What I have] What I have said will for the [p???it] sufficiently explain that it was from no disinclination to form a park that your [pl] plan fails to meet popular expectations in this respect] [For the] The [reasons I have indicated [le] led you at last to ask] [action] it was obvious that a good deal might be gained, while retaining [it] the Bay as an estuary, by simply banking[It was obvious that a considerable abatement of the inconvenience and nuisance of the Bay might be obtained, [by] while retaining it as an open estuary, by simply banking out upon the [flats] mud flats; [and reducing its breadth. Then by reducing its bread] reducing its breadth and by a dam at its mouth, as at present,] out upon the mud flats and so reducing its breadth. By a dam at its mouth [water could be retained in it] the water in it could be prevented from falling below the level of ordinary high water in Charles River and the new banks would be [firm] firm slopes, which [might be given a picturesque natural character. shape.] might be shaped [in a more or less picturesque, natural way.] and planted in a natural and more or less picturesque way. To this proposition [these m?? the] the objection m??s apparent that as, in extraordinary tides, the water is liable to rise from four to eight feet above its normal high-water level, the sloping [banks] face of an earth embankment would at more or less distance intervals [at times be] [occasionally be in part] [for much submerged] [at times] [in part] be in part submerged and in part washed by breaking waves and spray, and that whenever this occurred any [breakers and spray] [so through all vege] vegetation upon it would be [be] able to be drowned [fathom upon them should drowned] out or killed by salt [and that] [they] [parts of them should cuistnutty? much of the time]a deposit daily between high & low water [would be covered with a filthy slime a deposit] was also to be apprehended of the filthy slime [usually deposited found where] which is usually found where The organic matter of fresh water streams is first [?] with salt water. [It was the judgment of the department that this the result would be only a little more tolerable than the present mud banks. condition of the Bay. a wall was suggested to be used in place of sloping banks This would need to be built on piles and is ordinarily costly and would be another costly of inordinate cost, and while less objectionable than a long foul slope would permit nothing attractive present no attractions.] ¶ It was your judgment that these objections were conclusive against the proposed item. ¶ It was suggested that [their might] [Their might] [They might be lessened] they might be [mitigated] lessened by substituting [a wall for slopes, but] a vertical wall for [the] [the] slopes. But as such [it was obvious that it would only be] [only lessened]. [As such] a wall, needing to be built in piles, would be very costly and at best but comparatively inoffensive, you decided against it, holding out for something which would be positively, [agreeable and] permanently and constantly wholesome and agreeable. It was your judgment that while a great improvement would [thus] thus be [made] [Under prolonged discussion it] It finally became evident that no plan [would] would be satisfactory [to you] which failed to promise the following desiderata. 1. The floods of Stony Brook to be carved off through the Bay -- 2. The exposure of muddy banks by falling water to be [provided against.] adequately guarded against.[fresh water entering from Stony Brook and this fresh water [much] not at once perfectly [mingle] mingling with the salt [but] would form a bit [a] slightly brackish stratum at the surface. The sinuous course of the creek and the introduction of [points] small headlands and islands upon the marsh will prevent a swell or spray except possibly at a few [at] points wherein are to be treated as (bau] beaches. Under these circumstances the flatland and its unindrate margin being occupied by salt grasses, sedges, [and]] [carried off through the Bay. 2. The exposure of mud to be provided against.] 3. A continuous embankment to be formed on the boundary of the city property reducing [with streets upon its] and defining the outlines of the Bay. 4. Streets to be made on the embankment. 5. At least [three] two public streets [both extended across the Bay] besides Commonwealth Avenue and Brown Street to be [extended across the property] carried through the property, crossing the Bay. [carried off through the Bay [without] exposure of mud][¶ After full discussion of these and other unsatisfactory [suggestions that your] proposals your Department settled upon the following as the [desiderata which which essential] desiderata [of a plan.] of a satisfactory plan.] 6. No important public thoroughfares already laid out approaching the Bay to be interrupted; [or] seriously diverted, or made less commodious. [by the improvements of the Bay. on the Bay.] 7 A public promenade to be laid out, [upon the property] which will include ¶ The other half of the bottom of the basin is to have a nearly flat surface at an elevation of a few inches [above that of the creek water, over which it] [over which the water is to rise] [over this the water is to rise.] above that of the [creek in ordinary stages of the water] water of the creek at its ordinary stage. When [peshets?] occur in Stony Brook coincidently with spring tides in Charles River and Easterly winds which would [interrupt the outflow temporarilly whereupon the] temporarily prevent an outflow, the creek [would] receiving the accumulation [would rise and spread over the entire basin --] is to overflow upon this other half of the [basin] bottom of the basin. [have a sylvan border.] [6 [3]. A Public Promenade to be formed upon the property to include] a commodious and well-appointed [system of pleasure drive, walk] pleasure drive and walk and [a] a pad or stretch of soft riding way, [in which] [in] for speeding saddle horses [may be put] [be put to speed] without danger of collisions. [7] 8 This Promenade to be on that side of the property nearest to Huntington [Avenue] and West Chester [Parkway but to be [most] readily and gracefully connected] Park Avenues and readily entered from [[?]] them and also to be agreeably connected with the existing public promenade of Commonwealth Avenue, [and that this contemplated] the contemplative Charles River Embankment and the proposed [the] Park Way leading to Parker Hill & Jamaica Pond. 9. All of the city property which is not to be occupied by artificial constructions under the above requirements to be so heated, as to present an agreeable aspect, [appropriate] appropriate to a [neighborhood of] first class residence neighborhood. 10 This aspect to be obtained without resort to [a] costly methods of decoration, such as architectural terraces, pavillions [and formal parterres.] fountains and parterres. property [in Back Bay should be] a street [and give frontage] property in Back Bay [should] to be followed by a [continuous] street giving access and suitable frontage to [a continuous] a continuous line of dwellings, on one side, the street to [line of first superior dwellings.] (3) [Make should be ? the property. a The property should contain as commodious and well appointed system of pleasure walks, [drives and] and drives and a stretch of soft riding ring in which saddle horses [can] may be put to speed without [dan] causing danger.] danger of collisions.] [pleasure driving. 9 [7] [The] All of the property not to be [necessarily] ascupied by artificial constructions [in] for meeting the alim requirements to be given a landscape character which shall have the advantage of decided variety with [the] near of the public opinds of the city already [unpined] laid out and be natural, pleasing and appropriate better circumstances.] [8] 11 Arrangements which would call for [which will [an] in involving] large future outlays for [maintenance] repair and maintenance [to be avoided.] or for guarding against accidents to be avoided. The plan [herewith] now shown is designed to meet these requirements as follows:¶ Muddy River is to be diverted as originally [proposed] designed. [This] (There are no legal difficulties about it nor will the operation be very costly). A covered conduit is to be formed within and near the Southeastern boundary of the property by which the waters of Stony Brook when at an ordinary stage, and when the tide is not above ordinary high water line in Charles River, will be discharged. When the tide rises [higher than] [above the point of discharge conduit is to be self-closing.] [than] above the outlet [of this conduit then it] of this conduit it is to be self closing. A Basin is to be formed into which the waters of Stony Brook will flow whenever the conduit is closed and in which they will be held until the tide [again falls.] falls again below [its] the outlet of the [conduit] conduit[low enough to admit of their discharge again into Charles River. This basin will incl] Within the basin there [will] is to be a [constant] body of water, [with an area of 27 acres] nearly 30 acres in extent with [?] as shown in the drawing resembling those of a salt creek with coves. [a salt creek a salt creek as shown by the drawing]. This will be tide water [admitted and with a sufficient] but with no more ebb and flow than is necessary to avoid stagnation; the [flux] efflux and reflux being regulated by [the self acting gates water the] a self-acting water gate (the position of which is shown in the extreme right of the drawing).Its surface elevation (under ordinary circumstances) is to correspond with that of Charles River at mean high water. There will also be within the basin a body of [land] level land of equal extent with the water, having an elevation a few inches higher. [above that of the constant water] When [preshets?] occur in Stony Brook coincidently with Easterly winds and spring tides, which would temporarily prevent an outflow into Charles River, the water of the Brook [would flow] is to [will] be turned into the basin and the creek rising [would] will overflow this level ground.The elevation [would] is to be regulated by a gate on the Charles River embankment and to correspond nearly with [?] of ordinary high water outside. [About half this space is assigned constructed occupied by tide-water, with a surface elevation of from y to [?] but above that of extreme low water of Charles River, being prevented held by a dam from falling lower. The remainder to be mainly flat surface, with an elevation of a few inches, over which at an elevation of just a few inches greater, the water will use the outlet in times of freshet. will use when freshets occur in Stony Brook coincidently with spring tides in Charles River and Easterly winds. This] Usually such a concurrence could [can] be anticipated, and by drawing down the water of the creek [basin] at the preceding [low]ebb of the tide [outside] water period of low water, a rise of more than a foot above the ordinary level will [would] be avoided. Having then at this height a surface of 52[5] acres to [Having a surface of 55 acres to ] spread over [the tide being excluded when [rising] it rises above the ordinary level,] a rise of more than four feet by reason of floods of Stony Brook would not be likely [is not likely] to occur under the most unfavorable circumstances. Even [with neglect of] [all] should special precautions be neglected [it] [such a run] [is not to be expected] it would not probably [occur] happen more than once in ten years [It would] [the water] nor would the water ever be liable to stand more than two feet above the ordinary level [not] [*28 24 52*][corner?] longer than two hours at a time. As the lighter fresh water would not at once mingle perfectly with the salt, when the body of water was [ne] more than two feet above its ordinary line, there would be an upper stratum of but moderately brackish water. This ground designed to be occasionally [moved] overflowed, would be found if marsh-mud with a superficial coating of sand or light gravelly loam thrugh which salt [rushes[ sedges and grasses would grow. Besides the [ordiny] more common vegetation of salt marshes there is a[more] longer than two hours at a time [As the lighter fresh water entering would not not at once mingle perfectly with the salt, where the body of water was at its highest the upper part more than two feet above its ordinary level of it would be but moderately brackish. Besides the ordinary salt marsh vegetation, odors, grasses and rushes, there is a] considerable variety of perennials to which an occasional wash of brackish water does no harm. There is also a [good] range of [beautiful] shrubs (including [the cydonias,] beach plums, berberries, candleberry, cydonias, Tamarisks, and the Sig-buckthorn) [and beach plums. Points and islets are to be introduced where when necessary to prevent a swell forming and spray. With such plants as have been in][These classes of plants] Such shrubs and plants are to be grown along [These are to be planted at] the foot of the slope in the margin [edge] of the basin, and [one] on the small points and islets by which, as will be observed in the drawing [map], the level ground is [?] and then broken. [The effect] [The wind having nowhere a [?] upon the water no considerable waves will form water. There will be no spray & will be storm beyond the margin so plants and use bank and the banks immediately in their its rear may may be planting with any desirable trees and shrubs will grow without danger of injury by salt on the banks immediately behind it.] [certain perennials which flourish in]and often perennials, (such as the golden rods and astors which flourish in the [washed] tidal banks of the Charles) [and] with a skirting of [shrubs, as the] salt line shrubs, (such as the cydonias, bergerries candleberry, and tamarisks, [and quinces the Japan Quince] Cydonias) The higher banks [above] may be occupied by ordinary plantations [in] with entire [safety. security. Banks of verying slope with slope thus draped] The wind having nowhere a large sweep upon the water and the rushy vegetation [holding it] then acting to check its movement, [no spray] there will be no swell of importance and no spray will be thrown beyond these marginal plantations and immediately [?] them any desirable trees and shrubs may be safely grown. [without]with [the classes of plants indicated on the immediate [margin] margin of the level ground therefore. the banks may be planted with any desirable trees and shrubs without fear of injury form [the floods], salt water] ¶Just what could be accomplished on the [flat] [lev] level ground may be regarded as doubtful but it is believed that at the worst it would in a few years be [covered by a waving mantle of] mantled with sedges. rushes and salt grasses, [edged with golden-rods and asters.] with slashes of such golden rods and asters as are now found in profusion on [in] the tidal [???] banks of the Charles and the [marshes of muddy river,] salt marshes at the head of the Bay. The plan, so far as the chief difficulty to be dealt with is concerned, has thus been sufficiently [indicated] explained. The vital question about [it is] this element of it is whether the conditions to result [which would result] would be unfavorable to the health of the adjoining parts of the city. [About] Upon this question you have called in consultation Dr. Folsom, [the Secretary of the Massachusetts] of the State Board of Health, who has confirmed the opinion that so far as the proposed body of salt water and the salt vegetation within the basin would have any influence upon the air of the neighborhood [it] that influence would be purifying and salutary and that the occasional floods of fresh water being rapidly drained off would be harmless. The conditions [are] would be more rather than [doubt that if you can obtain [this, the conclusion will be] this it will be admitted that you have taken a much wiser [and better] course than [had been expected of you] that would have been which [now] was expected of you.] [I want you to let] [I want to say plainly this is no park; no pretence of a park -- it is a much better thing for the place and circumstances than anything to be called a park would be.][Had] [Peter, (or for that matter Mr [Aster Mr Stewart Had our wise despot, (or for that matter had or Mr Vanderbilt) taken the fancy to so order [they might] [for example] [have ] ! [established] the musical [centre] centre of the continent might, for example, have been established at Cheyenne but [in that case] ten millions laid out there would [not] have been accomplished [as less] less generaly important results in music [much as equal general results with] than one million judiciously used [for that purpose at] [at] for a like purpose at New York.] In one way only could the general commercial centre fail of becoming the most generaly attractive city [of the continent], namely less favorable to the health of the neighborhood than those of an ordinary park. [As to the seconday question of [beauty] [scenery] landscape effect it may be suggested that [the] [as observed by from the upper] as seen from the upper margin, especially by observers in motion ; and from bridges and balconies on the [str] water, [an] or from boats moving upon it, the severe broad] few simple elements of landscape [which have been] occuring in the waving][the centre of the intellectual activities of the country, continent, of its science and art, of its music and the drama, of its luxury and fashion. Gradually too it would come to the place in which to look for the best [?] and the most complete arrangements for the enjoyment of social intercourse. as in clubs, club houses and private mansions expressly adapted to large hospitality. From all this it would follow that it would be the most at] As to the secondary question of the fit aspect of the result, [as the question of landscape effect, there can be little doubt that] it may be confidently anticipated that under judicious detailed treatment the [?] broader constituents which [simple elements of scenery which] have been married -- the waving fenny verdure, meandering water, blooming islets and the [surrounding handing] border of trees and underwood following the varied slope of the rim of the basin [higher bank] like the hanging woods of a winding rivers bank [river side] would [rivers edge -- would form be found into compositions of a notably simpler and tranquil poetic character. The effect would be]That which I have had the honor to propose [and which the Department has provisionally adopted] will be here explained [I should here explain] with references to the accompanying drawing. [in which its more essential features I have aimed to distinctly present its more essential features. as simply and distinctly as possible.] My aim has been to meet each of the several requirements as [[?]] fully as it is possible to do so in a combination having due regard for all. dispose themselves in compositions of a [very] pleasing character. The effort would be [call for some immediate improvement of the locality and prudence reasonably demands that whatever is undertaken shall promise to be [adeq] adequate for all purposes and satisfactory to good taste as well as [convenience when] convenient] [a notably simpler and tranquil poetic character. It would be] novel, certainly, in [created] labored urban grounds and this may be a [question of its] momentary question of its dignity and appropriateness. [but if recognized as a plain common [?]] but this question will be satisfactorily answered when it is reflected that it is the result, I think, of no affectation or caprice of taste but a direct development of the original conditions of the locality in [a common sense] adaptation to the latter would be confined to a few limited affairs [elements] of trade [in lieu of] and of little general consequence. The relation between the general [[?] and the [?] local agency would be mainly one of cooperative and reciprocal service. It must in the first instance be because of this reciprocal service that the general centre will service with all the sub centres that the general centre would become of [?] a place of more importance and through this almost entirely its people would obtain their profits and accumulate wealth.] needs of a dense community. So regarded it will be found to be, in the artistic sense of the mind,natural, and possibly [to possess a tranquil and] suggest a modest poetic sentiment [which would be found] more grateful to town-weary [to many] minds than [the hint that] [could be that of could be obtained by a more] an elaborate and elegant garden like work would have yielded. It is doubtless true that to many, the [there are populous quarters of at a little distance on three sides of it from which new streets and lines of building lead toward it.] [needs of a dense community.] [The tents, lights and shadows and movement of salt creek scenery, seacoast marshes are generally pleasing and sometimes are quite exquisitely beautiful charming.] [needs of a dense community. To many again the] predominant associations [aspect] of a seacoast marsh [is one of great dreariness] are dreary. But this [again is mainly due] is probably due in the main to circumstances which would not be found in the Back Bay where improved as purposed and built about; [It is due, that is to say to a ?, for example, a] It believes [?] is to say to marsh scenes in which there is great expanse of low, damp and bleak ground, [with] [creeks and] with creeks and sloughs barring passage across it, The tents, lights and shadows and movement of the salt marsh [?] when seen in close connection with replaced scenery [is] are nearly always pleasing and sometimes [often exquisitely] charming.(The right bank of [the creek just below] Muddy River in the crack below Longwood bridge [gives will] illustrates the character of the slopes and plantations which I should think well to have in view [above the ferny ground flooding ground, and on the margin] in forming the margin of the basin, and the brackish swamp between Boylston [Boundary] Street and the railroad nearer Brookline will give a suggestion of what may [that of the ground be hoped for on the ground, subject to flooding. This swamp [the latter] is a neglected and [ill used waste but often exhibits an exquisite beauty. sometimes exhibits has exquisite remarkable beauty.] ill used waste but it has at times remarkable beauties. [the bark of the][I venture to add here a tide of public taste current of public taste seems to be setting in in which quaintness and picturesqueness will be will be better appreciated than [?] has [?] been] I think that it may be justly added that public taste has been lately drifting toward [I venture to add that a public taste seems to be implicitly] [greater sensibility to the charm of] a better appreciation of quaintness and subdued picturesqueness in scenery than has hitherto been common. [and that and the proposition is further reason more likely to meet with ultimate as it [?] with favor thus understood] [Populous quarters are rapidly forming on all sides of the locality and it will before many years be in the midst of [the city] a dense population. It [is] already [a serious nuisance and] a nuisance and a serious inconvenience [and prudence requires] which will [no] rapidly become greater] and that this circumstance is favorable to the ultimate popularity of what [would be practicable under the plan.] is likely to grow out of the plan. [call for some immediate improvement of the locality and prudence requires that nothing shall be done which does not promise to be satisfactory when it shall be in the midst of the city. There can be no true economy in a [?] time saving policy. What is to be done should be done for good, should look to a substantial and permanent improvement.] [*But out of the conditions which made the general agency*] [needs of a dense community. doubt in this respect will disappear the effect will be found an entirely happy happy one, refreshing the more refreshing and creditable to the taste of the city because of its unusualness. This being admitted Admitting this It may still be questioned whether the Bay would it may as a public property the Bay would not be not be wanting in elements if felt to lack felt to be too much wanting in]But also it would occur that whatever improved the general agency for its primary purpose would tend to make it more convenient for other [than ordinary] purposes than those [of ordinary] of a general mercantile exchange. It would tend to make it the most [convenient place generally] convenient place for comparing, appraising and interchanging information and ideas on all affairs [of general interest. The best of any thing not only in trade commodities but in intellectual material but in intellectual commodities would be more drawn out than to any other single point in the country. It would be] attractions of popular interest for a public property so near the heart of a city. A large part of the value of public grounds of the smaller class lies in [their adaptation to please children] the pleasure which children find in them, and in [an] the education of the [their] [?] which cannot be obtained [acquired] in the nursery or the school room. An element of value in this respite [may be brought to a] may be used [?] largely and brought to a higher degree of perfection in the Back Bay as propo.and to the revised than it has been or can be [in an] with advantage in any public park in the world. I mean [by the use that of wild that] that of birds and especially of waterfowl. [and aquatic birds and birds. The fenny mushy meadow ground and bushy] The mushy glades and bushy islands will supply [safer] well-guarded [?] in which they can breed; the extent of [the] quiet water and of [its] shores and the character of the vegetation upon them [it] will allow larger numbers and a great variety to be [?] all [?].necessary care of with little trouble or expense. While well protected there will be convenient opportunities [as shown in the drawing] for observing them closely and for visitors to find them. The collection of water birds should not be confined as it usually has been in parks to a few sorts of [to swans and] swans, ducks and geese but include [cranes, pelicans and] as many varieties of them as practicable and also pelicans, cormorants, cranes and other waders and fishers. [fishers. What has been done for many years in a small way under the care of the ornithological society of London in the little pond of St. James Park, barely suggests what][might be accomplished [under] on a larger scale and in more favorable circumstances.] The [water of the] Bay would be too warm for deep sea fishes but [to some] it could doubtless be made to swarm with [at] other sorts of interesting salt water life, [of certain varieties] [varieties.] The necessary narrowness of the water [creek bay waters] at certain points and its crookedness would prevent it from being used by the public in [row boats] row boats or sail boats without [danger of frequent too much] too great liability tocollisions [quarrels] and disorders. The plan has therefore been studied [been made] with a view to [the use upon it of regular lines] a regular service of small [packets] pleasure packets, moved by combustion engines or, if that should not prove practicable, by steam, and officially adapted to the circumstances. This would avoid the evils sure to result [This plan avoids the change which would evils which would result from alluring irresponsible persons to row at will]from the movements of irresponsible persons, out of view of the police, and [the] such injury [which would result from] as would occur to the others and the waterfowl [if] from the careless or unskillful use of oars. [The terminal principal boat station is at] [landing is to be in close connection with the station of the Albany rail railroad the proposed Boylston Street horsecars and Commonwealth Avenue. The boating from would be from if the Bay would be is [?] three miles in length with six landing places.]oars. It would admit of the [waters long enjoyed] enjoyment of boating by children and by timid persons with a sense of security and a degree of [?] not otherwise practicable and the service [would be sure in to the] might be expected to be popular and [profitable] a source of income.fishers. Nothing is more interesting to children in a public ground [that] than The entire length of shore is to [would] be about [three miles &] four miles and the boating rim of [at] the bay about three miles making an excursion of about half an hour. But a direct line of small omnibus boats, could be run between the Busy stations of the Albany road at Commonwealth [Avenue and would make a course of about [1 1/4 miles] a mile and a quarter if run direct to the last landing which [is to be 400] would bring passengers within 400 yards of Chapel Station at Longwood][Avenue to the last another] Avenue another most distant landing (which is [40] 400 yards frm Chapel Station [Lo] at Longwood), on a course of a mile and a quarter, in ten or twelve minutes. the requirement of the Promenade is not as shown in the [?] print of the drawing. It includes a walk 25 to 40 feet wide, a drive 40 feet [wide] and a riding path 25 feet [wide]. There are [being] carried side by side [three for] a distance of three quarters [of a mile to] of a mile and are [caused by] subject to crossing in that [distance but are] space but once; one transverse wheel may [would] being indispensable [to] under the fifth requirement [of the Department.] A subcrossing is provided by which visitors can obtain access to [rushing to reach the water side walk] from Huntington Avenue [as] to the walk on the water side without interrupting the movement of carriages and horsemen; there is a stretch of riding way without crossing nearly half a mile (2300 feet) in length. The grade of the Promenade is nearly level and its course at all points slightly curving. [The outlook toward the Park Basin is Westerly and northerly.] The requirement of access from Westchester Parkway and Huntington Avenue are fully met. [To connect the Promenade with Commonwealth Avenue it is necessary to pass over the Bro Albany Railroad with 18 feet head room. A direct course for this purpose either central or lateral to the opening provided would require steeper grades than is desirable [the cu] on the course adopted the steepest point has an inclination of but 1 in 25 and this To connect the Promenade with commonwealth Avenue it is necessary to pass over the Albany railroad at an elevation 15 feet higher than that of the Avenue. [One poss] One route for carriages [is quite] will be as convenient as two and a central route is to be avoided because, at the required elevation of the bridges, it would destroy breadth, unity and openness of view through the opening. By [putting the carriages bridges as far as possible to the north ? of the centre] going as far as possible [?] the easiest [ten] turn is obtained for carriages coming from the East[?]Boylston street is carried through the property with a [curv] curve which for a short distance combines it conveniently and economically with the approach from Commonwealth Avenue [?] [Promenade. If carried through in a straight line it would need to go over a bridge another alight at such an elevation that what so gained in grade compensates for the slight loss in ?] Promenade. Its grade must be lifted to carry it over the bridge but the steepest inclination is but 1 in 50 [1] which is [not objectionable on account of the proposed] satisfactory with respect to the [prosed] proposed horse railroad. This is so planned [as to be crossed] that the line of pleasure driving will not cross it obliquely [rectangularly]. The requirement as to streets [streets] for crossing the Bay [crossing roads] is fully met and with a little study of the drawing, [the] attention being given to figures of grade, the motives governing the entire arrangement of roads and walks will be obvious. [It may] [It needs perhaps to be stated] It should however be understood] [stated] that the depth of] It needs only to be stated that the depth of mud and water on the proposed shore opposite the Promenade is greater than elsewhere (solid bottom is not found within 40 ft of the street grade.). [and] Neither a broader road way nor a shore walk could [be] consequently be introduced except at considerable additional cost for embankment. It is believed also that the comparative quietude [of the] here proposed by the plan with [gained by plan its] [proposed, with an unobroken bank of wood]the bank of wood unbroken from the street to the [greater] [and] shore will on the whole be more satisfactory. [The yard and] The enclosure and buildings shown on the Westland [Cross Road] crossroad are for administration purposes. They include storage cart and five sheds, [she] repair shops and winter quarters for [water fowl.] [They are conceived [to be] as low low with brick and tile roofs] waterfowl. Their walls are to be of brick as low as practicable, [of] and roofs of tile and they are [to be or] to be mainly overgrown with creepers. [The plan calls for simply [?] structures and no other buildings besides]The plan calls for no other buildings except the necessary small gate and boat houses and for no construction simply for ornamental purposes [construction.] The boat [has] houses are designed to serve also [will serve] as shelters in sudden showers and are so placed [with a view to convenient access ready access] as to be readily accessible from all parts of the public ways. The landings will have the effect of terraces and balconies in connection with them. Except at a few points where benches are designed and others which will be made rocky, the shore at the waters edge is intended to [be] have a long [slope and] slope [to avoid] and the necessity of pitching or curbing to be avoided. [Its]fresh water entering from Stoney Brook. [might be accomplished in a larger scale and in more favorable circumstances.] [cha] It would be generally [?] by foliage and its character [would be] [perfectly natural] wholly natural [and] [moderately picturesque.] [When bring][character would be perfectly natural with some degree of picturesque quality. the picturesqueness.] [*The boating from*] [ [carrying it] going as far to the north-west as possible the easiest [possible] turn and grade is obtained for carriages approaching from the East.] The Boylston Street bridge will [be] necessarily be nearly as high as that [over] crossing the railroad and [about] [20] 23 feet above the water. [It will give therefore] This elevation will give it [This will give prin it] a commanding view over the Fens, [another] [from the drive & walks over it across the main basin] on one side, over Charles River on the other, and [the ar] its arch will be the frame of a [landscape pretty rural] quiet, distant rural scene [landscape to be seen] from the bridge on Commonwealth Avenue, which [for this reason] to make the most of this opportunity should have no greater [elevation] height than is necessary.Boylston St 1 m 50 There being no turf to be kept under the sythe (except narrow strips on the margin of [the] roads), no flower beds or exotic planting; the waters ordinarily self-regulating. The public ways [not subject to wash subject to little wash, broad simple and well lighted] subject to little wash, and no secluded paths, the police, repair and maintenance of the grounds will [would] be simple and inexpensive. [extreme right of the drawing]Since the [recent] action a few days since of the [Common] City Council extending Commonwealth Avenue [and changing its] upon a line diverging from its original course you have asked me to consider the feasibility of a [change in the plan of this] adopting a new plan in that part of this important public promenade remaining to be laid out. The principal reasons for imposing [wishing] a change I understand to be that a continuous production of the same formal plan would be tiresome, [and] that the central walk [is useless except in hot weather] is, during much of the year useless, the public in winter [keeping] crowding to the north sidewalk [to obtain such] for the sake of its sunshine & the lee of the houses; in the heat of summer, to the south [sidewalk because as yet more densely shaded. To throw the two drives of the drives of the Avenue together abolishing the [?] central walk and grass [?] ] 120 35 240 35 side walk because more densely shaded. The disadvantage of doing away with the central feature [and consolidating] and substituting [a single control] as [?] proposed, a single wheel for the two of the present arrangement, [would be and] with a broad turf border on each side, is, that this turf must be cut into [?] plats in order to give access by walks to the houses facing the Avenue, and that the distance between the curb and the house door (85 [180] feet) would be excessive [ly inconvenient]. Any plan to accomplish the purpose in view satisfactorily must be much more radically different from the old [one. the suggestion which I submit, shown upon the drawing plan for of Back Bay would have the following advantages.][The proposed Such a division of Muddy River is was found perfectly feasible but upon mature consideration the Board found that mighty objections came forward existed to dealing with Stony Brook as this proposed. In the first place no step for the [?] could be taken until authorized by official legislation. for the purpose had been obtained and against such legislation it was apparent that private interests would be arrayed. Under the recently adopted plans for the drain]one. I suggest that a broad public [clim?] be so laid out as to leave room for a walk of but moderate breadth on the north side, access to houses in the South side being provided for by a [narrow] special narrow wheel way; a broad walk [being laid out for] [general use adjoining the] to follow the main drive [on its south side] and a narrow walk the side road both on the south side. A space equivalent [to the] to those of the two [turf turf] green ships of the present arrangement would remain between the main and the side drive to be [treated as a grove] turfed and planted and there would be a row of trees between the broad walk and the [public we drive] adjoining drive. The main drive and walk would then be shaded insummer; there would be a winter promenade [on the North] [side] in the lee of the houses on the north side, unshaded, and the houses on both sides would be within convenient distance of a carriage way. As shown on the drawing the suggestion offers [several other advantages] the further advantage of terminating the vistas of the straight Avenue with bodies of foliage; [instead of and] and easing the turns from Westchester Parkway into the Avenue and of providing a graceful transition from the formality of the straight Avenue to the more picturesque and natural conditions of the Back Bay.Report of Plan for Back Bay - 16 Jan. 1880. Sent to Mr Dalton - Printed in park Com. Report 1880 City Doc. No. 15Mr Dalton 24th Jan 1880 Dear Mr Dalton: I enclose copy of a letter which I sent in reply to one from Mr Davis. I want you to have it [clearly] in mind that the points he questions me upon are critical. [The question are the critical points of the affair] Davis looking from the Engineers point of view [can't see it] don't realized that they are so and if you dont guard them well his influence will all be against you, not intentionally or consciously but from the habitual drift of the Engineering mind. I dont suppose that it is necessary at this moment to take a new step [to do anything] but with the professional itching for the tried, prudent and common-placehe will be constantly inclined to find opportunities for backing away from the more refined purposes of your undertaking. The time may not have come for employing an architect. I should think that is losing, that it was necessary for the purpose of a preliminary estimate to do so. But I judge he does not contemplate having any upon the bridges in the future. To an Engineer bridges are engineering works. [I think it would be better] It would be better therefore that you let him see on proper occasion that you expect the City Architect to finally make the plans for iron bridges in consultation with him ([?]) & with me. But as to the Boylston Street bridge, when you have read [what]Per enclosed, I wish that you would consider whether you could not let me have Richardson's assistance? Either with stone, w brick or timber, this bridge can be made very effective, and it is the first thing you have to do as a commission in which a striking success, giving artistic people confidence in your ability to lead the city, is practicable. I hope the arboretum map xxxx your purpose & the scheme is growing in favor.CA 24 Jan 1880 Importance of impressing Engineer Ganis with the idea that he is to follow L.A. in details[Mr] Davis 24th Jan. 1880 My Dear Sir, I reply to yours of yesterday.. I don't understand what [the] [Park Commission want] is now wanted in the way of estimates other than parts of what you proposed last year or why you should revise those then made except as required by the rise in price of iron &c. [My idea would be to present liberal estimates and require the architect to bring his designs within them. I am much disinclined to abandon any of the propositions which you place in question; [All the propositions which you suggest might be abandoned, I think it very desirable to hold to as more nearly primary conditions of refined design than any that would be left debatable.]As to teh bridge over the rail road. of course Grace and symetry and especially continuous unity of native [unity of mature mative are primary] must be regarded as primary objective points [as well as equally with convienience and safety of transit.] a broken[will be [?] predictable. We are not bound to please the eye with grace or symmetry from that point of view but grace and symmetry and especially unity of motion are primary objective points in whatever is points in the drive and walks above.] A broken curve in the curb of the drive, that is to say, would be displeasing. And if the parapet of the bridge is not set parallel with [this curve] the curb, or at worst if it is not a chord of [this] its curve & thus symmetrical [& a matter of unity] (showing unity of design with it) the awkwardness would be a [serious] constant offence to a nice eye [to good taste[. I I I I ) I I I ( I I I I I I [6]4 X I I I I X n I 2 \ I I / ¶ On the whole I would prefer [I would have] a girider construction below the floor [if practicable,] [keeping to the] at the expnse of a slight increase of grade in the [the help of the girder to the approaches from [the North] Commonwealth [Arms?]. lowest point possible The ] the law would oblige [law requires that] the under side of the girder [should be[ to be 18 feet [abve?] the rails, i believe, [but I think some one, [(probably Mr Rockwell) told me that by permission of the railroad corporation] the distance to be spanned is, say, 3.5 feet, but if this [only] less than half is occupied by the rails and their bed. I asked some rail road man, probably [Col] Mr. Rockwell, whether somethig might not be gained in piers or brackets upon the 20 feet or more of spare space my idea of the construction is in each side of the tracks? He thogth it could by consent of the company. I would go to any trouble, even that of getting a special permissive act, to gain all that is then possible and then [get] adopt the lowest [possible] girder construction consistent with safety. this [girder] construction I would take as a platform to build the suprstructure of the bridge upon, maintaing all curves both verticle and horizontal in the top work exactly as if working on an [earech] earth bed. [There would be no objection to letting the walks and [and] the parapets might overhand the girders.] earth bed. The less people [passing] this bridgeare aware that they are off the ground the better. (It is not so with the others) The walks and parapets mght overhang the [gird] girders. The Boyleston bridge will be the most conspicuous object in all the scheme. It will be forcd on the attention above and below and on each side. It will dominate evy thing & be seen form Charles Rivber to Parker Hill. People will rest & linger upon it & look at it more closely than any thing else on the Bay. A natty, formal elegant structure [if] would put all the rural elements of the Bay out of [countenance?]. It would be a discord. The bridge must, if possible,The more nearly people in carriages passing over the bridges have [even] a rustic quality [?] picturesque in material as well as in outlines & shadows. [*It does not seem to me that I should want to conceal the spiral lines of the [an] arch.*] What I would greatly prefer is A long elliptical arch [like] of rough stone and I do not think I should want [that of the Trinity bridge at] to conceal the spiral lines as you suggest. The more the [Florence) is what I would ] real structure is evident the better. I would like an arch of [rough stone]. Roxbury Puddngstone, [for example] ; or an arch of boulders, [or] or of rough field stone, with [?] etc of cut stone or brick; or an arch wholly of cheap rough brick. [Rather than fake iron] I would much prefer wood to iron. I would not at all object to [wood to iron. I would even make] a timber bridge of almost the simplestand cheapest possible construction, I would with such a bridge prefer [much] greater distance between the abutments than the printed plan calls for and [three or four spans six spans,] two or four timber piers on iron piles, making three or six spans. If such a bridge could be made to last with moderate repairs fifteen or twenty years would it not be fairly economical? After time the question of a stone arch could come up again. I should certainly like [it much better greatly prefer it in this situation to] a wooden bridge in this situation much better than the most beautiful iron bridge. [Iron] Let us have iron every where else if economy requires but on Boylston Street I would always prefer a brick arch or arches at the same cost.As to the Commonwealth Avenue bridge, I would say the same as of the railroad bridge, [and] [have no] Let us have, that is to say, girder construction [and] if you please, [and] but a superstructure maintaining curves as in the printed plan (and more accurately on diagram[s] enclosed). Have three spans [if you] if required but a [centra] single central pier is to be avoided if practicable. Two are much to be preferred. Head room below is of no importance [but] [and] but I should think that two piers. and a simple beam construction would [be best]. appear best.[This is a conclusive [of] objection to the plan we once had in view of [a] girders above the bridge [?] the wheelway and the walks.] You will find enclosed a diagram showing [the exact positions] plans & positions of bridges, [with reference] and radii of curves, [to curves of road.] Before making up my mind more definitely about [plans of] designs of bridges, especially Boylston [?] Bridge, I should want to take counsel with an architect. If you think it desirable to further settle conclusions before making your report let me know & I will come on but I want, if I can, [?] to be here now till Friday.Jos. P. Davis 24 Jan. 1880. [*Boston Back bay Bridges. Conditions desirable to be fulfilled. R.R. bridge Boyleston St.*]May 5, 1880 C. H. Dalton Esq Port Park Dept. Boston My dear Sir, Enclosed is a statement of the terms [which I] recommended to be adopted for an arrangement between the city and Harvard College as to the Arboretum. As explanatory [atory H] of the proposition I submit the following observations [statement]. Regarding the arboretum as a public pleasure ground, this would under the proposed arrangement be a space of 125 acres.[Regarded as a public pleasure ground, there would be [125] 110 acres] to be [partly] planted and maintained [either] partly in the form of natural woods, (the trees standing for the most part closely or in groups and completely shading the ground), [or in or] and partly, as an open grove, [the trees] much as [they have been planted in] the majority of trees stand at present on the Common. Besides [this ] there would be about 15 acres [of open or turf ground of ground [?] free of trees.]This planted space then would be about 11 [ten] acres of groupd kept mainly clear of trees in order to give the public the benefit of distant views from the heights, and an additional open space of five acres of turf [outside the gate at all times available] [outside the gate] at all suitable times available [p] as a play ground for children. [This makes 165 acres a public ground of 165 acres or (four times as large as the Common). The plan] 21 48 ____ 69 There would be about ten acres of ground not to be planted with treesThen there would be about ten a 48 ) 13 3) 144 [This makes] There would be a total space of 145 acres [which, is where open] of ground to be used by the public, precisely as [is usual in any par] well regulated and much frequented for the [park] parks are commonly used, no restrictions [ar] or regulations being necessary that are not in [use] force on w/ the Central Park, the Park of [?] or (St James's Park).[It] The arboretum is to be open daily to the public from sunrise to sunset, except that if it shall at any time [?] be found desirable to [avoid by the public by the public of] avoid the disturbance [or] of necessary operations [by the public upon the grounds or] on the ground or of instructions to [students] [?] students [the grounds] it may be closed upon due public notice until 10 in the morning.There will be ten acres of ground, (not included in the [165] 150 acres above described) [within the enclosure] which [may be occupied] the college is to be permitted to occupy [by] with special collections of plants, nursery and propagating gardens and by such buildings [as] for administration and instruction as may be required, [and the use of which by the public may be subject to such special regulations, to be defined by the college as may be necessary to their several purposes.] The use of which reserved ground will be subject to regulation by the college.This being the scheme to carry it out, the city to to provide less than a fourth [par] of the land [required], to make and maintain a public drive and walk leading through it, to protect the property and preserve order and decorum in its use and to supply water necessary to keep down dust and water the plants, [without charge to the college.] The college is to supply three fourths of the land required, to establish and maintain the plantations, and keep the entire grounds in good order, without expense to the city. This being the scheme to carry it out the college is to Briefly the city has the opportunity of acquiring a public ground of a [very] distinct, interesting, and valuable character promosing to be the best of its kind in the world, which will cost it [both for the original] neither for construction nor for maintainance more than a quarter as much as it would without the cooperation of the college.The value of the arrangement is not known to be fully appreciated without considering that the whole body of land to be kept free from buildings, [and] except a few of an ornamental character. The college gains the opportunity of making its arboretum more complete and more generally useful to the public than would otherwise be practicable. I know of nothing else [and I certainly] it has to gain and in my efforts to bring about the result proposed. I have [certainly had] nothing else in mind--Dalton 5 May '80 Arnold Aboretum Sketch of arrangements between city & college with advantages accruing to each. The College gains nothing but the d Accompanying letter W Dalton 5 May '80-- ¶ I recommend the following as terms of an arrangement between the city of Boston and [the] Harvard College for establishing and maintaining the proposed arboretum. [¶ 1. The college to provide the land which has heretofore been assigned by it to the arboretum but with with the right to re[serve for] serve within it areas not to re[?] altogether ten acres in extent for administration and [?] purposes related to the [main ch] ? object of the arboretum, in chr-]1. The land proposed to be used for the Arboretum to be provided as contemplated in the act of the legislature. 2. The college to [reserve] hold the right to appropriate certain areas, not exceeding altogether ten acres in extent for administration and special purposes [related to the] bearing upon the object of the Arboretum as a scientific institution, including sites for museums, lecture rooms and [propagating establishments] nurseries. The land proposed to be used [ding sites for museums lecture- rooms and propagating establishments.] 3 The college to establish and maintain the plantations of the Arboretum, including a collection of [trees] trees and shrubs suitably classified and labelled adated to the advancement of the [science of arboriculture] science[s] of Botany [th] and arboriculture and the instruction of the public. [The college to keep the entire grounds in good order]4 The city to provide the [additional] land proposed to be added to the Arboretum (as shown in the map attached to the Fifth Annual Report of the Park Commissioner); [to the] to make and maintain a road and walk in or near the line proposed for a road in said map;enclosed for special collections of plants, nursery and propagating gardens or in which the college may build museums and lecture rooms, and which would be open to the public [on] with such restrictions as should be found necessary. [The city to make and maintaining the proposed pond and walks through the Arboretum grounds ] to take all measures necessary [necessary measures to protect] to the protection of the property [from injury] and to preserve order and decorum in [its part] the use of it by the public and to supply the water required [for watering] for keeping down [the] dust and watering [the] plants. [The Arboretum grounds to be open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily, another public free access to all parts of it, with only] 5 The arboretum to [of] be open to the public from sunrise to sunset, daily, but the college to hold the right, if it shall hereafter be found necessary for [more] [its] efficient and economical administration [and] or to secure [time for t] [for students to the its] the best use [use of the grounds] of the grounds for purposes of science and instruction, to its exclusive use until ten o ck in the morning. [The entire ground (except as before provided) to]6 Whenever the Arboretum is open, the public to have free access [to t] to all is parts (except the reservations) [before provided for] proposed in ¶7.) with only such limitations, [usual in] commonly adopted on [largely used and] [fairly kep] well-kept public grounds, which are largely used, as may be found necessary to prevent injury to the trees and plants.Dalton 5 May '80. Boston. Proposed agreement between Harvard College & Boston in regard to the Arboretum. N. Y. 25th. Oct. 1880. Chas H. Dalton: President Park Opt Boston. Dear Sir, I doubt if I mentioned to you that when in Colorado, I asked Mr Ed'd Perkins to employ a man if had opportunity to [take up] obtain and ship to you a lot of plants and cuttings of trees which [I found] as they [th???] grow on strong alkaline soils and are otherwise suitable, I thought it desirable should be [tried] tried near Boston, with a view to the Back Bay planting. I agreed2-- that he should be refunded any necesary expenditure within $25-. If the plants come I suggest that a part should be sent to the Park nursery [and this part] & that Comr- Lee should be asked to have the other part tried in his shore land at Beverly - a part in the edge of Salt Marsh. In view of your [excellent] judicious proposition with City Council I am having a new map made (with a view to lithography) which will show all the land which has been thought diserable to be aded to the arboretum, expecting thatall will not be taken and leaving it an open question What shall be left out, to be determined by the price. The whole amount this put in question is 48 acres - all desirable if it can be had for $60000 - The total areas of the ground adding this to college property would be - 168 acres.C. H. Dalton. 25 Oct. 1880. Boston Arrangements made in Colorado to try plants on Back Bay uncustomed to alkali. Extension of Arboretum Grounds.Boston, Nov. 5, 1880. Dear Sir:- Would it be too much trouble to give us a little advice? We are making a serious effort to secure the Middlesex Fells as a public domain. An association has been formed with that object in view and we propose either to ask the State to take the matter in charge, or the surrounding towns. As you were out there with Mr. Wilson Flagg, you know the general character of the region. Would you tell us how it could best be treated simply, effectively, and with little expense? I suppose the idea of an elaboratepark would frighten the towns out of the idea, although the plan will improve them wonderfully. I hardly know what is to be done with Epping Forest, but I have a vague idea that something of the kind would be suitable for us. There are about 4000 acres in the region. Mr. Flagg was delighted with your ideas, as I knew he would be. Perhaps he has written you on this same subject already. Yours truly Sylvester Baxter Boston Herald Office Mr. Frederic Law Olmsted.Brookline 9th Nov 1880 Sylvester Baxter Esq: My Dear Sir, I have read your note asking advice about the Middlesex Falls project. The scheme when I [as presented to me] visited the ground was yet so indefinite and my observations [of the ground] were so cursory that I do not know upon what "points" advice is needed which I am qualified to give. You use the word park however with reference to the [scheme and I have heard something said of a zoological collection garden museum and library buildings a ball ground a prospect tower][congruous and not perfectly in train with this and adding in the way of artificial improvement only such shelters roads paths guide boards and (mainly obscure and secluded) places of shelter as [are] would be indispensable to a large safe and orderly public use of the property. and consistent and particularly I would advise that It should from the start be the purpose should be more cautiously and rigidly distinguished from anything of the sort from what would be commonly understood by the application of the words park or [and] garden. Managed liberally within the [intent] restricted purpose thus suggested it would meet a different want] [scheme] project and I have heard something said of the fitness of certain localities for particular purposes which indicated [that] a [hope or] disposition to associate with the main purpose various side [issues] shows such as are generally thought of in connection with a park scheme -- [purposes] some of which would lead on to [specialty various] structures and to a garden like treatment of parts of the property. [This justifies me in offering one observation] [* a ball-ground and as to the adaption of parts of the ground for oficial purposes. *][from that which certain any existing urban park or garden is adapted to such fill; it would have a most distinctive and original character and gaining much with age and of its value for a and grant immediate value. this character and value would constantly and rapidly increase with age. Its future value no only can adequately estimate.] [In the thirty years of study which I have given to the subject of public grounds, much of it spent in prolonged systematic experiment practical experiment, I have learned nothing so well and nothing of more value than the wisdom of avoiding a complication of] This will perhaps justify me in [?] value I think to the most important lesson of my professional [experience] study. Since I began thirty years ago, I have not only [?] in a supervision of several large parks and numerous smaller grounds but have a number of times personally reviewed the principal public grounds of Europe & closely followed their history. In all I have foundthe difficulty of pursuing any one leading [broad] purpose through a series of years in a consistent and single minded way the chief source of inefficient management, extravagance and waste. [If the chief temptation and source of extravagance and waste. What is chiefly to be guarded against in all considerable enterprises of this class is] [This will justify me in offering one observation, and I hold it of so much importance and the grounds on which it rests are so much matters of personal experience out of ordinary experience that I will] The capacity and disposition to apply [of applying art to conceal art, and give arduous and profound labor if carrying by [?] broads laboring To carry out broad and long extended continuing plans in such a manner as when no apparent earnings or results from the labor & trace of that obvious trace of that labor is very rare. Therefore in such a case as [this] this when the [value of the undertaking] impulse of the undertaking comes wholly from an appreciation of the beauty and use of ] This difficulty lies [in] mainly in an unrecognized conflict between interest in the main and interest in minor motives of the works in question. Hence I say that I have learned nothing of more importance than the wisdom of rigidly limiting the objects to be pursued on each piece of ground and of developing in the highest degree whatever may be the [particular] distinguishing characteristics of [that] each particular property. I may add that lovers of nature without special experience[management of public grounds are generally wholly unable to realize] seldom realize how much more difficult [and costly it commonly] it is to obtain and preserve in much fragmented public grounds what [would be] is asked for under the name of simple natural aspects of securing than to secure the most elaborate and finished gardening effects. [The tendency to formality and fussiness is irresistable with most men is irresistable. The in]The natural drift of men in [works of improvement undertaking] prosecuting improvements of ground is [not to nature but] almost irresistably to the undue multiplication of features & incidents and to formality and fussiness. The capacity and disposition to apply art to the concealment of art though much talked of & professed, is exceedingly rare. Therefore it should be kept in mind that when as in this case the impulse of an undertaking comes [wholly] from an appreciation of the beauty and use of absolutely wild sylvan scenery it is most desirable to avoid complicating the purpose of pressing & developing such scenery & making it available to the public with any other of the more generally recognized purposes of public parks and gardens. [My Dear Sir, I have received your note of 5th [?], and I would with pleasure comply with your request for advice about the Fells project, if I knew in what respects I could give advice that is needed- One thing, [however], I can say that can not be [out if] inopportune. In the thirty years of study which I have given to the subject of public grounds, having [three] four times in that period personally reviewed the [p] principal public grounds of Europe & closely followed the experience gained upon them, I have learned nothing [so mu of] of more importance than ] [absolutely rude and wild [nat] elements of scenery it is [of] nature it is of the highest importance most desirable to avoid complicating the leading motive with others even of general recreation.] If the scheme succeeds As soon as the [enterprise] work is well under way it will be found that all the means that can be obtained for it will be inadequate to do all that is desirable in respect to its [instructing] purpose in a thoroughly excellent manner. [It [is] will be much better to work out [was] this purpose in a thoroughly admirable or ideal way way than to be scrimped and aggrav and worried][than to be obliged to divide labor & means with insufficient means from two or more.] There will be a question whether the results of the general [simple policy course of important thus suggested urged course thus advised would be sufficiently varied and of] policy which it is my aim to suggest would [be sufficiently varied and of] be of sufficiently varied popular interest to obtain public support. I [admit] recognize that there is a misled & misleading [mistaken] public opinion in this respect which at the outset may have to be somewhat boldly met but [concluded with but that] I am confident that after a short time, the prideand pleasure which the [people of Boston and of] the public interested will have [the neighborhood would have] in a ground perfectly unique in character, [and] that character being consistently sustained [and carried out] in all its borders with artistic [finish] completeness & finish, [would be much greater than it would be in a series of grounds for various purposes [huddled together and mainly] in a large degree providing [?] condi-][?]iser would be much greater than it would be [in any] [ground] in any ground of more complex & sophisticated character [& of aand partaking none of the ordinary urban types.] [It cannot be too strongly urged that [the less] the hand of man [appears] should appear [as] (in ultimate results) as little as possible except in simple & modest but substantial [modest] means of furthering the common use of the ground and guarding against accidents & injuries.] [[All this is written] I write of course on the assumption [of an intention] that it is proposed to secure for public use a very large body]-tions not particularly favorable & what is to be found fairly well done in many other places. The The [ground] topography of Middlesex Fells is most unsuitable for a park. To give it a park character and adapt it to ordinary park [use] management and use would be an absurdly costly operation. What is advisable & what can be done cheaply, profitably and with a wise and noble [far extending] beneficence, is to take is as it stands, develop to the utmost its natural characteristics, [open] and make it a true retreat not only from town but[from order] from suburban conditions. [The purpose should be to remove] [or] The few structures and blots of cultivation which [already] already mar its natural character; should be removed; [guard against opera-] operations for its public use either inconsiderately crude or out of keeping though unnecessary nicety should be avoided; [to [avoid] preserve as much as practicable all] The intrusion upon its prospects [of all incongruous objects and scenes; to give every inducement to visitors. To ramble and] [from ordering suburban [as] as well as urban conditions]of all objects and scenes incongruous with its natural characteristics should be [gu] as [out of its] [landscapes;] much as possible guarded against; [to offer] every inducement should be offered [to] visitors to ramble and [scatter] wander about and the least possible disruption should be put in their way to come together in clusters, crowds, and throngs; [to avoid especially] most of all every thing of a show, museum, or toy shop order, every thing smart or splendid every thing spectacular, sensational bustling [and noisy] and fussy should be [be ruled out & away] kept as far away as possible. [divide off]I trust [and believe] that [all] this advice is [uncalled for] : not needed but if you think it will tend to strengthen sound convictions and intentions it is heartily at your service.Sylvester Baxter. Middlesex Fells 9th Nov. 1880 Outlining treatment desirableMiddlesex Fells. Nov. 9, 1880 Letter to Sylvester Baxter. Outlining the natural treatment of the area desirable.Herald Office, Boston, Nov. 10, 1880. Mr. Olmsted, Dear Sir: I have just received your letter and it has given me great pleasure. Its advice is just what is needed and cannot fail to do much good. I agree heartily with your views. In using the word "park" I did it unthinkingly; taking it as the common, but wrongful term for any public domain used for purposes of recreation, such as the Yellowstone Park, for instance. I think you have, in your letter, given form as few could, to the general sentiment of the projectors of the scheme, all of whom are true friends of nature. The expression of this sentiment so clearly and sensibly as you have done cannot fail to show us plainly the course we should take from the first. Yours sincerely Sylvester Baxter13 Dec. 80 Henry M. Wightman Esqr City Engineer. My Dear Sir, The ordinary water surface of Back Bay Basin as now planned is to be at 8 Ft. above low water with an area of about 30 acres. We assume that at the worst it would rise 4 ft higher and then drain an area [of 52 acres] of 50 acres. Let us suppose [instead of this t] this plan changed as suggested in our last conversation and that by running up the muddy river valley we have [of] instead of an ordinary water surface of 30 acres one of 100, [100. acres.] [allowing a slight enlargement of area] [If then we can] [If then we [You] can keep out all [surplus] important inflow from Muddy River, we should be subject to a rise in the worst case of but [one] one foot. [This was] [This would much simplify the scheme and save considerable expense.] A system of drains similar to that [wh] by which you propose to carry of the ordinary flow of Stony Brook would keep out a certain amount of storm]Now suppose a system of conduits. [to] [of drains] to have been provided (similar to those by which you will divert the ordinary flow of String Brook) to intercept and take off the ordinary inflow of Muddy River, and suppose that a fresh water pond of 30 acres is provided in the upper part of the valley (between Tremont Street and Jamaica Pond), with its banks so managed that in an emergency [4 ft] it can be made (by raising its surface 4 or 5 ft). to temporarily [show] some additional [water to a depth of 4 ft] water. (The excess to be run off [at low water] when the tide falls). Query. Would it not be practicable in this way to [prevent avoid any notable [w] addition to] prevent any noticable amount of water from entering [an] the enlarged Back Bay Basin from [Muddy River; so that, allowing a slight rise if the salt marsh element of the present Back Bay plan were altogether omitted with moderately sloping banks the use where a rise of 4 ft is later expected with a basin of 30 acres]Muddy River, so that we [need not] may assume that a storm rise on 120 acres would never exceed, say, 2 feet? This would be much more manageable and would allow a much more satisfactory feature of the banks than would be practiable in providing for [an occasional] a possible rise of 4 feet. [Plan for revision of entrance] [Revised paln for Commonwealth Avenue &c. will be sent you in two or three days-] [(Most)] [Would you consider [that] this fresh water storage pond [an element of curs] [a desirable element?] [Muddy River, so that the margin of fluctuation} were altogether left out, we should have instead of 4 ft rise on [our] an area of 52 acres Is such storage in the proposed fresh water pond practicable and would it serve the purpose in any important degree[gre]? Revised plan showing position for Commonwealth Ave bridge will be sent [you] in [two or] a few days. [would the fresh water pond in the situation proposed]H.M. Wightman 13 Dec. 1880. Possibility of arranging a ford in Muddy River to prevent overflow of Fens. 120 52 30 30 9029 Dec '80 To the Board of Commissions of the Department of Parks; Gentlemn; In your Annual Report to the City Council for the year 1879: [You refer to Muddy Brook as follows: River, as follows:] Muddy River was referred to as follows: "The sewerage [of the] from the "lower part of Brookline is now "carried into Charles River by a "new drain; but nevertheless [the] "most of the surface-wash and "swamp-water of that unsavory region "of the town bordering upon the city is "still brought into the [city] Back Bay, adding "to the defilement of the water and [the] "contamination of the air in the immediate vicinity of "the most rapidly growing part of the city."The circumstances thus [briefly] indicated suggest a question to which at your request I have given some preliminary consideration and pending surveys and [a] fuller study [I submit] the following tentative report upon it is respectfully submitted.C. H. Dalton Eqr. Chairm [*the circumstances suggest [ann] a*] [put] - Muddy River under ordinary circumstances [has] winds in the usual manner of a salt creek though a [a crooked] valley, the [salt] marshy surface of which, [is] lying from 15 to 20 feet below the general line of the adjoining water lands is partially submerged [in] at extreme high-water. [It has the character at As will present if a rather great more or less filthy slough somewhat filthy slough.] As will be evident from any map of the region this [crooked valley in connection disconcerts and disjoins all comprehensive &]crooked valley prevents or disconcerts and [dis] disjoins such comprehensive and systematic improvement of large districts of Boston and of Brookline as both public and private interests would [otherwise call for. It tends to make permanent to establish such short in direct and disconnected streets such, for example, as have already been formed for example with reference to upon lines determined with a view immediate private [?] near the river bank above and below Longwood bridge. Arrangements]other wise have called for . Arrangements are consequently liable to be made with a view to immediate private convenience which with reference to public interests are shiftless and uneconomical. [This liability is illustrated] This is shown by example by the short, indirect and disconnected streets already [established] found & built upon near Longwood bridge. ¶ The city is rapidly building out toward the region [thus affected] in question and a comprehensive policy of dealing with it will be desirably adopted as soon as possible. [is a serious impediment to public and private improvements. The city is rapidly building out toward it and some comprehensive policy of dealing with it should be adopted as soon as possible.] It is presumably practicable to service and drain the region independently of the river channel; to fill [this it up] the channel; lay out streets crossing it [as] and build on the new ground as if the river [the river had never it] had never existed; the city would thus be extended much in the same manner that ithas been upon that part of the old Back Bay now built over most of the Public Gardens. The preliminary public works for the purpose would however be of a more complex character, more extensive and costly and if, by agreement between the city and the town of Brookline which has jurisdiction to the middle of the river, the necessary operations could be speedily [begun, the prospect of their satisfactory completion would be so far uncertain and remote as to embarras and hinder rather than stimulate]has been over the flats between the common and the Back Bay. begun they would probably advance slowly and irregularly and the prospect of their satisfactory completion would be so uncertain and remote as to embarras and hinder rather [than show] than promote large private undertakings along the valley. [The result would be a condemnation of it to] It must consequently continue to be mainly used only for purposes requiring [only cheap and sli] slight, cheap and temporary buildings or none at [all] all, and [a] an undesirable character be thus fixed on the neighborhood. It is a question whether under the circumstances the increased taxable value of property to be affected by the [public works of the city] necessarily costly works would return to the [ctt] city treasury the amount of their cost.[whole formed upon real estate at present occupied [for no useful purpose] by no buildings wholly unimproved and [pr] the larger part of essentially a nuisance. It is my opinion that it might be made wholesome, attractive and agreeable at moderate cost.] The question to which my attention has been directed is whether any satisfactory alternative could be adopted, less open to their objections.[study submit the following tentative rport. the crooked valley of Muddy River in connection with the two lines of railway between it and Charles River disconcerts and disjoints [all] the street plans of the adjoing districts and [must] [cause delays and embarrasments to all efforts private and public for improvement] enterprises of improvement. It every where tempts a resort to such short, indirect and disconnected streets as have already been formed [as any] near the river bank above & below Longwood bridge. [and] for example, which stand in] Muddy River as far as the water ordinarily flows is a [branch] branch of Back Bay. At present I see nothing to permit an extension of the general scheme of improvement adopted for Back Bay, fully described in my report of last December, to this branch of it. [The cost of the operation would be much less, the result would take the form of an arm of the ba Back basin tidal basin now under construction. about seventy yards wide and a mile in length. It would be about a mile in length and seventy yards in width, pressing][and support private enterprise. Under these circumstances the work would be very burdensome [and] and its effect depressing upon all property interests of the vicinity. [It would draw upon the city treasury not tend to fill the city treasury [through taxation] proportionately to its drafts upon it [the interests] the vicinity] The result would take the form of an arm of the basin now under construction and its general appearance would be that of the natural[ly] valley as seen at its most contracted [naturally formed at present] point near Long Wood bridge, [except that] the water [would be] being relieved of [all] foulness [fine wash] and prevented from falling below its present ordinary high-water level. The land required for the purpose need be not far from half of it in Brookline and most of the Brookline bank would be occupied, back of a narrow planted [margin by the present rail road][and support private enterprise. Under these circumstances the work would be very burdensome [and] and its effect depressing upon all property interests of the vicinity. It would draw upon the city treasury not tend to fill the city treasury through taxation proportionately to its drafts upon it. The interests the vicinity] The result would take the form of an arm of the basin now under construction and its general appearance would be that of the natural valley as seen at its most constricted [naturally formed at present] point near Longwood bridge, [except that] the water [would be] being relieved of foulness [all foul wash] and prevented from falling below its present ordinary high-water level. The land required for the purpose would be not far from half of it in Brookline and most of the Brookline bank would be occupied, back of a narrow planted [margin by the present railroad]margin, serving as a [partial] screen, by the present railroad, On the Boston bank a public street would be practicable following upon easy curves the general course of the valley [would be practicable] at an elevation of from ten to fifteen feet above the water [level] surface. Such a street [made of sufficient breadth] laid out about 80 feet wide [would be a con] and suitably divided into [car] foot, carriage and saddle courses would be a continuation of the [sylvan pa semi-sylvan] [promenade already undertaken by the city].a continuation of the public promenade already undertaken by the city upon the South bank of the Back Bay basin. Above the point of ordinary tidal flow [the valley extends] Muddy River valley extends nearly a mile, [to] its head being the natural dam and [outlet] place of overflow of Jamaica Pond. Below this there are three smaller ponds and a fresh water swamp; occasionally reached by a very high tide. [which] This swamp has the appearance of a [dangerous nuisance and has been found a source of fatal disease] [and support private enterprise. Under these circumstance][through its increased tax bearing capacity a fair return to the city treasury for the drafts which the work would necessarily make upon it. The question is of a satisfactory alternative. I see nothing whenever away. extension of the general method of improvement which has been adopted by your board, up this branch] dangerous nuisance and is considered by physicians practicing in the neighborhood as a source of fatal disease. It has [already] been proposed [by gentlemen living in the neighborhood that it should be converted to] to convert it into a [fresh water lake] shut of fresh water by a dam at its lower end. The supply of local springs seems adequate to the purpose and if so there is no doubt that it might thus be changed from a health destroying to a health p[?]ing circumstance and from a blemish to an ornament of the scenery. The property is as yet of little value speculatively[from local springs parently ample for Ar The property is as yet of [of little v?] [no] little value [except] speculative] and of none otherwise and the operation proposed would not be a [very] difficult or very costly one. If this suggestion were carried out there would be a chain of pleasant waters [including three small natural ponds four natural pon][and extending the natural features of the valley as now seen near Longwood bridge but [kep] keeping the water at a nearly uniform level and relieving it of all [foul foul wash] sewage and foul wash.] including the four closely adjoining [natural] ponds (now [lying] occupying the valley above the swamp referred to ) extending from Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue at the [mill dam] old mill dam to Jamaica Plains and West Roxbury, all of natural [[outline and with pictur] and in some degree picturesque [oul] outline [and the banks of which either are [and] with banks which are already partially [wooded[ and which might be [wholly so] wholly wooded.] [This sylvan water chain would be connected by the Central [mall] mall of Commonwealth avenue with the public Garden and the entire length of continuous greenery frm the head of the Common to the far end of Jamaica Pond, would be about six miles, [the]]and in some degree picturesque outline, with banks already partially wooded and easily furnished with verdure and foliage throughout. Except at one point where [a few] half a dozen cheap wooden [houses] dwellings and shops have been built, the whole would be found in real estate at present occupied by no buildings [or other improvements and the larger part] and for no productive purposes and all of which is now in a condition hazardous to public health. [All but] A park-way following the Boston side of the chain, as before suggested while adapted to pleasure driving, riding and walking, would form a very desirable member of the general street system of the bordering region. Property fronting upon it would be [desirable] in demand for residences, and while giving all necessary access to these, [& its] its indirect course would, without special regulations for the [purp] purpose, prevent it from being so much used [to an inconvenient degree] for heavy and slow transportation as to seriously interfere with its [use as a pleasure drive.] value as a resort for recreation. [The operation would therefore be in all respects an economical][A park-way adapted to pleasure driving, riding and walking following the Boston side of the chain [of waters]] Taking in connection with the mall upon Commonwealth Avenue the Public Garden and the Common, it would form a pleasure [drive and walk] route, following a continuous line of [greenery] greenery, extending from the heart of the city to Jamaica Plains and West Roxbury, a [distance of six miles. These public properties would by such a connection [obtain] be endowed with a new value and a larger return be obtained for the outlay made upon them.]distance of six miles. These older properties of the city thus made parts of a more extended affair, [would] while [retaining all their] serving equally well all the purposes for which they were originally designed, would thus acquire [have] a new and much increased value; [and give a larger return for the [ch] city outlay upon them.] [It would inform the char][distance of six miles. It would thus serve in the plan of the city as a decorated corridor or [gateway] gallery between the [interior room with] inner rooms and [the outer] an outer vestibule.] [The outlay required to carry out the suggestion would be [much] less than that which the simpler plan would demand and the result could be obtained in [much] shorter time. Its adoption] The outlay necessary [for the purpose would] for the work would be less than the simpler plan for dealing with the Muddy River valley would call for and [in the required work] it could be completed in shorter time. It would probably be attended from the first by a steady advance of substantial [improvements] but private improvements and taxable [values] value in all neighboring properties. Its advantages for Brookline[apart from these financial advantages. the plan would [probably] have the [great] advantage of substituting conditions extremely hazardous to the health the health of the city of great value to the public health, for conditions extremely hazardous to it] [The advantages to for Brookline] would [not be] be hardly less than [those] for Boston, and as the chain of waters would follow the boundary between the two communities a scheme of cooperation to carry it out is probably feasible. If the interests of the city required that the region affected should be largely occupied for manufacturing and commercial purposes, [the] and that for this reason it should be provided with frequent [lines of direct] continuous and direct lines of communication upon easy grades. the [plan of ] proposition of a permanent water valley and of a promenade following it would have serious objections. But if the [present tendency to] tendency at present manifest [to on each] in every side [of it] to occupy it as a residence quarter with only such provisions of [trad] trade as as local convenience may call [for is not adverse to the perma-]for is not desirable to be checked then the [plan] suggestion offers sufficient advantages to be commended [to careful consideration] to early and careful consideration.To Commissioners 29 Dec 1880. [*Boston*] Muddy River [?]. Describing the conditions of the stream and the different improvements that might be effected. A large part of this report is embodied in City Doc. No. 12 Park Comm. Rep. for 1880.