The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-09-02
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The City Beautifni.

EditQf TnG AQVefIiSers .. arance to their utility, but between the lines could also be read the word beauty. Now that there seems to be 8 general desire that Montgomery should utilize her natural advantages and be- come a beautiful city. we hope we may be excused for writing under the above headlines.
 Whatever may be written is not in- tended as unfriendly criticism, but merely to continue to agitate the sub feet, hoping to foster and encourage Ia public spirit, which will eventually obtain the cooperation of all for the general welfare and beauty of our
 Considering the 1910 movement, the town should present the best appear ance possible, consistent with its rev enue. Some things can be done which will produce great effects without much cost.
 When streets have been paved, in nearly. every instance; the strip of ground between the sidewalk and curb ing has been left in an ungraded, rough condition. Some owners of adjoining property have graded and cared for this strip, while others have not, the gem eral effect being thereby greatly marred. There is 8 question in the minds of many as to who should care for this strip, the city or the people. Both have legal rights and obligations involved, but without discussing these, ws think the city should at least grade this strip upon every improved street, and that the people should then take care of 1t, because it Is practically an extension of their own grounds. The grading costs least If done as soon as the paving of the sidewalk Is com pIeted. To defer 1t is to increase the cost. At present, in many places, the sod should be taken up. the surface graded, and the sod replaced. Nearly every improved street in this city has been left in an unfinished condition. The strip in question mas generally the people, and only a portion have as- sumed the responsibility.
 Whenever sidewalks are paved. the storm water sewers should be con ducted beneath so as to prevent the strip in question being washed and losing soil by frequent rains. At pres ent this strip is often greatly damp sidewalks and then tear them up to lay storm water drains is not the prop CT order of work
 To be attractive, the strip should be covered with grass. Frequently 1t Is found to be so shaded as to prevent the growth of grass Under such con- ditions, some trees should be removed or trimmed, Only when not crowded does a tree attain beauty and sym metry for then it reaches out for sun light and air in all directions. The small leaf elm Is usually considered the best tree for street purposes. It edS1lX RTOWS IO nIty lGSl III QtdLkGlGF of foliage. Therefore, it requires this space in order to acquire its natural grace and beauty. few handsome trees are better than a tumble of foli- age covering the same ground. Shade is grateful to the weary senses, but 1t is quite possible to have too much of it. An excess of trees obstructs the breeze, retains dampness, harbors mos uuitoes and prevents the purifying and health giving power of sunshine. Dog wood and other small Towering trees would adorn street if alternated with large trees.
 It is a waste of money and time to plant trees later than January. Un- less carefully nursed, they die. They should be planted in November and De- cember and by an experienced hand. and fertilized, and if set out during the above months the earth has time to settle close to the fine rots and thAn in the spring, when the sap rises, the tree easily draws It's nourishment.
 In some places the strip under dis cussion is covered with weeds The only way to get rid of them is to re- move them every year. It is best to the ground being soft, they yield read fly and you avoid the stubble, which is always left by hoe or scythe.
 When necessary the soil should be sufficiently fertilized to make the grass grow. But if fertliized too highly, the grass becomes so luxuriant as to re- quire constant moving.
 In some cities, settees and modern swings are placed upon the edge Of the sidewalk where sufficiently broad, thus obtaining fresh air. delight for children and a relief to adults in the home. No city affords better opportun- ity for such pleasure than our own, and some have already taken advantage of it.
 Throughout the. entire city. every im- proved street should be carefully in spected, and wherever necessary the strip of ground in question should be graded and sodded, or sprigged. with grass, and the storm water sewer han dled so as to prevent any damage in the future. Otherwise, although a street has been improved at great ex- pense, nevertheless 1t will always pre- sent an unfinished appearance. The cost Is not much. Let the people and the city cooperate, and make ready for the State Fair and the movement for 1910. F. w. Jackson.