Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-12-02
OF THE CAPTTOE
GROUNDS.

outline OF the General PIan-Arch-
ways, Drives, shrubs, Parks, Flow
crs, etc., to AdOrn Capitol Hill
Designs OF the inspectors. Tfr'f
For several years past much has been
said on the subject of improving the
grounds around the Capitol, which have
long presented rough and unsighty ap-
pesrance. The last Legislature, however,
passed bill providing for the commence
ment of the work, under the direction Of
the Inspectors of the Penitentiary, who be-
gan operations some time since, the pro-
gress of which We have frequently noted.
We propose now, however, for the bene-
fit of all who may be interested in the mat
ter, and it certainly is one IN which all Ten
nesseeans should be interested, to state the
general outlines of the plan for improving
and ornamenting the grounds on an ex-
tended scale.
And first we may remark that the Legis-
lature authorizing such improvement places
this work under the direction of the Iu-
spectors of the Penitentiary, and under the
immediate supervision of the superinde3d-
emit of the mechanical department Mr.. J.
E. Bowmaz the amount expended not 90
exceed twenty thousand dollars annually.
The general features of the plan Of iIu-
provement decided on by the Inspectors
of the Penitentiary We understand to be
as follows:
A substantial stone fence, built of the
same material of which the capitol is COM
posed, will surround the entire ground
forming as near as may be perfect square,
having the four sides parallel with the four
faces of the building Upon this wall viii
be placed substantial yet ornamental iron
fence, and within this enclosure there is
to be constructed grand circular drive,
or carriage way. The ground, from Cedar,
Park, Vine and Gay streets, owing to the
sudden decliyity, will not be regularly
graded, but will be formed into terraces.
Ii is thought that at least two of these ter
races will be necessary. Upon each Of the
four sides there will DO a private entrance
or footway, while upon one side, the selec-
ton of which Will be left to the architect,
a magnificent grand entrance Of masonry
or ornamental iron work will be built, with
probably an ornamental archway.
The enclosed grounds will be identified
10y tasteful arbors, walks, drives, parks and
fountains, while every tree, plant and shrub
indigenous TO Tennessee will be planted IN
ornamental designs will add TO the beauy
Of the work, the last to be composed Of
every metal, mineral and stone of whatever
kind to be found in the State Thus, the
stranger visiting the capitol can find upon
the grounds a representation of the floral
and mineral wealth Of Tennessee. In
order that these trees and shrubs may have
firm root, g large amount OF blasting VIII
be done, aud considerable time Will lie
necessary to complete the work. The
whole plan will be carried out in accord
ance with the latest improvements made IN
architectural science, and the work, we
trust. will be performed in such manner
as TO be not only credit to the State, but
an object Of interest 70 all who may visit
the capitol The terraces above men
toned will be supported 10y nicely cnt
stone, and the walks will be of fine gravel
laid in cement, with drains on each side OF
tara o0ttd pipe.
Mr.. Bowman, the gentleman spoken ol
above, now gives the matter HIS personal
supervision, and is In attendance at the
grounds nearly every day. The force Of
convicis employed will soon be increased,
and the work will progress rapidly II The
Legislature shall provide by appropriation
the necessary funds: otherwise, as we have
good authority for stating, the inspectors
will be obliged to withdraw tier oOnvlcts
and employ their labor on more remu.
nerative field, rs the penitentiary must
necessarily be selt-sustalnlpg.