St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-02-06
ACCESSIBLE TO VISITORS.

In the first class 1 would arrange them
as follows: Proper regulations and police
protection to save what you now have and
whatever may be done in the way of plant
ing, etc.
Next, and first in the line of manual work.
is the cleaning of the ground by the
removal of dead trees, stumps and other
debris which now interfere with the new
growth which is starting. and is also q
source of danger from fires The standing
timber also needs inspecting, and oftentimes
a little intelligent surgical treatment will
start feeble and apparently dying tree into
vigorous growth again, iudicious thin
ming out will add much to the health and
appearance of the woodland.
| notice in many places numbers of small
Seeding pines are starting up, and have been
informed that many larger ones have been
cut as Christmas trees, so by protection
from trespassers and transplanting part Of
the seedlings from spots where they are now
too thick. it will not be long ere an ever
green forest will begin to cover the cliffs
again, and in their damp shades ferns and
MOSES again decorate the rocks.
At other points along the cliffs where soil
is hardly sufficient to support larger growth
and by the borders of the woodland may be
introduced native shrubs and small trees.
the red cedar, creeping juniper, mountain
maple moosewood, elder, sumach, dogwood,
etc. You also have in some portions OF the
park an abundance Of running vines. as the
clmatis the bitter-sweet, the wild grape
and the Virginia creeper; all Of these may
be easily propagated and transplanted, and
with the aid Of the native trailing plants,
as the pigeon-berry and bear-berry, soon
restore to the cliffs and rocks their original
verdure covered appearance.
The so-called wells and the rocky hill
sides in their immediate vicinity will first
REQUIRE to be cared for for here at present
will doubtless be the center of attraction for
visitors and foot paths must be arranged
with means for crossing the narrow ravineS,
ETC. Doubtless it will also be well to utfl-
ize one of the buildings now standing in the
,,ioin shelter in OF storms, with
package room. retiring rooms and other con-
veniences until such time as permanent build
ings for this pupose may be decided upon.
There should also be some portion OF the
ground set apart for picnic purposes.
A little labor will suffice TO put most OF the
interyale on the west bank below the Dalles
into a very presentable condition, and as an
area of quite open park lawn it Will be IN
striking contrast with its surroundings.
Below this intervale we come to the sand
stone cliffs, which are to my mind fully as
beautiful as the Dalles. though, of course, in
another and more cheerful way. very lit
tie labor will suffice to open up foot path
along the bottom of these cliffs to the south
erly limits of the park, an occasional foot
bridge or in some cases, better yet, step
ming stones enabling one to cross the little
streams which trickle down the side ravines,
and by removing the leaves and debris,
which, in many cases, choke the springs, the
charms of running water and tinkling cas-
cades will add to the pleasure of the walk.
l will say but little about the drives, for, as
the boundaries of the park are at present
established there can be but little demand
for any, and what are called for, should be so
located as to be as unobtrusive as possible.
AS to foot bridges, they should be as few
in number is consistent with proper &C
cess to different portions of the park; and
constructed in a manner as to make them
as unnoticeable as possible. consistent with
perfect safety; as to the materials for their
construction | should recommend the use,
where possible, Of those that lie close at
hand, in the way of the native rock and
timber, that they may harmonic with Sheir
surroundings.
1t may be found in opening up the portion
in Wisconsin that it is necessary to afford OPP
portunity for visitors on foot to pass across
the river in the Dalles, and for that purpose
to span the river with light suspension
or other bridge. but IL so, much study should
be spent upon its location and construction
that it may intrude on the view az little as