New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-17
URBAN Deficiencies.

1t must be generally acknowledged that what
ever may be thought Of the moral condition of
New-York the outward aspect of the city has
much improved during the last decade. Within
that period its architecture has been wonder
fully diversified, and though not always dis
creetly by any means, yet on the whole in
such manner as agreeably to relieve the mo-
nOtOny which so long prevailed and seemed
insuperable. Nevertheless New-York, which
its permanent inhabitants like to call and
multitude of other persons certainly appear to
consider the finest summer resort in the coun-
try, ought to be and easily might be made far
more attractive than it is. The benefcent con-
quests of the Japanese ivy are suggestive of
what nature is ready to do for the city with
only little assistance from man. That gener
Gus plant has already clothed miles of hot and
uncomely walls in delightful green and trans
formed the whole appearance of many street.
At little greater cost of money and trouble
than the ampelopsis requires to make it -four
ish the residence parts Of the city might be
beautifed and shaded by trees. The Tree Plant
ing Association. whose activities deserve hearty
commentator and support, has been the means
of accomplishing something in this direction.
and in the aggregate we suppose, a good deal,
both by imparting needed knowledge Of what
can be most hopefully attempted and by con-
tracing to do the practical work of tree plant
ing in the right way at a reasonable price. But
New-YOrk still produces the impression of a
treeless city, and we fear that it is destined to
do so for a long time to come. To effect a gen
eral change in this particular is undoubtedly a
task beset with some difficulties and discour-
agements, thanks in large measure TO the de-
lnquencies of the gas companies. but it IS as
suredly worth undertaking.
There is another obvious opportunity for i'm
prOvements of the general character
which has been strangely neglected. The
Odus from the city, which seems TO begin earlier
every spring and include more Of its residents
from year to year. nevertheless leaves some
millions to pass the summer more or less con-
tentedly in their own homes. and we suppose
that if there is a melancholy and depressing
sight on earth it is that which the vast ma
jority of them behold day after day from their
back windows. Here and there yard has been
converted into a grass plot. with shrubs and
vines and flowers around it's borders, and
have heard of very few cases in which a
single bit of such leaven had progressively
leavened a whole block But what a hideous
and dscreditable rule it is to which these GASES
are the rare exceptions! Here is a chance for
a transformation which, while 1t would
tribute nothing to the sghtliness and comfort
of our thOrOughfares. would greatly increase
the pleasure. or at least diminish the misery, of
existence in a multitude of homes. The aggre-
gate effect would be really immense, and the
cost to the individual would be trif1ing. Two
three dollars at the outset and subsequent out
lay not worth considering will make and main
tain for a householder who has a little time
and sense at his command. a COOL green in
closure behind his house where now his fence
shuts in an ugly and too often an unwholesOme
waste