DESCRIPTION OF PLAN FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FAIRMOUNT PARK, BY SIDNEY & ADAMS. DESCRIPTION OF PLiN FOR THE iiFiif liiif if Miiiiiif Ml BY SIDNEY & ADAMS, Printed for the use of the ComiBittee on City Properly. PHILADELPHIA: MERRTIIEW & THOMPSON, PRINT ERS, Lodge Street, North side of Pennsylvania Bank'. 1859. TO THE COMMITTEE ON CITY PROPERTY. Gentlemen: ■. c +v,a In oi-der to thorovgWy comprehend the topography of the ? ' J A f„. tw. Park SO as to enable us to produce a ground mtended for the Park so a ^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ 'f^"d tt tTe proposed sitT- have' made I topographical :„tCof hLernnm and Sedgeley Properties as. ell as that portion of the ground connecting them «th the present ^trirw^hat laid down the contour of the ground in shaded lines a Tell as the trees, buildings, &c, as they ex.t at pre- It We submit this plan with our design to enable the com- Tttee tT jldge of the'practical nature of the .mprovements we •"■ wTwiU briefly state the principles which have guided us in <->iP trpatment of the grounds. , A PuSc Park, having for its object the recreation of he cittens, hould present' the greatest possible «-'-'' '»*•;« artSity of the city, with its straight and closely bmlt up It ret It iB fortunate, therefore, that the locafon and con- filu 'ion of the land here, is such as to adm.t of a large num- bfrof winding drives and walks, with little expense for cuttmg Vradirg the undulations of the surface being so numerous thafth drives and walks may be nearly all hidden from one Inother, and thus the effect of a park of immense 8i.e may be obtained in the comparatively small space allotted to us. The natural features of the ground are, happily, so park4^e already, that little more art is necessary than to con^ple.e what L already so perfect in outline ; we have therefore avoided everythVng formal or geometrical, except where some especial obiect showed it to be desirable. , . , , ■ r •» •"Eural enjoyment is most effectually obtained by s.mpl.city, both in general design and embellishment ; it has therefore been orobjeet to utilize that which nature has already made beaut.- Z rather than to introduce showy, complicated, formal and Itestarly expensive artificial features; of these the cuUivated mTnd would soon tire, whilst they could teach nothirg to the uncultivated but bad taste. On the other hand, architectural ornaments to a limited ex- tent, designed to suit particular localities and necessities, are not only indispensable, but, when properly treated, will aid materially in giving effect to picturesque scenery, thus showing the strong relationship which always exists between landscape gardening and architecture. All improvements of an architectural character should be sim- ple and chaste, without degenerating into meanness, and should be made to harmonize with the surrounding features ; and so carried out that the spectator would at once be impressed with the idea that such an embellishment was naturally required. As the object of all true art is to combine instruction with amusement and recreation, the greatest variety of trees and shrubs that can be made to serve the purpose of the landscape gardener should be introduced ; and thus, in a great measure, to the interest of a Public Park, there would be added the ad- vantages of a popular arboretum. The principles we have adopted for our guidance will lead us to preserve the many fine trees already on the ground ; (some of them, for instance, specimens of the Geltis occidentalis or "nettle tree," being considered the finest in the State ;) we will except only the very few that may be in the way of necessary drives, also the fruit trees which age has rendered unsightly, and which might be defaced by the thoughtless for the sake of their fruit. Even the oval plantation near the large hickory, unsightly as it is in its present condition, Tve propose to leave ; and by adding dwarf evergreens and shrubs inside and outside, so to alter its appearance as to make it one of the most interesting features on the grounds. The baildings now on the place can also be made not only useful an.i ornamental, without much expense, but also to appear necessary to the perfection of the Plan. The roads and walks are so laid out as to accommodate them- selves easily and naturally to the configuration of the ground. In this way the most beautiful forms of roads are obtained, whilst expensive cuttings and embankments are avoided. And as the surface of the ground is already so beautifully adapted for every desired purpose, the only grading necessary will be in the formation of the road beds. Although following the undulations of the ground, the roads have been so laid out that every striking scene and change of scene is rought prominently into view, in as many different aspects as possible ; so that every available feature of the place shall at every step be made to create an interest in the be- holder. The planting, as will be fully explained under that head, has been arranged with the same view. We have not laid out any road for the sake of merely increas- ing the length of the drives, but always for some object or par- ticular point of view. For all the variety that can be desired, will be obtained by placing the roads and walks where they are actually required, and all over and above these will only cut up the ground into patches and cause unnecessary expense. The curves should be easy and graceful, both for appearance sake as well as for ease in driving, and the grade should never be so difficult ag to cause apprehension of danger ; and to effect this, we need only to follow the natural inequalities of the ground. A certain extent of private and well shaded walks have been provided for those fond of retirement ; especially in spots along the uneven and rugged banks of the river, which present excel- lent facilities for beautiful effects in this way. Dry and compact roads are very important. They should be constructed so as not to be liable to be broken up by frost or rain, but capable of being used satisfactorily at any period of the year. Planting. The arrangement of the trees we have made an important feature in our Plan, as so many valuable objects can be effected by judiciously placing and classifying them. By planting trees indiscriminately, without any regard to their character and habits, everywhere along the sides of walks and in all directions, the Park would degenerate into a forest, forming only a shady retreat, and for such purpose ten or twenty acres would be as good as a hundred. The beautiful effects of light and shade which constitute the charm of a landscape, have been studied in locating peculiar groups near particular configurations of the ground. So also the trees comprising each group we would so select as to give each portion of the ground a peculiar interest at dif- ferent seasons, and no two portions of the ground would present the same appearance at the same time. Thus every day will bring forward some new beauty, and every part of the place possess its own peculiar charms. We have not thought it necessary to explain how we propose to accomplish this in eygry instance ; but that the idea may be clearly understood, we annex an appendix (No. 1) detailing the formation and planting of twenty-four of the principal groups and single specimens. It will be seen by reference to our Plan, that we contemplate planting a thick screen of deciduous trees on the outside bounda- ries of the Park adjoining Pennsylvania Landing and Girard Avenue. We deem this necessary on account of the proximity of the railroad, and also to shut out as much as possible the view from within the Park, of buildings now existing or likely to be put up around its borders. Once in the Park one should not be reminded of the city. We do not propose to plant this screen in a regular straight line or belt, but to break it up by plantations, irregular in the front wherever the nature of the ground will admit. This screen or border should be composed of deciduous trees attaining a medium height and of a dense habit of growth, so that with a few evergreens interspersed between them, they will make a good winter screen. Hardy deciduous shrubs should also be introduced to form a thick undergrowth, as well as dwarf evergreens, as Kalmia latifolia, Rhododendron maximum. Ilex opaca, &c. The most beautiful groupings formed naturally, are never to be found placed at regular intervals, or of one general character. • Hence we would plant trees with the view of avoiding uniformity and so dispose them as to show one another to the greatest ad- vantage, by the contrasts which color and the variation of form, height and foilage present. We have placed groups in situations so as to afford between them the best distant views from the drives ; at the same time keeping also in mind the effect to be produced within the Park itself. Our Plan shows what we should deem sufiicient plantations, to give warmth and expression to all parts of the Park, and sufficient shade without crowding, or as it might be said, destroy- ing space for the sake of merely multiplying the trees. We thus attain the effect of open stretches of turf, so grateful to the eye and always so agreeable to the inhabitants of a closely populated city. In those parts of the Park most likely to be visited during winter, evergreens should be plentifully scattered. They will produce a feeling of comfort and ■warmth, which deciduous trees when denuded of their foliage fail to impart. The steep banks of the south end of the park as well as along the river, should be planted with a preponderance of evergreens such as the hemlock, pines, juniper, laurel, &c., as their pecu- liar color harmonizes better with the rocks, especially in winter. The dense, deep shade such as evergreens afford, will tend to relieve the glare of a large surface of water like the Schuylkill on a bright summer's day. The popular drives on the Wissa- hickon aflford well known illustrations of this principle. For reasons already given, the aROUPiNG system of planting is the only one, from the nature of the ground, which the true principles of landscape gardening will admit of with any beauti- ful effect ; but even this becomes wearisome when carried to ex- tremes. To guard against this, single specimens of trees, the most beautiful either in form, foliage or flowers, should be fre- quently planted throughout the Park, where they do not already exist. The terraces to the east of the house, instead of destroying, we propose to turn into an interesting feature not often seen in parks, but which the small instances in Washington and Frank- lin Squares, show to be highly appreciated by the masses. We mean the introduction of beds of roses and flowering shrubs. These terraces are prettily adapted for this purpose. Flowering vines can also be profitably employed in adorning rocks and summer houses to be noticed hereafter. A certain amount of diversity of color is always produced by planting the different varieties of trees of whatever kind together, but attention should sometimes be especially directed to this feature by placing groups at some little distance from the drives composed of trees selected for the purpose, such as the Scarlet Oak, Sugar, Norway and Red Maples, Abele, Purple Beech, English Beech, Sassafras, Liquidambar, White Birch, Dogwood, &c. Whenever a cluster is formed it should not be composed wholly of trees that do not branch out till at some distance from the ground, which thus present their naked and bare stems, but small trees and shrubs should be judiciously interspersed amongst them, so as to blend the mass easily and freely with the ground. The rhododendron is especially desirable for this purpose as it thrives well under larger trees. For the grand Avenue or Promenade — on the grass border be- 8 tween tlie drive and the walk on each side — we should desire to plant the beautiful American Elm, did not experience show that it is sharing the fate of the European Linden, and falling a prey more and more every year to the destructive worm. The American Linden is free from any objectionable features, and by its quick growth yet long life, spreading head, and sweet, scented flowers, is well adopted to make a desirable and well shaded drive. The famous " Unter den Linden" in Berlin is a well known example. The row on the sides of the walk may be appropriately formed of Norway or Sycamore Maples which will keep pace with the growth of the Lindens. Near the water, about the head and sides of the canal, near the entrances and occasionally in the bends of the walks weep- ing willows, weeping ashes and other weeping trees are proposed to be introduced. We would also take due advantage of cultivating such trees as by the color of their berries give variety and character to plantations. Preparing the iSoil. After deducting the space occupied by roads and walks, rocky hill sides, buildings, &c., there will remain about fifty acres of the park which will require to be brought into a good state of cultivation for the production of fine turf and the thrifty growth of plantations. Without a deep soil, trees never attain their full vigor, and grass becomes quickly dried up and burnt during summer, when freshness is most required. On the broad open spots where but few plantations occur, deep sub-soil ploughing with a liberal application of manure or fertilizing agents will answer the required purpose; but where it is proposed to plant, the ground should be thoroughly trenched with the pick and spade to a depth of two feet. Before turning up the ground, the turf at present existing in many parts of the Park might be stripped oflf as wanted, and economically employed in turfing borders and other places pre- viously prepared. Enclosure. We would suggest for the present that the Park should be enclosed by a high picket fence, somewhat similar to that 9 around the newly laid out ground north of the Fairmount Basins. It would scarcely be seen from the inside of the Park, being concealed by the screen of plantations proposed to be put up around the borders. This fence, if of proper materials, will last many years, and by the time it requires renewal we think so great an interest will be taken in the Park by citizens generally, as to warrant the erection of one more permanent and appropriate to the chief pleasure resort of the inhabitants of a city like Philadelphia. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PLAN. Plot not oioned by the City. Impressed with the great importance of the fact, that the small strip of land lying between the present Fairmount Park and Lemon Hill, (not at present owned by the city,) should be included in any design offered for the improvement of the new Park, and thus make a continuous water front from the Wire Bridge to the north end of the Park above the Spring Garden Waterworks ; we have laid it out on our Plan, so as to connect the whole. Should this strip not be obtained by the city, it may, and probably will, become a nuisance, by the erection of factories thereon, which will not only fill the water with impurities, and that immediately above the forebay, but also destroy the con- nection between the old and new Parks, and make the access much less convenient and imposing. The cost of improving this part, (independent of the pur- chase,) as will be seen in the detailed estimate, will not be very great, and will be more than compensated for by the greatly enhanced beauty of the whole. The piece of ground owned by the city and separated from the Park by Landing Avenue, we have also thrown into the Park, supposing that Landing Avenue might be changed, so as to run at the southern boundary of the land in question. This would add a large piece of ground in a part where it seems desirable, in order to improve the valley Avhich is between it and the bank on the west side of the canal. 10 We beg to say, however, that neither of these pieces of land are in any way necessary to the completeness of our design, as by removing the entrance to the angle of Landing Avenue, no alteration would be required, further than to modify the road slightly at that point, should the change in Landing Avenue and the purchase of the other portion of ground not be accom- plished. Entrances. The entrance on Green Street, from its character, as well as its being the nearest to the most populous part of the city, will probably be used to a considerable extent, if the two Parks are connected, as suggested. We have located two principal gates, one at Coates street and the other at Girard Avenue. That on Coates street must ne- cessarily be transferred to Landing Avenue, if the connection is not made. These we propose to make ornamental and worthy of their purpose. Sketch No. 1 we offer as a suggestion. A gate house should be put up at the Coates street entrance, in keeping with it ; the old house near the Girard Avenue en- trance could be made ornamental, and is sufficiently near the gate to answer the purpose. Gate houses may be thought superfluous, but they would certainly help to give dignity to the entrances, and would serve as residences for some of the em- ployee's necessary for the maintenance of the Park. We have located two minor entrances on Pennsylvania avenue, one on Landing avenue and one on Girard avenue, close to the abutments of the bridge, to accommodate visitors from the western side of the river. We deem these entrances necessary in addition to the two principal ones, in order to afford easy access and prevent con- fusion when large crowds are visiting the Park. They may be composed of simple but strong iron gates, with granite posts. Extension of ground yet to he acquired. Should the city become the owners of the strip of land be- fore alluded to between the present Fairmount Park and Lemon Hill, we propose to fill up the canals which intersect it, with the exception of that leading to the mill, which we presume must necessarily be left open for the passage of boats ; also to fill up the low part of the ground so as to make its general grade at least as high as that of Landing Avenue. 11 We also propose to dock out and extend this piece of land considerably further into the river as shown in the Plan, by which means a large space will be gained, greater breadth will be given to that part of the grounds, and a much better water line established. The material necessary for filling can be obtained at a very reasonable cost from the excavation of the streets east of L lad- ing avenue, which require much cutting down to bring them to grade. We propose that the docking should be of stone in preference to wood, as being more permanent, not more expensive, and as presenting a more finished, easy and natural outline. This docking we would form of heavy stone rubble work laid dry, founded on the solid below the bed of the river, built with a batter of 4 inches to the foot on the front, and finished with a stone coping on the top of all. This will form a much more pleasing boundary to the water line than an upright dock of wood, and if properly built will of course be far more durable. Walks on the Extension. We have laid out the walks on this portion in rather a more formal style than those on the hill, on account of its being nearly a dead level, as well as to make the transition more easy from the streets and that part of the Park already laid out north of the Fairmount basins to where the natural undulations of the ground are more strictly preserved. Summer Houses. We have marked sites for summer houses on this part, in the prominent places where good views of the water can be obtained, and planted with a view to giving as much shade as possible without reference to grouping to any extent. Here the summer houses should display more ornament and be of a more elaborate character than those designed for the more rural parts of the Park. See Sketch No. 2. Foot Bridges. We propose to connect the walks of this portion with those in the Park by ornamental foot bridges over the mill canal and that north of it, so that visitors may stroll along the banks of 12 the river without interruption or need of returning to the main avenue. Fountain. On the tongue of land between the two canals, we place an ornamental fountain, which will be suflBcientlj removed from the river so as not to lose its effect by having a back ground of water, and will be an attractive feature viewed from the main avenue. The low situation of this spot unattainable in any other part of the Park, in a suitable aspect, aiFords facilities for making this fountain equal to any thing of the kind in the country. Avenue or Promenade. We have laid out a broad avenue or promenade from the entrance on Coates street, running over the level with an easy course till it reaches the canal, and thence in a straight line along the level ground between the foot of the hill and the boat-houses, up to the south-west point of the Park, terminating easily with a large circle, in which a summer-house, monument, or other ornamental structure may be appropriately placed. We consider a grand promenade or avenue almost essential to a Public Park where practicable, and this stretch of nearly level ground seems to suggest itself as not only the most suitable, but in every respect most desirable for the purpose. It will form, as it were, a grand approach to the Park itself, and gives an air of stateliness such as could not be obtained by a mere entrance leading directly on to the curved and undula- ting drives. We propose to make this avenue 96 feet in width altogether ; allowing 60 for the carriage drive, 8 feet for a grass border be- tween the drive and walk, and 10 feet for the walks on each side. The turf borders and sides of the walks to be planted as before mentioned. See Cross Section, Sketch No. 3. This avenue will be nearly half a mile in length, sufficiently long to give it a stately and dignified appearance. This will enable pedestrians, as well as carriages, to enter and leave the Park without confusion, and without interfering with each other ; it will form the great artery from whence the various drives and walks leading into interior of the Park will diverge. 13 The two canals are crossed by ornamental bridges of iron with stone abutments. Should the low ground not be obtained by the city, the avenue could be commenced at Landing avenue, and thus form a grand entrance as well as a promenade. Boat Mouses. The boat bouses we think should be remodelled and improved, so as to be in keeping with the surroundings, and we are assured by several of the boat clubs, that this will be cheerfully done, by the young gentlemen composing these clubs at their own ex- pense. Drive along River Bank. From the avenue several roads lead off, as shown on the plan. That starting at the end of the avenue and running along the river, we propose to make 30 ft. wide, as a greater width would be not only very expensive, but detract much from the rural and romantic features which the banks here present. There are two places where the rock overhangs the water, which we do not propose to cut away, but to lead the road un- derneath, by means of a tunnel or archway cut through the rock, as shown in Sketch No. 4. This will keep intact the picturesque character of the banks, and will form a very pretty feature in the drive. This drive we continue underneath Girard Bridge, there being space large enough outside the abutments to allow of its being done without much trouble; thus connecting (besides the mode mentioned hereafter) the two portions of the Park separated by Girard avenue. As the roads laid down in that part of the Park north of Girard avenue sufficiently explain themselves on the Plan, we do not consider it necessary to describe them here. From the River Drive, as will be seen, a road is laid out up the the slope to connect with the roads on the hill, so that parties not wishing to go into the upper or northern part of the Park may drive on to the high ground, without returning back again by the River Road. From this drive we have also laid out several walks, wind- ing up the sides and amongst the trees and rocks, which we think will be appreciated by those in search of the retired and pic- turesque. They will here find shelter and also obtain fine views at the intervals or openings. 14 A spring in the hollow on the East side of the River drive, a few hundred feet south of the Bridge, affords a good oppor- tunity for placing a drinking fountain. From the Promenade near the proposed bridge over the canal, we have laid out a road 40 feet in width, which runs on the East side of the canal, by the chalybeate spring, shortly after passing which it divides, separating into three forty feet wide roads or drives ; one leading much in the direction of the old road to the house, one alongside the Eastern boundary of the Park, and the other directly into the centre of the grounds. Zoological garden. On the east side of this road, near its connection with the main avenue and partly on the strip of land now the property of the city, but at present separated from the Park by Landing avenue, and extending up to the large willow trees, we have des- ignated the site for a Zoological collection. "We are informed that a society of gentlemen of position and means has been formed, who will undertake the improvement and maintenance of this plot of ground, with a view of keeping a collection of rare animals and birds, if they should obtain the privilege of doing so from the city. We deem this place appropriate for the purpose, because it is well sheltered, it has a good supply of water, and will improve and make available a piece of land, which it would otherwise be diflBcult to lay out to advantage. Should the piece of land alluded to not be included in the Park or should the collection of the Zoological Society not be located on these grounds, the drive can be left as it is on the Plan, without detriment, and the border between the road and Landing avenue be planted as the other boundaries of the Park. If the ground should be appropriated to the Society, the en- closure next to the drive should be of a light open character, kept back at least twenty feet from the road, and the space be- tween it and the fence planted thickly with shrubs. By this means it will be kept private and will not in any way mar the beauty of the drive. Canal. To enable the road to be made with an easy curve, we propose to fill up about one hundred feet of the north end of the canal, which now only presents patches of mud, and by means of rocks 15 thrown together in a natural manner to form a small cascade, which will be supplied from the springs above. This will much relieve the stiff and abrupt lines of the north end of the canal and render its artificial character less apparent. Parade and play ground. On the level north of the willow trees we have located a Pa. rade and play ground. This we think the most satisfactory place, as it is the only part of the Park, where sufficient level space can be obtained, without disturbing the natural outlines ; and it has besides this very important recommendation— every part of it can be overlooked, for the ground sloping upwards from it on all sides within the Park will afford a natural amphi- theatre, and will accommodate many thousands of spectators, with ample space for all to enjoy a view without obstructing one another. This piece of ground has no trees now on it worth preserva- tion, and can be made to suit the desired purpose with but little outlay. Old Cottage. The oldcottage near the north end of the old terraced garden may be renovated and embellished so as to be made useful as a dwelling. Walks at head of Canal. The walks laid out on the west side of the road, to the north of the canal will be for years to come the most shady in the Park, there being many fine old specimens of trees growing thickly hereabouts, particularly of the deciduous cypress. Pond. The small pond at the foot of the bank we propose to clean out, wall around, and enlarge slightly ; and stock it with gold fish, which always prove very attractive, especially to children. Drainage. The ground around this spot will require some drainage, which we propose to do by stone drains. The run down the hollow will require a culvert of three feet in diameter, to ensure a prop- er discharge of water during wet weather, as it will be the chan- nel for a large water shed. 16 Reasons for not making a Lake. We could have made a lake in this neighborhood which might have been kept supplied from the springs abounding here, but we consider that grand natural features should not be pettily imita- ted, and as the extent of artificial water created would necessa- rily be limited, it would only look unmeaning and out of place close to so large a body of water as the Schuylkill. Chalybeate spring. The springs afford an opportunity for placing drinking foun- tains, and the chalybeate spring should be cleaned out, stoned up and proper contrivances for obtaining the water furnished. Road on hill from end of promenade. From the promenade near its termination at the south west point of the Park, we have laid out a forty feet wide road, which runs up the natural ravine some distance till it divides into two. One of these roads leads easterly to the house, connecting with the road from the east side of the Park and that running through the centre. The other branch vands up the liill side to the top of the point, a little south of the fine large elm tree. From this point one of the finest views in the Park will be ob- tained, commanding, as it does, the broad bay of the river above the dam as a foreground, the Fairmount water- works, wire bridge and a great part of the city, as well as a fine view westward and northward. We have here placed, a little removed from the road, a rustic summer house, as also on the several projecting points of rock on the west side of this road, where good views are obtained. As a suggestion for these summer houses, see Sketch No. 5. The large hickory tree to the right of the elm, which cannot survive long, we propose to treat as shown in Sketch No. 6, mak- ing it useful as well as ornamental. Climbers, such as trumpet vine, Chinese wistaria, &c. will ere long clothe it in green, and nest covers may be placed in the branches to attract the birds. The road continues past the walk before described along the brow of the high ground, following the curvature of the land, along the west side of the Park with frequent changes of scenery. From this road as will be seen on the Plan, serpentine walks rm down the hill sides, and amongst the rocks, connecting 17 with the river drive, as well as with points suitable for summer houses and rustic seats. Cross roads also connect this road with the roads running through the center of the Park, also with the road to the east of the Parade Ground. The plantations are here arranged to afford occasional glimpses between them, of the river and the scenery beyond, and so as to give sufficient shade without, being planted in formal rows. Bridge over Crirard Avenue. The road is continued into the northern part of the Park, by means of a bridge thrown over Girard avenue. See Sketch No. 7. The grade of the avenue enables us to accomplish this at the point marked on the Plan, and this we deem very desirable, in order to counteract the effect that would otherwise be produced of the Park being cut in two by a public street. We propose to slope the sides of the avenue, and plant them thickly with bushy deciduous and evergreen trees, so as to shut out entirely the view from the Park of the street below. The roads in the part north of Girard avenue we propose to make thirty feet wide. The road leading to Girard avenue entrance, the cross roads, interior walks, &c., we think it unecessary to dwell upon, as they will be fully understood by reference to the Plan. Length of Roads and Walks, The total length of roads laid out, amounts to three and a quarter miles, and of walks three and one third miles, or a to- tal of nearly seven miles. Horticultural Society. The piece of ground north of the Spring Garden water works, is inacessible from the Park, by a carriage drive, unless at a very great expense. The members of the Horticultural Society, we are assured, are prepared to improve and plant this part at their own ex- pense, if appropiated to their use. We think this would be in every respect, the best method of turning it to use, as it is separated from the Park by the water works, and naturallythe abrupt- ness of the approach. If improved under the auspices of the Society, it would create 18 an attraction in a part where but little exists, and would serve as a good boundary to the northern end of the Park. If not used for botanical purposes, we would suggest, that the north boundary line should be thickly planted out with trees, and a walk run around the brow of the hill. Small Houses. The small house south of Girard avenue, we propose to re model, so as to make it suitable for the residence of a gate keeper as before mentioned. Mansion. The mansion we propose to repair thoroughly inside and out. To make a public room of the large oval parlour on the first story, with a large retiring room, and an office for the use of the committee, in the remaining part of the floor. The basement and second story will be all sufficient for the residence of the superintendent. We propose to put up a Piazza sixteen feet wide on the South, East and West sides of the House, with an approach by a flight of steps from the South front. This Piazza will be very capa- cious and will afibrd shelter and a resting place for a large number of visitors. Sketch No. 8 will explain our idea. Rustic Seats. Rustic seats should be plentifully scattered about the Park as resting places. These should be of iron, or they will be other- wise soon defaced. Turf. Fine velvety turf is all important to the beauty and enjoyment of the Park, and will give as much pleasure as even fine trees. Fine turf cannot be obtained, however rich the soil may be made, if the grass is allowed to grow, as it is in most of our public squares, till long enough to make hay. We would suggest that sheep should be introduced for the purpose of keeping the grass down. The fine lawns of England would not exist, were it not that they are kept down by constant mowing or by turning sheep on to them, which manure and enrich whilst they refine the sward. As a matter of economy too, sheep will be found more profitable than leaving the grass for hay, and they will aid in giving a rural and picturesque efiect to the Park. 19 estim:a.te. Although we have considered it a duty to make our plan as complete as possible, and therefore have included the addition of the ground not yet owned by the city, and have besides sug- gested several improvements and embellishments, not absolutely necessary, — in our estimate we have calculated only the cost of laying out the Park so far as the ground, now actually the pro- perty of the city, is concerned. Many of the merely ornamental features suggested, although they would materially assist in beautifying the Park, may be dispensed with; and these we have included in Appendix No. 2, forming a supplementary estimate, which gives the cost of car- rying out the whole of the improvements called for by our Plan. The avenue we propose to make dry and solid, by a layer first of unbroken stone, laid so as to form a species of rough pave- ment, 9 in. deep. As this will also act as a drain, the roadbed should be formed with a curve of 8 in., from the sides to the centre, for the avenue, and 6 in. for the 40 ft. roads. Over this first layer of stone we would put 6 in. of broken stone and 3 in. of red gravel over all. It is often the custom to put a greater thickness of covering in the centre of the road, but as in this instance the sides will be used as much as the centre, we do not think it advisable to make any change. The side gutters of the avenue should be 2 ft. 6 in. broad, paved with cobble or small quarry stones, on edge. These stones will be found to answer the purpose better than brick or flat stones, for the gutter, and will look more natural. In making our calculations for the roads, we base them on the fact that sufficient rough stone for forming their foundations will be obtained from the road beds, and regulating to be done on the grounds. To make the estimate ample, however, we have calculated the cost of stone at a sufficient price to quarry it out of the rocks at the north end of the Park, and deliver it where required, should enough not be obtained in forming the road beds, &c. 20 The avenue will require 2,530 perches of stone for the bottom layer, which at 60 cents per perch, will cost $1518 1,700 perches broken stone, at $1 776 yards of gravel at 75 cents . Formation of roadbed, 90 lin. rods, at $9 Side Gutters, 180 lin. rods, at $1.25 . Turf border on each side 180 rods, at $1 2 side walks 10 feet wide, complete as follows: 6 in. of broken stone as a bed, 616 perches, at $1 190 yards of gravel, at 75 cents 11518 00 1700 00 582 00 810 00 225 00 180 00 616 00 142 50 $5773 50 We propose to cover the road bed of the 40 ft. and 30 ft. roads with 9 in. of broken stone and 3 in. of gravel, with a side gutter of 18 in. in width. There are 9,400 feet in length of forty feet roads, which we estimate at $12 per rod complete - $6072 00 Of 30 perches wide road there are 5,600 ft, or 336 rods, at $9 per rod 3024 00 Add to this extra cost on River Drive . . . 1000 00 The walks will average 7 feet in width, as they range from 12 feet on the levels to 4 and 6 feet on the steep side hills. There are 730 rods of walks, exclusive of those on the contem- plated addition, and those on each side of the main avenue already estimated. The walks, in many places, amongst the rocks, will require no gravel or covering whatever, as they will be cut out of the hard rock, and no gravel would remain if placed there. We allow 6 inches of stone for a foundation, and 2 inches of gravel for the walks, with side gutters, where required. The cost of these, we calculate, will average $4 per rod, making a total of . . . $2920 00 Enclosure — Posts of Chestnut. Rail 3 by 4, and bottom board 12 inches wide, of white pine. Pickets 4 by 1^ inches, by 5 feet long, thus forming a fence 6 feet high. Of this there will be 305 rods, including each side of Girard Ave- nue, which, at $4'50 per rod, will amount to $1372 50 500 feet of low river wall, above boat houses, and in sundry places — 250 perches, at $2, $ 500 00 21 According to the Plan, we estimate that the following trees will be necessary, viz : 5000 deciduous trees, at 60 cents, . . . $3000 00 3000 evergreens, at 75 cents, . . . 2250 00 1000 larger deciduous trees, at $2, . . . 2000 00 6000 shrubs, at 25 cents, .... 1500 00 Planting above, 1500 00 $10,250 00 The cost of preparing and properly manuring fifty acres of soil, as before described, including seeds, &c., supposing one-half will be subsoiled, and the remainder trenched, we estimate at $100 per acre, $5000 00 1500 feet of stone drains, necessary in the low ground, as well as to conduct water in places from one side of the road to the other, below the surface, at 20 cents per foot, amounts to ... $300 00 500 feet of 3 feet culvert, .... 500 00 Bridge over Girard Avenue, with stone abutments and superstructure of timber, Bridge over canal, . . ... Cleaning and arranging pond. Repairing and fitting Chalybeate Spring, . $800 00 $2000 00 3500 00 $5500 00 $250 00 200 00 $450 00 Two entrances, one at Girard Avenue and one on Landing avenue, at $1000 each, . . $2000 00 3 minor entrances, at $250 each, . . 750 00 $2750 00 Dressing up Park, $5000 00 22 KECAPITULATION OF ESTIMATE. Enclosure . $ 1372 00 Roads and Walks . 18789 00 Trees .... 10250 00 Preparing soil . 5000 00 Drainage 800 00 Bridges .... 5500 00 Pond and Chalybeate spring 500 00 Entrances .... . 2750 00 Dressing up Park 5000 00 $49,961 00 Contingencies 10 per cent. 4996 00 $54,957 00 Superintendence 5 per cent. 2,747 00 Total $57,704 00 It is a prevailing idea that estimates for public work are made invariably below actual cost, and experience in many cases has proved the accuracy of the impression. Having had many years experience in the above kind of work, we feel convinced that our estimates will be found ample, and we are prepared to execute the whole or a part of the work at the prices named. The first work done should be the enclosure of the Park, so as to preserve the trees from injury. Portions of the planting and opening of the principal drives should be the next operation, as the Park is sufficiently beauti- ful by nature to attract visitors without the aid of all the im- provements proposed at once. By judicious management a comparatively small sum expended annually will, within a few years, bring the Park to such per- fection as to render it a source of health and recreation to thou- sands, and one of the greatest ornaments of our city. Very respectfully, SIDNEY & ADAMS. 23 APPENDIX No. 1. List of 24 groups and single trees, as example of plants we propose : 1. Group of trees floxoering in early spring, with showy flower, and of moderate growth, -^sculus hippocastanura (Horse Chestnut), Alnus glutinosa (Tree Al- der), Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Crataegus Oxycantha (Hawthorn), Dou- ble Flowering Peach, bearing no fruit, Oytisus laburnum, (Common La- burnum), Halesia Teraptera (Silver Bell), A^elanchia botryapium (Snowy Mespilus), Salix caprea (Goat Willow), Magnolia conspicua ("White Chinese Magnolia), Flowering cherry tree. 2. Gvow"^ oiivQQs oi moderate groioth, floxoering in summer, -(Esculus rubicunda (Red-flowering Horse Chestnut), Robinia pseud-acacia (Flowering Locust), Castanea Americana (Sweet Chestnut), Cerasus seratina (Choke Cherry), Catalpa Tree, Pyrus Aucuparia (Mountain Ash), Cephalanthus occidentalis, Cornus mascula (Cornelian Cherry), Cornus Florida (Virginian Dogwood), Magnolia tripetela, Pawlonia im- perialis (Emperor Tree), Chionanthus Virginicus (White Fringe), Kol- renteria paniculata (Chinese Varnish Tree), Magnolia glauca (Swamp Laurel). 3. Group of Evergreens of a spiral character as a peculiar object of ap- proach from walk, and occasionally as single trees, such as Abies excelsa (Norway Spruce). 4. Group of i)i^Ja7/6Ks/iy ^rees to cover entrance of walk. Acer cam- pestre (Cork-bark Maple), Acer austriacum (Austrian Maple), Carpinus betnlus (Hornbeam), Ptelea trifoliata (Trefoil Tree), Prunus mahaleb (Perfumed Cherry), Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo Shrub), Cornus (Dog- wood of many kinds), Euonymus (burning bush of many kinds), Rhamnus Caroliniensis (Carolina Buckthorn). 5. Group of strong growing forest trees. Acer pseudo platanus (the Sycamore or Great Maple), Platanus orientalis (Plane Tree), Lirioden- dron tulipifera (Tulip Tree), Linden, Sugar Maple, Tilia Americana (American Linden), Ulmus Americana (American Elm). 6. Group of Evergreens with large bushy heads. Austrian and Scotch Pine, principally. 7. Single tree of Gymnocladus Canadensis (Kentucky Coffee Tree). 8. Single tree of the great Himalayan Pine (Pinus excelsa). 9. Group of Taxodium Distichum (Deciduous Cypress), having a peculiarly graceful upright growth. 10. Group of trees with hrilliant colored leaves at the fall of the year. Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak), Acer saccharinum (Sugar Maple), Acer platanoides (Norway Maple, Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Carpinus Americana (Water Beech), Lyriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree), Ameri- can White Ash, Sassafras, Nyssa sylvatica (Gum), Liquidambar (Sweet Gum), American Dogwood. 11. G\'o\\\i 0^ Pinus Strohus (Weymouth or White Pines.) 12. Single tree of the Cedrus Libani {Cedav of Lebanon), to be placed where it will not be crowded upon by other trees. Fine dark green with horizontal boughs. » 13. Group of trees retaining their leaves till late in the fall in contrast to group 10. Acer campestre, Acer Austriacum, Acer uegundo, Alnus glutinosa (European Alder), Fraxinus excelsa (European Ash), Quercus robur (British Oak), Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak), Quercus phellos (Wil- low Oak). — 14. Group of the different kinds of Betula (Birch). 15. Gron]) of Evergreen trees. The Abies Canadensis (Hemlock Spruce Fir), in the middle, with round headed pines around them. 16. Group of ifagrno/e'as. Many varieties and having peculiarly strik- ing features. 24 17. Group of all the hinds of hardy oaJc, twenty varieties. 18. Group of Larix Europoea (European Larch). 19. Group of trees remarkable for their colored folmgein spring. Varie- gated Sycamore, variegated Oak, Purple Beech, Purple Hazel, variegated Ash, Colchican Maple, Buffalo Berry (Shepperdea argentea), Hippophoea Rahmnoides (Sea Buckthorn). 20. Group of Beech. Also in single trees, especially the English. 21. English Silver Fir, Picea pectenata, as a single tree, very fine. 22. Group of Shrubs flowering in spring and summer. Laburnum, Colutea arborescens (Yellow-bladder Senna), Crataegus (Thorns), Magno- lia purpurea, Philadeljihus caronarius( Fragrant Syringe), Rhus cotinus (Purple fringe tree), Syringo vulgaris (Lilac), Viburnum opulus (Guelder rose), Calycanthus floridus (Sweet-scented shrub), Cydonia japonica (Scarlet Japan Quince), Pyrus Japonica, Lonicera tartarica (Tree Honey- suckle), Spireas, Robinia hispida (Rose Acacia), AVeigelia, &c. 23. Group of trees to produce at the same time, contrasts in height, form, color and foliage. Fraxinus excelsior (European Ash), Populus dilitata (Lombardy Popular), Larix Europea (European Larch), Abele (Silver leaved Aspen), Purple Beech, Golden barked Ash, TJlmus montana (Scotch Elm), Deciduous Cypress, Fagus Americana (American Beech), Liquidambar, Pavia rubra (Buckeye) Norway Maple, Red Maple, Moun- tain Ash, Sassafras, Hickory, "White Birch, Betula lenta (Black Birch,) Hemlock, Norway Spruce Fir, Balm of Gilead. 24. Group of trees with peculiar shaped leaves. Curled leaved Maple, cut-leaved Alder, cut-leaved Birch, cut-leaved Beech, entire leaved Ash, Aralia, Ginko tree, Hawthorn, Ring-leaved Willow, &c. APPENDIX No 2. Estimate, of cost of extension of ground and of ornamental Structure. DOCKING. 1,100 perches of heavy foundation stone, @ $1, - - $1,100 00 - ■ ■' " " "... 1,100 00 il, 700 00 Layinj^ 700 feet of coping, i Additional length of Avenue, Filling behind docking 19,400 yards, and raising the ground be- tween Landing avenue and the river, 26,666 yards, mak- ing a total of 46,066 yards, (a) 20 cents, ... Renovation and improvement of mansion, . . . Small house on Sedgeley property, and house near the old ter- raced garden, will require on each S750, - . , If bridge over Girard Avenue is made of iron, add - $2,000 Bridge over mill canal. ..... 2,500 Two foot bridges @ $300 each, .... 600 Eight rustic summer houses, (^ $125 each, - - - . Four more elaborate " 250 .... Six drinking fountains, Fountain, Entrances and gate houses additional, . . . . $2,900 00 $3,291 00 9,313 00 4,500 00 1,500 00 Ten per cent, for contingencies, Superintendence, 5 per cent. Total, - • 5,100 00 1,000 00 1,000 00 600 00 2,000 00 3,250 00 $34,354 00 3,435 00 S37,789 00 1,889 00 . $39,678 00 I IBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 314 354 5