Worcester morning daily spy. (Worcester, Mass.) 1888-1898, 1898-01-18
ELM PARK CHANGES.
Miss Lincoln's Strong Protest
Likely to Be Needed.
Chairman Hadwen In Signed Statement
Gives His Ideas Regarding the
Treatment Of Parks.

The letter Of Miss Frances M. Lincoln
published in the Spy few days ago. in
which she protests against the changes
going on in Elm Park, has aroused the
members of the parks commission, who
say they were unaware of the changes
which Commissioner Hadwen had UNI
dertaIzen to effect in that beautiful park
They are quoted as opposed to man
to the project to denude the islands OF
their woody growth in order to make
room for beds Of flowers, and win hold
a meeting this morning at which tho
policy of the board will be formally an
nounced. It Is said that when Mr. Lin
coin was chairman of the parks COM
mission he was allowed by mis- colleagues
to do as he pleased with Elm Park, but
no such wide discretion or authority has
been given his successor, MIR, Hadwen,
though he and Mr.. Hartshorn have
general charge OF Elm Park. At re-
cent meeting of the board it was voted
that the coors must be removed from
the park in the spring, but there seems
to be no objection with the board to the
deer which. occupy the triangle ON the
west side OF Park avenue.
Chairman Hadwen of the parks COM
mission expresses his views regarding
the treatment of public parks in the fol-
lowing signed statement:
'Public or private parks are places set
apart for recreation or repose, and laid
out and enlbellisaed by both natural
and artificial plantations of trees.
shrubs, plants and grass. The funda-
mental principles to be sought out and
adopted are to produce fine effects and
harmony to accord with the natural
contour Of the land. The essential ele-
ment is the landscape-its surface Of
hill and dale, its wooded parts and open
space or lawn, with its ornamental
water and islands. This combination OF
elements constitutes the basis which
should largely govern the artificial
planting to produce the most charming
effect. Each element in the scenery
should be natural and simple and not
conflicting; charming view should not
be obstructed or circumscribed but kept
open; some object should be encouraged
at every turn, and the unexpected
should add to the charm at every foot
step.
In actual practice, no two parks can
be treated alike. The difference Of the
layout should be In accord with the
different surroundings; the artistic de-
mands would differ in each locality.
Inc sense of quiet repose should be kept
m view, with the ornamental paintings
or trees and plants properly nassed and
arranged to produce harmony of color {
and growth, The CHIEF object is to pro-
duee the park with all the conveniences
that Will contribute the greatest means
OF enjoyment to the greatest number
me great number Of trees and plants
that are found to thrive here both in
algenous and exotic, form a fine collec-
Lon m wnen planted in rows or groups or
single trees all possessing distinct fea-
lures or beauty In form and foliage So
as to combine all the essential elements
auapted to a pleasing landscape.
T.. AN open feature in the central Dor
lion OF a park is important, where the
dinerent landscape features can he
viewed from central standpoint, each
differing in its harmony and blending
OK color. Open vistas, sgSirted by woody
growth either in close proximity or dis
tant, are refining influences In nary
features. The value a a park depende
mainly on the habits and beauty Of the
trees used in planting, and on the rela-
lion that trees form with other natural
OBJECTS. The older the trees grown in
ample space, the more stately their as
pect, and less newness and rawness are
TO be witnessed in the park than with
newer paintings Where groups Of
trees are closely planted for imme-
dlate effect, unless portion are re-
moved from time to time, they soon be-
come crowded or one-sided and mar
their symmetry and ahapeainess and
natural development, unless timely
thinning has been persevered in. Where
plantations Of trees have suffered from
neglect in proper thinning, their re-
moval and renewal seems the only rem
edy. Where plantations of trees are Is
or more years old, some win show
signs Of decay or die outright; then re-
moval Is the only resort Very few
trees in parks viii endure a century,
therefore annual planting has to be
pursued to furnish the missing link
sure to occur from the surrounding ele-
ments
"Often trees, after a term of years.
have proved unsulted to the soil or ex-
posure. Others are beautiful when
young, but after % or so years become
unsightly and unworthy as ornaments.
But the work involved in changing
trees should be accomplished so gradu-
ally as not to disturb the general er-
feet Of the parks. Every season brings
forth some new trees, both deciduous
and coniferous, which promise worthy
Of trial and form an interesting ac-
quisition TO the parks, and are appre-
eiated by ali who love trees; such
should have place in the parks for
trial o. 3. Hadwen-
-@~r-e WA