Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-05-11
The Public Gardener,

The Public Gardener.
 Although MT. Downing designed ex- tensive improvements, :" continued Colonel Wilson, his death prevented him from executing them. Under his direction, how ever, Lafayette square, opposite the White House, and about which are located the most historic group of houses in the city, was planted with 50 different species of trees and shrubs. The Smithsonian grounds were partly beautificd, extensive plans were formulated and minor i'm provcnents of other parks projected which were subsequently, partly adopted. But the improved reservations, as they exist at present, have been mainly created under the direction of tho chief of engineers, U. $. A, upon whom the responsibility was later dcvolved. The officers especially de- tailed to execute the plans of improvement have usually been earnest, able, efficient and enthusiastic and have received great assistance from Mir. George H. Brown, the public gardener, whose taste, skill, inteli- gcncc and untiring industry have been freely and promptly devoted to this bcau- tiful work"
 Has the work upon the parks been steadily continued since its inception by Mir. Downing:" was asked.
 No it has not" Colonel Wilson an- sWCrcd. There was a large periOd-from 1o52, the date of Mir. Downing's death to 1S67-in which no improvements of any importance were made, except on the grounds of the agricultural department, and since the latter date the work has been done under irregular and limited appropriations, which prevented continu- oUs execution of the plans"
 All Frec to the Public.
 The largest park in the city is that in which Washington monument stands and known as the Washington monument grounds. It contains 7S acres. It is mostly given to lawn, there being comparatively but few trees. This is the ''common'' of the capital, portion of it being set aside by act of congress approved Aug. 30, 1890, for a childrCn's playground. Colonel Will son is immensely proud of the fact that none of the old jokes respecting the sign Keep of the grass applies to the territory under his charge. When he was given su- pervisiOn of the public reservations in MT. Cleveland's first administration, he began to remove all the fences, chains and other barriers which served to keep these pleas urc places from access by the people at any point, and with them went the signs. All the parks and all parts of the parks arc open to the public. And it is but just to them to say that they have vindicated the wisdom of Colonel Wilson's cause in this regard by demonstrating that his conf dcnce in their judgment and careful ob- servance of the proprieties was not mis- placed.
 On the borders of the monument grounds are the United States fish commission breeding ponds, tho bureau of engraving and printing and the propagating gardens, including nursery and greenhouses. In these gardens and nursery, by the way, are %s,f ol, in the flower bods in tho parks, and many of the trees. Tho immense amount of this class of work done on the limited appro- priations made for the purpose of adorning and caring for the parks is shown by the figures for the past year. Nearly 500, 900 bedding plants, covering about 300 Yarie- ties, were propagated for spring planting in the parks S,132 plants, consisting of roses smilax, carnations, begonias, helio- trope, geraniums and pansies, and 20, 577 bulbs, consisting of hyacinths, fuchsias, lilies, tulips, narcissus and lilies of the valley, were planted for winter forcing and easy spring tloom; 47, 61O bulbs were pur- chased and planted; IS, 100 cuttings of towering shrubs were set out in beds; about 300 trees and shrubs were lifted and used in the ornamentation of the parks; 10, ,000 tuberoscs and :, 900 carnations were set out, and 40, GOO bulbs brought in from parks were planted to ripen for next season.
 Just north of the monument grounds is what was originally known officially as ''The Presidents Parade, but, since the national encampmcnt of the G. A. R. in 1892, as Grand Army place, by designa- tion of the District commissioners. This Is a beautiful oval level, comprising several acres, upon which the District militia occa- sionally assemblies for dress parade and the High School cadets do their regimental drills. It is the one spot in the capital left today suitable for the proper performance of tho evolutions of military troop or other large body of men, and now it is in danger of defacement. Within tho past few months society," has taken to semi weekly drives on the ellipse surrounding the oval These occasions attract the fashionable, swagger set, chiefly composed of the diplomatic representatives of for eign governments at this capital and the newly rich who come here to spend their money. They have concluded, it is report ed, that their convenience and enjoyment demand the erection of pagoda in the cen ter of the lot, where band may be sta tioned during their drives, and of cafe on one side, where they may find refreshment to sustain them throughout the ordeal. The issue of this proposed incursion upon one of the most beautiful spots in the cap ital will be watched for with interest.
 Notable Parks.
 Smithsonian Institution park, the old est in the city, comprises an area of 53 acres and contains the institution proper, the National museum and the Army Med ical museum, where it is popularly sup- posed the skeleton of Quiteau. the murs