The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1882-11-12

oi'OAo WI OhO oiuO SiiupSto VI viz WhUcl
through the foliage, while on the other side
was produced the effect Of the native forest,
with cool, shady depths through which tho
sight could nowhere penetrate and which
afforded quiet sylvan retreat, a fit
approach TO the singularly picturesque Hud-
dlestone Bridge and It's neighboring glen.
The treatment OF the paintings on both sides
OF this walk was tho fruit OF long study, and
the graduation OF effects from tho more
formal and open treatment around the
buildings OF Mount st. Vincent, down and
around the slope Of the mount, becoming
more and more secluded until it reached the
wild and dark surroundings OF tho bridge,
was extremely happy, and the visitor was
almost unconsciously gratlfed with new
surprise at every turn OF the walk, being led,
as it were, step by step from tho open sum
shine above to the cool depths OF the narrow
vale below.
Along this walk at that part OF 1t about 800
to 500 yards northeasterly from the bridge,
Mr.. Superintendent JONES has entirely de-
stroyed this harmony. Over the space lying
between the walk and the drive, several acres
In extent, he has entirely cleared out
every vestige Of shrubbery, leaving the for
est trees standing on the slope. This gives
the effect that is so frequently seen at coun-
try villas in the neghborhood of the city,
smooth, well-kept lawn, dotted with forest
trees, and having drive winding along its
outskirts from tho gates to the mansion.
A few geometrical flower beds. an iron
stag, or stone vases set out in the place indi-
Gated in the Park would make tho resem-
blance complete. Such treatment and such
effects may be pretty and attractive
in their place, and 1t Is not surprising
that hundreds OF visitors to the Park
should commend this "work OF renovation"
just as hundreds Of persons might admire
good chrome, but would hardly fail to re-
mark its incongruity if placed in n gallery of
superb paintings. In this way has Mr..
JONES interjected his peaceful effect of lawn
and trees, with horses and carriages and
their occupants making up a bright show
beyond the belt OF trees. Viewed from the
drive, the idea Is suggested that the ground
has been cleared for the convenience OF q
resident, and that the next turn will bring
into view fine suburban mansion. From
the walk the effect is preposterously incon-
gruous; on the side toward the water the
aspect OF nature untrammellod, luXuriant
shrubbery and underbrush growing closely,
with CLEANS Of the lake at intervals; on the
other side the clean-shaven aspect of nature
subducd and trained to obedience, neat, pre-
else, and SNUG.
Mr. JONES has done these deeds out OF his
own head, Disgusting his purpose under
terms of general meaning in his commune
cations to the Board of Commissioners.
There have been many Superintendents in
the service of the Park Commissioners, but
none OF them has ever vcntured upon work
so radical in its character, and which was
aimed so fatally to destroy the design Of the
Park. Other Superintendent have waited
for orders, and have not arrogated to them
selves to annul the plan of the Park and
substitute plan Of treatment OF their own
Other Commissioners have been more vigil
liant In the performance OF their duty,
and have not allowed work OF such char
acter to be done until after consideration
by the Board and upon the fullest discus
sion Of the proposed changes. "Igno-
rance-complete blind ignorance"--of the
design Of the Parl, and of their duties In
respect to it may be the reason, but does not
furnish an excuse, for the feeble minded
neglect Of the Park Commissioners. The
errors and devastations of the Superintcnd-
ent during his year Of administration have
been pointed out and demonstrated against
often enough to justify the accusation that
the Commissioners are wlfully and defiantly
sustaining Mr.. JONES in his avowed hostility
to the leading motives in the design Of the
Park, and in his boastful claim that he is
prosecuting it with all the energy that cir
cumstanccs will allow"