The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-08-05

animals and men can be readily made. The
flowers and plants used in bringing out these
effects are chiefly the echeveria, the alter
nanthera, the sedum, the lObelia the mesem-
bryanthemum, the bryanthcmum the eordefo-
hGm. the yellow chickweed and various speeies
Of cactus. These are principally used in the
main structure Of the designs while tho
finishing and OrnamcntatiOn are brought about
by all those species of flowers whose cOlOrs are
various and whose growth is limited. The ma
jority of these flowers and plants are abundant
In parts Of California, in many places growing
wild. Some Of them are very rare and indi-
gen0uS TO this State. and bring many heart
ache TO bOtanists in other parts Of the world
With these flowers and plants at his disposal
the experienced landscape and garden artist
can at short notice transform an otherwise
barren-looking lawn or garden into thing Of
beauty. The landscape decorations Of this order
are extensive at the park and cover a goOdly
area OF the more cultivated portions.
In their regular order the decorations and
illustrated floral subjects begin in the neigh
bOrhOOd Of the Garfield Monument. That statne
stands upon an eminence which commands one
of the best all-round views of the park Sur
rounding the statue is a wide stretch of lawn
which slopes down to the main roadway Sew
eral by-paths lead up to the monument, which
divide the lawn into four sections. whose YER
dant sides may be seen at great distance.
On the section Of ne lawn fronting the main
roadway the largest and most elaborate floral
landscape design is to be seen. It is devoted
TO an illustration Of the official badge Of the
Grand Army Of the Republic. The design is
80 feet long by Is feet wide. Above the badge
are the words, written in bright cOlOred letters
Welcome" and below in q semi circle Of green
the words, 81 To The Grand Army Encampmenk"
Between these two floral inscriptions is the
badge of the Grand Army Of the Republic
The badge, with the eagle holding the shield
and the National eOlOrs, are brought out with
good effect The eolors of the plants and aow-
ers used make the badge almost a fac smile OF
those that may be seen on the breasts of the
members of the Grand Army Of the Republic
There is no detail in the structure and eompo-
sition of the badge, with all its many lines and
curves, that Is not to be seen in its floral cOun-
terpart at the park. The design is a triumph
of floral landscape decoration. and shows the
possibilities within reach of the artistic gar
dener...
On the other sections Of the lawn surround
ing the Garfield Monument are smaller badges
OF the Grand Army of tho Republic and largo
Maltese crosses. The combination of designs
on the various sections Of the lawn give beau
tiful effect TO the scene in the immediate vicin-
ity of the Garfield Monument. On a small
hillside near the path leading to the cOnserva-
tory Is the design of g life-sze horse which is
designated " Kit Carson" The head is repre-
sented very eleverly as are also the legs and
tail, By means OF the c0lored flowers.
The first decoration of the long series that
runs around the hillside is a representation Of
the American flag The design is about Is feet
long and seven feet wide. The red and white
stripes, the blue color as the background for
tbestars representing the States, are all brought
out, and one looking at the dag at a distance
would suppose that it was a genuine banner
lying on the ground.
The next design in order is the representa-
tOn of two crossed battle axes intersected by
spear, which is dedicated to the army corps,
the words being written underneath in a semi
circle of velvet green.
Following the last design is the representa-
ton of Maltese cross, of large dimensions,
the many parts Of which are handsomely
represented. This is dedicated to Gen. Han
cock.
The next decoration in order is the design
of an immense sword and shield under which
is written the name Of Gen. Phil sheridan.
Succeeding the last design is q representa-
ton of large fve-eOrnered star of blue and
gold, which is dedicated to Wilson's cavalry.
The misunderstanding crescents, shells, Mall
tese crosses, all the embems of war and milf
tary symbols-follow each other in succession
down the hillside toward the music stand,
which is used on Sundays for concert purposes
The decorations are numbered from 1 TO 40,
for the purpose of cataOgiug
On the other side of the Enclosure the main
portion of the hillside is devoted to flowers and
colored plants, only the general effect Of har-
mOny being desired Below the flower beds
there is one long design of scoll0ps, ringlets
circles and Semi-circles, consisting principally
of hght-green eolors ON dark background.
The effect is one of great beauty. All the va
riOus floral decorations are now at their best,
as the flowers and plants have reached the
limit Of their development.