New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-22
RESERVOIR SOT1RE.

the Garhelu party TINS tall.
RESERVOIR SQUIRE.
Commissioner Thompson reports that prepa-
rations for removing the Forty-se Street
Reservoir are already far advanced, and it is
pertinent to inquire what the city is to have in
the place of it, Unless cogent reasons can be
adduccd for covering up the ground with some
other structure it will lS,turally be utilized for
park purposes, and if SO the question still re-
mains, How shall it be treated 1t should be
noted an encouraging fact that the city is
growing more jealous of any encroachments
upon its open breathing spaces. There was a
time when every unoccupied square was con-
sidercd waste ground which should be dug I'D
to furnish foundation room for a freight depot
or something of the sort but nowadays there
is a prevalent conviction that foliage and YER
dure can be quite useful ~ piles of brick or
stone. But although the trees and grass in the
square west OF the reservoir may serve an ex-
cellcnt sanitary purpose, the extension of this
same monotony OF white naples to Fifth ave-
would be an impotent conclusion of the matter
There Is no excuse for the existence of an I'M
slightly square. Indeed, there il no reason why
any park, even the smallest, should fail of be-
ing picture with definite purpose, harmo-
NOUS, complete and satisfying. Decorative
planting Is no less branch OF fine ar aan
architecture, and community which makes
any pretence of meeting the demands of edu-
Gated taste in the construction OF it's public
buildings should manifest n consistency of 1e-
hnencnt in the careful d. sign and maintenance
of its public squares.
The restraints of an area 400 feet square for
bid any effort at broad landscape effects, but
the space occupied by the reservoir would fur
nish opportunities not 20 be despsed by a true
artist and which would be worthy of his most
CONSCIENTIOUS study. A competent designer
would not aim to give reduced copy of some
larger work and furnish a Central Park in
miniature. Nor would he repeat what has al
ready been done even if he could reproduce one
OF the elaborate minor parks of Paris in which
every detail is n study Even if the demands
OF climate were not impcrous, limiting the
area In which every tree and shrub and plant
Will flourish, locality, aspect, surroundings and
intention will always combine to furnish new
conditions Tor every contemplated work. so that
imitation means failure and the highest success
can only follow the exercise of genuine creative
faculty. But in addition to the keen intclli-
genco which discovers and appreciates all the
elements essential to the best landscape picturo
under given restrictions and in addition 70 tho
creative genius which constructs the picture in
imagination, the most successful designer must
have IL familiar acquaintance with the material
to be employed In order to have all the re-
sources OF his art at command he must know
trees and shrubs, their form, habit, color and
expression. He must know what trees to select
TO grow into given sky line. He must know
whether given variety is characterized by
rude strength or stateliness or delicate refine
ment lie must know the tint and texture OF
Its foliage and how its leaf masses break into
shadows. He must know how to group differ
emit varieties in order to produce dcfinite mar
monies and contrasts of color both when the
tender markings of tho early year are ON the
leaves and when they kindle into the brilliant
hues of autumn. In short he must be familiar
with every aspect and expression Mt eyorv
season OF every tree and shrub with q constitu
ton to endure our climate.
Now Epaminondas Smith, or any other artist
who should happen to be evolved out of one of
the weekly wrangles of the Park Board. would
not be likely to make the most of the oppor-
tunity presented at Forty second-st. Connie
tent planters are not plentiful because there
has been no such general appreciation of their
art as to create IA demand for tho best profess
slonal service In this direction. Architects of
tile hrst rank are none too numerous, but a
gentleman may find dozen whom he can trust
10 design ana construct house for him to live
ih' ana hardly man who has the taste and
training to plan and plant the grounds about if
effectively. But the great parks in our cities
well-kept cemeteries and the growing number
OF fine places scattered throughout the country
prove that cultivated talent can be secured
when sought for. The planting of Grace
Church yard bears witness to the thousands
who pass 1t every day that few square rods
beside the city's great thoroughfare can be
transformed INTO marvel of quiet beauty.
Reservoir Square, being set apart for an entirely
different use, will need different treatment
But If the design is inspired by the same dis
tinct and Intelligent purpose, if this purpose is
adhered to with the same conscientious rigor
with no wavering or hating, and if there is the
same sef-restraint in the execution of the nlop
every detail being held subordinate to the zen.
erai scheme. and every temptation to sensational