Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-29
SETS OCCIDENTALIS
BLACKBERRY
NORTH AMERICA.

II observe. however. that these notices
do not appear in all Of the parks in Wash
tngton. They are to be found quite gen
orally distributed In Lafayette square.
which consider one OF the most beautiful
and wsll-laid out small parks that I have
seen in my travels In the various cities OF
the world. There are great many rare
ana fne trees and shrubs in this park. The
trouble with most small parks In cities is
that there is insufficient variety OF foliage
and shrub.
1.-The border OF old and gigantic elms
around Lafayette square constitutes ono Of
the finest rectangulars Of these majestic
trees that have ever seen. New Haven Is
celebrated for her beautiful elm-hned
streets. and the park or common 10 planted
with this variety OF tree In the center OF
the town, and upon which Yale College
faces, but doubt II this famous old COL
lege town can show many finer specimens
than may be seen on the borders OF La
fayette Square in Washington. though they
are there in much greater number.
II understand that one Of the most
gigantic and finest specimens had to give
way to the Lafayette statue at the south
east corner OF the park. While this his
toric statue is OF course q very fine one.
nevertheless the destruction OF these splen-
did specimens OF trees. which encompass
nearly q century in growth, should always
be viewed In general terms with disfavor
in cities. It is simply impossible to replace
them but it Is not impossible to find suit
able sites for statues which do rot entail
the destruction OF the hand1work OF nature
for a century. Consequently. should the
question again be raised in the capital. and
1t is proposed to destroy moro OF its IT.
replaceable beautiful tree specimens. public
disapproval should be made manifest ana
the statue to be erected placed upon some
other site.
I'm this connection I notice that the
little blue signs have not been placed uni
formly upon the trees in Franklin SQUARE;
which 1 consider the most beautiful small
park In this city next to Lafayette square
It seems to me that these notices might
well be placed to advantage not only In
this park. but in all OF the parks ana me
| larger triangles and circles throughout the
entire city.
the information Is offered and the advan-
probable I have been informed that the
notices have been already ordered or pur-
chased by tho officer in charge OF the puo-
lie grounds in this city. OF course. 1t IS
notices correctly. and It can only be done
| by some expert in tree life. 1t seems TO
| me, however. that the distribution snouio
| not be delayed longer than is necessary. as
their convenience and usefulness Is ap-
parent and perhaps this will shortly be
| done, and when it is it will be an excellent
| piece Of work.
"of course the Capitol grounds are un-
| der separate and another jurisdiction IN
| this connection 1 note since my last visit
! here how greatly these beautiful grounds
| have been improved. The lawns have been
| smoothed, the trees trimmed, many OF the
| undesirable specimens removed and much
Of the underbrush and vagrant shrubbery
| which was formerly to be seen around the
| western and southern edges OF the
| grounds uprooted or tastefuliy trimmed
down. The small semi-circle at the base
4 Of the west marble steps. in the center OF
| which the fountain now gracefully plays.
| has also received the careful attention OF
| the gardener.
1 tho CQDitOl RrOunOS BLOW
| better and more careful care than was Wis
| ible some years ago. and the general enect
| of foliage and lawn is now very fine. also
| night that the electric lighting arrange
ments had been considerably extended
while other improvements OF q minor ma
| ture. but which are important In the ag-
gregate. have been made 10 he'sh'eh '"e
Lat of'