, 1922-08-10
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that required for roads is required. 1t has north,
south, east, and west slopes. and the level area
between the hill and Hickey Road would work
out well for greenhouses and herbaceous gardens
while the other areas would be ideal for shrub
and small fowering-tree arboretum uses. especial
ly as the northern and southeastern slopes of the
nil form two amphitheaters which would display
such exhibits on ii large scale. An examination
OF the soil has been made by the Department
OF Agriculture. Briefly summarized. the investiga-
ton by that department Indicates that 1t will be
possible to grow plants of even the most exacting
soil requirements, the diverse types of soil afford
ing almost every variation which can be secured
In this section of the country. According to this
report practically any plant which can thrive in
this climate can be grown in this area.
The whole area contains about 4S3 acres.
About So acres of it is to be acquired for the Ana
costa Park reclamation. so that only about 400
acres need to be considered for purchase In con-
nection with this project. 1t is on the main high
way line between Baltimore and Washington.
The Lincoln Highway, with little difficulty. could
be brought along the shores of the Anacostia
Park and thence by way of Maryland avenue to
the Capitol Building. affording an entrance TO
Washington of unequaled beauty. As to accessi-
bility, there is already an electric car line along
the Bladensburg Road, and the railroads are close
by.
For extension of the gardens the Anacostla
Park is available. That portion of the park be-
tween the Pennsylvania Railroad and Bennlng
Bridge contains about 563 acres. lowland and wa
ter, thus furnishing ample opportunity for ex-
pansion on land not subject to overflow for low
land and fresh-water exhibits.
If in the future there should be added TO this
area that portion of the Anacostia Park between
Benning Bridge and the PENNSYLVANIA Bridge.
there would be an addition of another 39S acres,
including land and water, which could be used
in connection with the proposed garden. This ex-
tension into the Anacostia Water Park would af-
ford unlimited opportunity for beautiful aquatic
gardens, with all the possibilities this Implies.
Ii will thus be seen that by exrcnsior into the
Anacostia Park this undertaking that has been
begun purely as a necessary sanitary measure can
be made to SO serve the Nation doubly. thus pay
ing large dividends on the capital invested. At
the assessors valuation. according to the latest
available data. the cost OF the 400 acres in this
tract would amount to $22l ,46S. which Is ut the
rate Of S5536T per acre.
In point Of physical availability. excellence Of
exposure, accessibility. distribution of essential
parts. and capacity for enlargement without In
crease of cost after the initial purchase the Mount
Hamilton location stands ont preemlnent among
all the sites thnt have been examined. Here both
the Botanic Garden and the Congress propagating
gardens can be adequately accommodated.
The Mount Hamilton tract. ty reason OF lts loca.
ton and topography. has been In the
plans for the development of the city as desirable
In any event for park purposes and ultimately
should be acquired. II affords Yistas over the
city comparable with those from the famous Pin.
clan Hin over the city of Rome. Should Congress
decide to retain the Congress gardens In the
vicinity of the Capitol. the Botanic Garden and
nrboretum ought in any case to be established ut
Mount Hamilton.
The Commission OF Fine Arts recommends:
First. that the Mount Hamilton tract be acquired
for a national botanic garden and arboretum. by
purchasing 100 acres Of land. at least 500 acres OF
Goyenment-owned lands will be made available.
Also a park entrance to the city from the north
win be provided.
Second. that the public features Of the present
Botnnic Garden be transferred from the west side
ready owned by the Government. Also that the
propngnting gardens be accommodated temporarily
ON the James Creek Canal spaces owned by the
Government. which spaces are Of double the ex.
tent OF the area now In use. Ultimately those
features should become part Of the new botanic
garden.