The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-05-22

while we seek 20 OBTAIN symmetrical
forms to a certain degree we make it a
point to avoid as far as possible all stiff
ness and conventionality. That is why
in laying out circular bed we do not
adopt concentric circles of various hued
flowers, but rather arrange the belts of
blooms eccentrically, - and Mr.. Parsons
sketched in my notebook q figure or two
which / have reproduced here to illus
trate what he meant. The first figure
shows his idea of the treatment of a cir
cular bed planted with tulips and the
second one the arrangement of flowers
in segment of the big circle around
the Union square fountain, not located
in Central park, to be sure, but which re-
ceives a good deal of his attention and
in the season is one Of the most beauti-
full floral displays known. 1t will be
seen that, though the designs are made
according to we'll conceived plans, they
do not in any degree possess the abb
horred qualities of stiffness and formal
ity.
Water Plants.
Much attention is also given to the
maintenance of ponds and lakes and wa
ter plants. All of the latter that are ex-
tensively cultivated in Central park are
either lilies or 1otuses, lotuses largely
predominating. 1t was interesting to
me to know that while some American
varieties of the lotus are cultivated sue
cessfully and effectively here the true
oriental lotus is found to be best fitted
for the conditions that obtain in the
fountains and lakes of the park system
of New York. It was for a long time
supposed that this plant was of so ten
der a nature as to make it necessary to
house it during the cold months in this
latitude.
One winter, however, large number
of the eastern lotus plants growing in
small pond were forgotten. The next
year, greatly to the surprise of every
one, they grew with greater luxuriance
than ever. Every year since they have
increased in strength and number, and
it is more than likely that within two
or three years they will completely
choke the little lake at the bottom of
which they are rooted. It may not be
generally known that, although this va
riety of the lotus is undoubtedly iden-
teal with the plant held in such great
esteem by the ancient Egyptians, it is
now rarely seen in the land of the lower
Nile. 1t fiourishes best in India and
Japan.
The arbors of Central park have al
ways been an important and pleasing
feature of the place. The wistaria lends
itself admirably to the decoration of ar
bors, and Mr.. Parsons believes that the
purple lowered vine will this year be
seen to better advantage than ever be-
fore. He also expects unusual effect this
year in wild flowers, which, scattered
here and there upon the brilliant green
of the well kept turf, so delight the eyes
of visitors, whether New Workers or
From Of &c
probably by 1.-THE of those whose
sense of beauty and the fitness of things
is ministered to by the presence of
these modest blooms that they were not
planted by the hand of nature, but are
the result of Mr.. Parsons taste and pa
tlent labor. He has made specially of
larkspurs and the hardy, old fashioned
plants that our grandmothers loved so
well and called everlastings. These
thrive in stony soils, and Mr.. Parsons
has caused certain ridge of rock near
One Hundred and Third street to be al
most covered with them, the effect be-
ing very charming indeed. The mag
nifcent pathway that is so popular a
place of resort in the center of the park
and is known as the Mall will also be
more beautiful than ever the coming
summer. There will be more fountains,
every piece Of ironwork and woodwork
is being freshly painted, and there will
be greater profusion of roses in the
vases that line its spacious vistas than
ever before.
Ornamental Shrubs.
The selection and cultivation of orna-
mental trees and shrubs are an important
factor in the making and preservation of
the beauty of Central park, and Mr.. Par
sons has taken great pains to place here
and there such growths as bear ornamen-
tai fruit, like the mountain ash, divers
varieties of the sncwdrop, etc., and the
brilliant bobbed sumac. It is matter
of keen regret to him that the mountain
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