IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) !.0 I.I ■- ilM |50 '""^^ IlM 1^ 1^ IlM !: 1^ IIIIM 1.8 1.25 u 16 = — =^ ^ «• 6" ► Photographic Sciences Corporation m '^ # ^\ % V - *^ -t^ 33 WFST MAIK STREET i.\!"3STTiJ N.V 14580 (716) 1)72-4503 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques €^ Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, pui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui rieuvent exiger une modification dans la m^thode normale de filmage sont indiqu^s ci-dessous. Coloured covers/ iLJ Couverture de cou^eur I I Covers damaged/ D D Couverture endommagde Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pelliculde □ Cover title missing/ Leti tre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes g6ographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) D D n n y Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommag^es Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaur6es et/ou pelliculdes Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages ddcolor^es, tachetdes ou piqu6es Pages detached/ Pages d^tachees Showthrough/ Transparence I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ □ n Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relid avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge interieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais. lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 film^es. D D D D Quality of print varies/ Quality indgale de rimpressi<>n Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel supplementaire Only edition available/ Seuie Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 filmies & nouveau de facon A obtenir la meilleure image possible. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppldmentaires: Irregular pagination : [1]- 38, 381-384 p. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film^ au taux de reduction indiqud ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X SOX _y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Library of the Public Archives of Canada L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdue d la g6n6rosit6 de: La bibliothdque des Ar^. hives publiques du Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers ar^ filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compts tenu de la condition et de la nettet6 de Texemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimde sont film^s en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le c&s. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmds en commengant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END "), whichever applies Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — ^> signifie "A SUIVPE", le symbols y signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent ittre filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichd, il est filmd d partir de I'angle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images r§cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 4^ (r\ # ( . , PLANS FOX BEAUTIFYING NEW YORK, AND FOB ENLARGING AND IMPROVING THE CITY OF BOSTON. BEING, STUDIES TO ILLUSTRATE THE SCIENCE OF CITY BUILDING. BY ROBERT FLEMING GOURLAY. ■ -7 •"**V" " Go to, let u* build us a City." BOSTON: PUBLTSHRD BY CROCKER & BREWSTER, AND SAXTOM, PEIRCE, & CO. 1844. 1^' ^r. n '-> » V <- •>^ ^J j I f/A^. /," Z^"'^,^ \\ FOS BEAUTIFYING NEW YORK, AND FOB ENLARGING AND IMPROVING THE CITY OF BOSTON. BEING, STUDIES TO ILLUSTRATE THE SCIENCE OF CITY BUILDING. BY ROBERT FLEMING GOURLAY. ' Go to, let ui build us a City." BOSTON: publishp:d by crocker & brewstek, ANO SAXTON, PEIRCE, & CO. 1844. , ( ill i I V t I. Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the Year Eighteen Hundred and Forty- Two, By ROBERT FLEMING GOURLAY. In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. ADVERTISEMENT. Offering this little work to the public, I would have it known as a result of accidents. Detained at New York, 1834 and 1835, month after month, without object, I had to fix my thoughts on something, and it was at least Innocent to contemplate improvements of the city. Many plans were then conceived ; but one only produced — No. 1 — which is here exhibited. Similar circumstances, in Boston, this and the last year, led to projects of the same kind Last year, I handed about a small pamphlet caUing attention to the improve- ment of the Common, —a number of " The Neptunian," now included in this ; and, by and bye, was led to conceptions of vast importance, which I confidently trust may be gravely considered, and speedily acted on. But, the whole is subsidiary to higher objects still ; — and, in concert with the great purpose of my life, — bettering the condition of the laboring classes, which has brought me, twice, to this side of the Atlantic. At Edinburgh, 1829, the first number of a projected series on the subject of city-build- ing was published. That did not then proceed further, but the project was not, and is not abandoned. Should this pamphlet pay, I would republish that, and then a few num- bers more, sufficiently to illustrate my meaning, and have established a society for pro- moting the science of city-building, of infinite consequence to society at large, especially in regions yet to be settled. In this pamphlet, I have endeavored, chiefly, to make clear what is essential for Boston, at the present time ; and, flung out some hints which may lead to reflections, otherwise. At this crisis, the public are not prepared, patiently to give ear to any lengthened dissertation on a subject never before broached. Happy will it be should these hints stimulatesome one better qualified to proceed ; for, here, I have lite- rally " no continuing city " — and know less than any one, " what a day may bring forth." K. F. G. •an jlli If! ' ^ PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF NEW YORK. To His Honor, The Mayor. New York, July 15, 1835. Sir: — I am author of " Plans for improvement of Edinburgh," which were published at different times in Scotland, some years ago ; and one of which was dispatched from thence to Washington, with a suggestion, that " city building" might be reduced to a science, of incalculable value in new settlements, where thousands of citieR are yet to be founded. During a residence of eighteen months in this city, I have ob- served many parts which might have been better planned ; but, which, now, from value of property and entanglement of interests, cannot be easily, if ever, altered ; and, I have projected designs, in other quarters, which would admit, from their convenience, economy, and magnificence, of any requisite expenditure, in execution. — It would be vain, however, to particularize, till called on, and till the public are prepared to listen. When the water Report was approved, by vote of citizens, it seemed a fair opportunity to throw out a hint, as to a species of improvement wherein a supply of water was essential; and, I chose a spot for illustration, at once fully in the public eye, and where the interest of a wealthy individual was more immediately concerned. To him I addressed a letter, with a sketch ; and a copy being shown to many others, was highly approved of, by all. It was my intention, at an early day, to present one to the Board of Aldermen ; but, not being professional, I had to employ a Draughts- man, and he has delayed, till now, furnishing me with what accom- panies this letter. My proposal is, to cut off the narrow point of the Park ; and, where the gate now stands, to enclose a circular space with a Jet d'eau in the centre, and bason for the reception of the falling water, en- groved with shrubbery, and, a few weeping v/illows. The Croton water, by report, is to rise to seven feet above the highest roof in the city, which would nfTord a Jet of some 40 or 50 feet. — In hot weather, the view of tliis would be dehghtfully re- freshing, and the air, around, would be actually cooled by the project- ed stream. Indeed, were citizeun accustomed to such luxuries, they would desire to have fountains throughout, in every place adapted for them; — such as the Bowling green, Franklin square, Chatham square, &c., &c ; — nor would there be any waste of water, as that could be conducted to other useful ends; and, there is a purpose it might be applied to, of infinite importance, in rendering the city more healthy, wliich, if required, could be pointed out; and, which the water itself might regulate, on the beautiful principle, iu operation at Greenock, in Scotland. ( Planned by Mr. Thorn. ) By cutting off the point of the Park, great convenience would re- sult in the thoroughfare, to and from Barclay street, Beekman street, &c. Carriages setting down, and taking up company at the Theatre, Hotels, Chnrches, &c., would avoid confusion, by sweeping round the Fountain ; while the danger to foot passengers, at the crossings, would be greatly lessened. The Park, itself, would be improved, as the narrow point causes a huddle, and tends to lessen it, in appearance. The gate, too, is unsightly, and gives place to nuisance. The cost of exhibiting this improvement would be trifling, as a temporary Jet could be introduced ; and, when the Croton water was brought into the city, the public would be fully prepared to sustain it, and others of the kind. It is unnecessary to say more at present, as the accompanying drawing will make all sufficiently clear ; and, I have now only to beg that you will honor me by laying the same, with this letter, before the Board. Most respectfully yours, ROB. F. GOURLAY. !^i^ To IIlS HONOK, THE MaYOR. To be eommnnicated to the Board of Aldermen: — Astor House, (No. Ifti,) Nov. 21, 1842, .Sir — Last Friday, I cilled at the City Hall, to liand yoti a Plan for Improvement OF New- York, with a copy of a letter, submitted to the Board of Aldermen by the then Mayor, July, ISar). Its reception, by the Board, was announced in the Newspapers of the day ; but I left the city a few weeks after, and returned only last week. On coming to town, several of my friends congratulated me, on the completion of what 1 suggested, — The Fountains, — and I pr-^sume there will bo no question on that>core. Should I now be honored with notice, there is a subject of much greater importance to be spoken of; and, as to that, I left a packet, in care of Cornelius N. Lawrence, the day on which I departed for Ohio, of which I have still a copy. In Ohio, after the great fire^ I addressed His Honor, on the subject of rebuilding ; but, most likely, that ii destroyed ; though I retain a copy. Had 1 seen you on Friday, I meant to have requested a .search for my original Plan and description of the Fountains, and would still. Many individual! remember seeing it, as now copied out. Being in feeble health, I dar* not Tenture much out, in face of the cutting frost-wind ; but, would be much gratified with an acknowledgement of this, and an interview, should your engagement! admit, one of these three day« I still propose remaining in the Citjr. I. am, respectfully, yours, ROBERT F. GOURLAY. 6 Plans for the Improvement of New York, BY R F. G. — No. 1. ELEVATION OF THE FOUNTAIN BROAD- WAY .u, ifi NOTE. Boston, Aug. 16, 1844. Immkdiatilt after my letter, 1835, wivu the plan, was delivered at the City Hall, I left New York, for two weeka. Oa returning, a friend told me he had seen firm Newspapers, that the subject was under consideration of the Board of Aldermen, and advised me to call for compensation ; but, I said it would be soon enough, when Croton River was brought to the city. I forthwith set off for Ohio ; and, there, and in Canada, was detained, by ill health, years beyond expectation. When the great fire happened in New York, I conceived a grand project for rebuilding, on a plan of magnificence, convanienee, and safety from fire; surpassing all that ever had been. A letter, offering services, was despatched to the Mayor ; but, soon after, it appeared, that the hurry of individual pro- prietors, would frustrate this, and it was abandoned. (My letter was dated January 12, 1836 ; and, if it was laid before the Board of Aldermen, may yet be on the file.) Being at Avon Springe, for health, September 1842, T read an account of the opening of the Fountains, in the New York Herald, and wrote to the Editor, on the subject, but no notice of my letter appeared. Coming to New York, in November following, I copied out the above, and with a plan, handed it in, for perusal of the Mayor. The Clerk had just received these from me, when a person hurried to tell us that Colt had killed himself, and the prison was on fire. This changed the subject; and sure enough, on get- ling out of doors, I saw the blaze. Being then out of town three days, I had no opportunity of paying my personal respects ; but wrote to his Honor on the subject, (November 21,) and came off to New England: — where, till now, I have had no good opportunity to explain. The matter, however, stands on record, at the City Hall, as having been referred to a Committee. Contemplating many plans for the improvement of New York City, the Tery first that appeared most essential, was cutting off the sharp corner of the Park ; and, my design was, to place an equestrian statue of Washington in the centre of the cleared space : — which was set aside for the Fountain; when it appeared certain that Croton water would be introduced. I was informed, 1835, that, without the leave of Congress, the Park could not be lessened, or altered ; but, if so, that could readily be obtained ; and, I yet think, cutting off the corner by far the most essential improvement for the convenience of all, — to say nothing of bettering appearances. The Fountain, in the midst of a cleared space, would then be woU displayed ; and be a marked object, from every point ; besides, in my humble opinion, a simple jet would be in far better ta-te, than the fantastic forms, in wliich the water is now made to play. My chief object, in publishing my letter to the Mayor, with ray plan, is to draw attention to this subject, which appears highly important. The foun- tain, where it now is, produces little effect ; and in it ct, adds to the huddle of the ugly gate, and loathsome corner. My wood-cut has been poorly executed ; but, readers will have no difHculty ia conjuring up something better. PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF BOSTON. No. 1. To His Honor, the Mayor of Boston. Sir : Having resided in this city four months, and had much en- joyment, with improved health, walking in your glorious Common, I would now, about to depart, gladly leave behind a token of grati- tude and usefulness. The accompanying Testimonials show that I was once a Farmer: and, assured of this, you will be more disposed to listen to what follows : The Common, I understand, was once pastured with cows, and a friend tells me he used to have pleasure looking at them : neverthe- less, they were objected to, and excluded. I would substitute sheep, — ewes and lambs; bt t all exclaim against this. Sheep, they say, would never do : boys and dogs would chase them : they would run off: they would soil the paths, and bark the trees. No such thing. I would construct a movable fold, elevated six feet, with an inclined gangway, for entrance. The floor should be perforated for drainage of all moisture ; and hatches made I'or the ready discharge of dung. Near the Common is a depot for street-sweepings. Over these, I would place the fold, movable at pleasure, on rails, so that drop- pings would be mixed with these, as manure, economically. In England, I had five hundred ewes and upwards, with their lambs, which, from the middle of March till the second week of May, were fed on fifty-two acres of water-meadow, and folded on arable land pre- paring for a crop of barley. The sheep were let run from the fold towards 11 o'clock, and driven back from the meadow about 3. Eve- ning and morning they had hay in cribs ; but, of this, they ate little, — their principal food being the grass, on which they throve sur- prisingly. Hastening to the meadow, they dropt nothing ; and, re- turning, swelled like full blown bladders, they let little fall by the way, — the food in their stomachs being yet too crude for discharge. Thup, no filth was to be seen. Ewes and lambs let run twice a day on the Common, three hours each time, would need no hay. A man, with a dog, would manage ail, and protect them from annoyance. Citizens, both old and young, would admire the animals, and hold them sacred. Let out to pas- ture, hungry, Ihe sheep would not loiter on paths, to soil them ; and the few trees, yet of tender growth, could b". fenced in ; although, in fact, the flock, having abundant grass, would touch none of them. — Ewer, with lambs, could be purchased when required ; the lambs, when fit for the butcher, sold off gradually ; and so, afterwards, the n i 1! ■ 8 ewes, till the whole concern was closed with the season. Any American Farmer can calculate the profit : I would guess, at least a thousand dollars a year. Sometimes, in England, I have let my water-meadow, for spring feed, as it was called, from the middle of March till the second week of May, for £2 sterling per acre. The owner of the pasturing stock found hay, and I had the manure, to boot, from his sheep folded on ray land. — To the city of Boston profit i^ a secondary concern ; but, by pasturing only, can the Com- mon be most beautified. Look, at this moment, to the mowing sys- tem, and see how objectionable it is. No where is the mowing well done : in some places, as ill as possible ; and, in other places, the grass, run to seed and wirey, cannot be mowed. The hue of the verdure is not uniform, nor, so pleasant to the eye, as it may be, by pasturage. Under the mowing system, the gmss is- never fit for walking on ; — certainly not when wet with rain or dew • nor, thus treated, is the Common available for fetes and reviews. Let it be pastured with sheep, levelled where required, weeded, top dressed, «nd rolled, — I shall engage thai, in a few years, the surface may be trod on, at all times, with comfort; and rival, in appearance, the 'finest carpet. Having read this letter, may I beg of you to honor me by laying it before the Board of Aldermen. Most respectfully yours, ROB. F. GOURLAY. Marlboro' Hotel, June 15, 1843. i No. 2. Sir : Understanding that you laid before the Board of Aldermen, iTiy letter of June 15, I now beg you will do me like honor, by laying this, with the accompanying Map of a Pagoda and Flower Grarden, before the same. When summer set in, nothing seemed to me so unaccountable as the Common not being frequented by Ladies. By and by, it oc- curred, that want of proper resting-places caused this ; and seated, daily, on the eminence beyond the Big Tree, at once to rest and en- joy the delightful prospects — the stirring scenes on the railways, and beautiful country beyond — Roxbury, Brookline, Brighton, &c. &c., it struck me, that, a Pagoda erected on that spot, with a Flower Garden adjoining, and a Refectory, would supply every want. For some weeks I have been employed drawing, and submitting Plani to my friends. All pronounce the idea a happy one ; but some say it cannot be executed, because of an ancient charter, which forbids bu-lding on the Common. This, I hold at naught, as- sured that it never could be contemplated to bar out what would promote the chief end of the Common, — recreation and enjoyment to the citizens at large. Such objection might be urged against gates, fences, and fire-works. My plan would not be costly ; nay, I would ensure ten per cent, on any outlay of money, for any term of years. The first floor of the Pagoda, I would make free to all ; and exact 9 payment from those choosing to ascend the Pagoda, or walk in the Garden. People, with whom I have spoken on the subject, say that noth- ing, in Boston, would be so profitable ; and, that cash would readily be advanced to the City Authorities, for execution : certainly, noth- ing could contribute so much to health and happiness. Mounting the State House, or the Monument, thence to view scenery unrivalled on this continent, is toil — disagreeable toil ; and, at the top, there is no comfort. The Pagoda, having an easy stair, might be ascended, even by the old and infirm, — resting stage after stage, and, tempted on, by the growing glory around. At the *op, the view would be Uttle less extensive than from the State House or Monument: otherwise, it would be superior, — free from giddi- ness, and fringed below, on the foreground, with foliage. The Tel- escope, too, would be an attraction, to be used either for the survey of the earth, or the heavens. It has been hiuted, that, my being a Foreigner will militate against adopting the Plan. Surely not. Successors of the Pilgrims will ever keep in mind that they were Foreigners. Besides, were my history known, it would be allowed that no one has better claims to nursing in the Cradle of Liberty, — a martyr to freedom, since the year 1808. I have been detained here months beyond expectation ; but, the more am I attached to your famed city, and the more am I disposed to contribute my mite towards its improvement. Your obed't and very humble servant, Marlboro' Hotel, July 11, 1843. ROB. F. GOURLAY. No. 3. TO THE SAME. Sir : — It was not my intention again to trouble you ; but, the wretched appearance, — the "green and yellow melancholy" of the Common, at this time, urges me to write, and to say that it might be otherwise. In short, Sir, I would engage, as an Agkiculturist, that its verdure could be kept bright all summer ; and more, that you may have grass in Spring earlier, and, in Fall, later, — thus increas- ing the enjoyment of citizens — objects, surely, worthy of conside- ration. I came to Boston, solely to be at the nearest point, in the United States, for correspondence with my family in Scotland; and, same timCi to be in the line of communicating with Canada, where I have property and business. In Boston, I have had much satisfaction every way, and infinite pleasure, walking in the Common. To Bos- ton and its people, I have become attached ; and, confident that my suggestions may be made available for the improvement of the City, I hereby offer my services, to realize the same. First: — I will engage, by pasturage, to make the Common, in- stead of a bill of expense, profitable ; while the surface shall, at all times, be in the best condition for walking on. Second : — I will insure ten per cent, interest, on any money ju- diciously laid out on a Pagoda and Flower Garden, as planned by me. .H tf 10 Third : — I will engage to effect what is above set forth, as to the verdure. As I aiii to remain here till Saturday, the Authorities may, if they mcline, see and converse with me, on the whole matter : — and, mean time, you will honor me by laying this letter before the Board of Aldermen. Respectfully yours, Marlboro' Hotel, July 17, 1843. ROBERT F. GOURLAY. No. 4. To the President of the Common Council of Boston City : TO BE COMMUNICATED. Sir: — Probably all communications, laid before the Board of Aldermen, are submitted to the Council ; but, as I am little known here, and my letters, written at different times, might not be attend- ed to, in connection, I have thought it well, to write out the above copies, toQ^ether ; — begging you will, in this form, present them to the Council. It was my wish, also, to annex a corrected Plan; but feeble health forbids. I have the honor to be, sir, your obed't serv't. ROBERT F. GOURLAY. Marlbord Hotel, July 19, 1843. No. 6. City Halt, Boston, July 21, 1843. Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your several communications, in relation to the Common, in this city, which I have laid before the Committee on the Common, &c. I am direct- ed to inform you that the Committee do not consider themselves, or the City Government, authorized to place a building of any kind on the Common, — the citizens having especially reserved that power in their own hands. The Committee do not deem it expe- dient to keep sheep on the Common. Respectfully, your obedient servant, R. F. GouRLAY, Esq. M. BRIMMER, Mayor. It now appearing, that the Citizens at large have to determine ;— the whole, is respectfully submitted to their deliberate iudgmont. Marlboro' Hotel, July 21, 1843. ROBERT F. GOURLAY. NOTE This correspondence with the Mayor of Boston, &c., was published in No. 9 of The Neptunian, together with accounts of ray extraordinary case of sleeplessness, extracted from the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. This sleeplessness has now continued five years and eight months, with the exception of two hours. — It was coupled with the subject of " City-build- ing," as it had a considerable share in conjuring; up plans, and studying them. 11 TO THE CITIZENS OF BOSTON. Ladies and Gentlemen: Informed by His Honor the Mayor, that you " have reserved in your own hands the power to place a building on the Common," I have caused plates to be engraved for your better understanding my Plan of a Pagoda, &c. Permit me, therefore, to submit the same to your inspection ; and, if approved by the majority, it will be easy to decide, at next annual election, whether or no the work shall proceed. My offers to execute were made to arrest attention, as matter of business. If required, I would adhere ; — being certain that all could be done to profit ; but, I wish no job of the kind ; and many are better qualified, for execution, than I am. Before the question is settled, I shall be gone hence : but, shall ever bear in mind pleasing recollections of Boston, where I have had more enjoyment than I could have had any where this side the Atlantic, from general intelligence, moral discipline, and steady hab« its; — much more than I have experienced in any other city — Lon- don, Edinburgh, or New York ; — enjoyment, which has soothed me under cruel circumstances; and, which, will be continued, should I succeed in adding to yours. Meantime, accept the best wishes of, Your obedient and very humble servant, ROBEET F. GOURLAY. Marlboro' Hotel, \ ^ptember 15, 1843. ) \n 12 PLAN AND ELEVATION or A PAGODA, with a FLOWER GARDEN, in Boston Common. 13 )n. BESPEOTFULLY DEDICATED TO The good taste, and sound judfl[nient of the Citizens at large. I .1 !;[ ill It 'if; '.i ; ■:i t -I ; S 'I k Uf (! V 14 THE SCIENCE OF CITY BUILDING. Landed at Quebec, May 1817, I was immediately struck with the miserable planning of that city ; — some of its principal streets being from fifteen to twenty feet wide, only. At Montreal it was better. At Kingston, well, in this respect ; — the streets being sev- enty feet wide ; — sufficient, where the length is not great, or the stream of commerce excessive, At Buffalo, the main street appeared too wide ; for, there is a limit beyond which inconveniences are experienced ; and, this was more apparent at Canandaigua. At Detroit — December of the same year — General Macombe laid before me a plan for the extension of that city ; and, then, it first dawrsd on my mind, that City-building might, and should be re- ductv. to a science, of incalculable value in America, where thou- sands of cities are yet to be founded. This idea has been cherished ever since ; and, in London, Edinburgh, New York, Cleveland, and Kingston, I have employed spare time in drawing plans, with a view, ultimately, of illustrating the science. This study gave rise to the present proposal of building a Pagoda on the Common , and, other improvements are contemplatsd for Boston, which may yet be spok- en of. At Edinburgh, in 1829, I published Plans for the improvement of that city, with a proposal to institute a society for promoting the " science of City-building ; " and in 1831, sent one of my Plans to General Macombe, at Washington, to prepare the way for coopera- tion, on this continent ; but, as yet, all my projects have been marred by untoward circumstances, and endless peraecution. I now flatter myself that, in this " Cradle of Liberty," my sug- gestion may be acted on, and Boston become, also. The Cradle of the arts and sciences. — A society for advancing " the science of city building," may be instituted 'y any dozen individuals of taste and liberality. They could easily set a-going a Periodical,which would pay, and secure cooperation, from all parts of the Union. In all parts, people are at work planning buildings, of every description, — villages and cities ; and, a central point, either to draw intelligence from, or to send intelligence to, — hints, essays, plans, &c., would be highly beneficial. I could furnish materials for several numbers of the Periodical, to begin with ; and, once begun, materials would overflow. The so- ciety, indeed, would only have to meet an hour or two, once a week, or once a month, to select, and cause to be digested, the voluminous matter. At present I can only throw out these hints ; but, these may sufiice. R. F. G. Id No. 1. Second Series. To HIS Honor, the Mayor of Boston : (To be communicated to the Board of Aldermen.) Sir, — Your brief dismissal of my small offering to the city, lust summer, was such as any stranger presuming to advise, might expect, in any country. But, having now resided here, upwards of twelve months, intrusion may be more warrantable. What moves me now to trouble you, is, seeing a new street in progress near Providence Rail-Road Depot (that looking into the Botanic Garden,) which might, I think, be greatly improved, by the introduction of sunk areas, in front of buildings. These were adopted in the capital of Scotland, seventy years ago, and, at first, only eight feet wide. Soon after, when the new town was planned, ten feel was thought better ; and, twenty years ago, when the second new town arose, twelve I'eet was not deemed too much. There is a sunk area in front of the Tremont House, and othen: throughout the city; but all are too narrow; and soil is in New York. Had Tremont House been set back twelve, instead of six feet, many advantages would have been gained. Not only would there have been abundant light and air to the basement, &c.,from an area of twelve feet, but the appearance of the whole Avould have been improved, particularly the portico ; which, instead of being a daub, might have had its due proportions, — with elegance and comfort. In business streets, sunk areas may be objected to; but, in others of the first class, they should never be dispensed with. They admit of entrance to the first floor, either on the level, or by stops, less or more, as required, without breaking the general uniformity ; and, also afford easy access to the basement, in the same way. When streets are lined over uneven ground, they become still more advantageous, admitting of several stories below the grading of the street, — and, all well aired and lighted, as is the case in seve- ral parts of Edinburgh. Some weeks ago, being in the office of public lands and streets, a circular, with a plan by Alexander Wadsworth, was handed lo me; and, I then left with the clerk some written hints on the subject. Since then, having repeatedly viewed the progress of the work, I have become more and more persuaded, that all parties would be benefited, by a due consideration of the whole matter. As there is only one house yet building, it is not too late ; and, assuredly, pur- chasers of lots could well afford to pay for additional space, to admit of areas in front, — with liberty to build coal-cellars, under the pave- ment. The street in question, being now heightening with travelled earth, also invites to the adoption of the plan. I am. Sir, yours, respectfully, Marlboro' Hotel, May 17, 1844. ROB'T F. GOURLAY. m I! k 1 i iff I i- r, No. 2. TO THE SAME. Sir, — Some weeks ago I indulged myself ia the pleasure of writ- 2 IG iiig to yon, on the subject of sunk areas, and my letter has probably hcon referred to the Cornmittre on Streets. This being on a kindred Hiibject, I shall be glad to have honored in the same way, after being submitted to the Board of Aldermen. Walking from the Common to Wasliington street, two objeots have often caught my eye, as soliciting improvement; — the first so obvious, that, doubtless, it is in contemplation to oflect it, — I mean cutting ofFa corner building which intercepts the direct line between Winter and Summer streets. The other not so obvious ; and which, perhaps, the law may not authorize, — setting back the buildings in Summer street, numbered 10, M, and 10, some ten or twelve yards, to admit of trees being ]ilanted in front; and, by which. Trinity Chnrch wnidd be fully, and finely displayed. I might not have troubled you with this, had not the case boen one of many throughout the city, where a little management and compromise with individual i)roprietors may be made to contribute greatly to enjoyment. Indeed, strangers cannot help being struck with certain beauties, peculiar to the streets of Boston, from the introduction of trees; and, it is much to be wished, that this kind of beauty were sufficiently anpreciated by those in authority, who may make the most of it. i am, respectfully yours, June 7, 1844. ROB'T F. GOLTRLAY. NOTE. Throwing the.se two letter* before the public, I would press attention to both subjects. A second house is now built, in the street alluded to, where sunk areas are recommended ; and, it is not too late to have these altered, so that all may be benefited, — not only proprietors of buildings and lots, but the public. As to the other subject, I would also solicit notice ; and, shall point out another instance where, setting back a few buildings, and introducing trees, a fine effect would bo produced : — I mean, near the head of Franklm street. There, some saabby wooden buildings, making part of Tattersal's Stables, could readily be set back, and a building erected in the same line with those fronting the Crescent. — Were a society of Amateurs for city-building institu- ted, hundreds of such instances might be referred to, for the society's judg- ment, influence, and direction. Citizens of Boston, so exemplary in orderly moral and religious habits, would do well to consiJer, that, physical order and beauty may be made accessary to mental refinement, enjoyment, and perfection. We are here, on earth, with chaos and black niirht, to order and enlighten ; and, when order and light are restored, paradise will again be re- alized. — Capital is essential; and, nothing can be more commendable than efforts to secure the almighty dollar, provided, that is ever looked to as a means, not an end. It would, indeed, stimulate the merchants of Boston to become rich, that they may have the utmost enjoyment of this world, by rightly applying their wealth. Were the moral world right, the physical would speedily be righted ; but, as progress to perfection is gradual, it is well to reflect that moral and physi- cal improvement naturally aid each other, and should go, hand in hand. 17 To His Excellency, Gkohge N. Bnioos, Governor of llio Conirnnn- wculth of Massachusetts — Ilis Honor, John Rkkd, LieiiUnanl Governor — the Hon. Robert F. Daniei-s, and '1'iiomas FuEiNcn Councillors. Gentlemen: No. 1. Having, on a former occasion, expressed happiness from your acquaintance, and hope that Providence mij^ht order it for Rood, 1 now submit, to your jiidf^ment and tasto, this j)lan for enlarging and improving the city of Uoston, as practical commencement. The capital of Massachusetts and i\e\v England, already stands preeminent, on the roll of time, as the cradle of liberty; but, now that steam-ship navigation and railways are establi.shed, it bids fair to become one of the largest cities on earth. Boston must s{)ecdi!y be the grand landing-place from Europe; and, with railways eradi- ating to every point of the American Continent, calculations may proceed with certainty During the last twenty years, Boston has doubled its population ; but, now, the ratio of increase must be greater far. Fifty years hence it will contain 500,000 souls; and, within a century, a million at least. The Peninsula is already crowded ; and, here, want of forethought has caused confusion past remedy ; but, there is a Held beyond, which may be planned ont, and built on, with every advantage. Seventy years ago, the capital of Scotland was noted for discomfort. The necessities of a warlike age had driven the people within narrow bounds, to have protec- tion from rocks and ravines. By-and-bye, buildings shot up to giddy heights, for want of room ; but, at last, a stupendous bridge g-ave access to a plain, whereon a new town grew up, on a regular plan, unrivalled for beauty and convenience. So it may be here, more easily, and on a grander scale. Gentlemen : — A single glance, below, will give an idea. Imagine yourselves at the top of the State House surveying the finished work. Behold the crescent of three miles in length, with pleasure- grounds in front, and these embracing the outspread waters of Charles Hiver. See the city around, and that embosomed in an arni>hitheaire of surpassing beauty, — " with hills, and dales, and woods, and glittering spires." Next, turn sea-ward, and refresh the eyo among the green islands of the harbor, with old ocean bearing towards it ships from every clime. Then, estimate the glory of Boston 1 1 Gentlemen : — Nothing more is wanted to realize all this, but your sound sense, your patriotism, your religion : — yes, the God whom you worship is a God of harmony, and beauty, and order. He will smile on such an undertaking ; for, it is obeying his law and for- warding his design. Gentlemen : — Should I obtain your approbation, I shall hand you a copy of this plan, to be laid before the city authorities ; and, at all times, shall be happy to explain. The city authorities can read- ily consult the people. Other plans may be advertised for, and the II ■4,! > \\i { H • i f' > ■III "■K < ," H .-' r 1 18 best adopted ; so, that, by next session of the Legislature, your final sanction may be obtained. Permit mo, now, to repeat ackno\vledrnor, and iiiurkcd it on my gcnciiil |)lnn, I vvuitUl now sulii'il your more spociiil attention to tlio subject, which is really important. There is wanted, in that quur- ter, a f^rand approach to the business part oC the city ; and, the lino directly between the church in ISunnner street, and that in Federal street, is the best, not only for utility but beauty. The street should be 70 feet wide, with sunk areas ; and, nothini; could lie nioro pleasing to iho eye than the two most elegant steeples of lioston, terniinatina; the street, each way. At Federal street churcli, a circus ol 'JOO feet in diameter, should partly embrace that church, and receive into it, besides New street, — Federal street, north and south, — Atkinson street, and Berry street, with I'Vanklin street meet- ing this last, in direct line, &c. Some large and valuable houses must be pulled down ; but, a vast addition of value would be gained, by rebuilding and completing the whole. In short, it would pay ; while all concerned would be richer, and better accommodated. Boston has not done enough, in honor of the great man who was born and bred here. The circus might have, in its centre, a lofty pil- lar bearing his name ; and thus, there would be, in the same neigh- borhood, Franklin Street, Franklin Crescent, Franklin Circus, and Franklin Pillar. Should New street be resolved on, — then, opening up Atkinson street, in continuation with it, — widening Congress street, and Ex- change street, — a grand, and highly important thoroughfare through the business part of the city, much wanted, would be obtained ; while the Church, in Federal street, would be finely displayed from the north, as well as from the south. Let any one look southward out of Congress street, and this will appear. t THE WATER, AND ELYSIAN FIELDS. The extent of water within the Boulevards, around C'ircus Island and the Elysian Fields, 6cc. is what I deem necessary for use and ornament. By no means should it be diminished. Had my ideas not been made known, it appears from conversation, that, the empty basin would speedily have been built on. I sincerely trust it never will be, saving to give place for Circus Island. All tlic rest is de- sirable for health, cleanliness, and beauty. When the boundarie.s are fixed, the surface destined for water should be dredged, to the depth of three or four feet; afterwards, to he kept clear of weeds and other admixture. The mud will be required for the elevation of the Elysian Fields; which may be appropriated either to pleasure, oras a Cemetery. These, at all events, ought not to be built upon. Charles River can easily be narrowed, upwards ; and thus be im- proved for navigation. ,'. t WOOD-CUTS, AND SECTIONS. I would apologize for the wood-cuts, as they are all indifferent ; but, more especially, for the Sections. It was neces.sary to have 3* 32 tliesc, that some idoa might ho formed of what was written ahont ; but, they wofully degrade snhjccts, which even the jjaintcr's finest touclu'S cou'd not do justice to. Mr. Harvey, who, this season, has exhihited many beautiful landscapes at the AthentiMiin, happily brings to notice what the bright sun and clear atmosphere of Amer- ica can eflect; but, I question if he could find scenes for his pencil, any where, to compare to what the lioule varus and Circus Island will present to view, when adorned with elms of a hundred years growth. The united effects of wood, and water, and architecture, will then be not only unique but wonderful ; while sailing vessels, and rail-road trains will superadd life, and motion, and endless vari- ety to the scene. Only think of a train drawn forth from its depot by the steam-horse,* and threading Circus Island : still more astonish- ing, — flying across the water, at the rate of a mile a minute, under the influence of atmospheric pressure I The section of the Boulevards shows the high and low water mark. The unit of altitude, for Boston, is eleven feet and a fourth part. I would have the ceihngs of basements in buildings eight feet above this ; and, the basement floors higher or lower, as re- quired for special purposes. In every house of the New Town there may be a tank, or sea-water bath, to fill and empty with the tide ; or, to be kept full or empty, at pleasure. The section shows the first floor, of the houses, flush with the street; but this may be raised, one, two, three, or four feet, as may seem best, by means of steps from the foot-pavement, over the sunk area, without changing the appearance of the street. The breadth of the Boulevards is put at 200 feet, but may be increase 1 or diminished. The trees are farthest apart, in the mid- dle, to indicate that a carriage road may be there ; and it might be pleasant, in summer, to drive under the shade of trees ; but such road may be, or not. Perhaps, it may be judged best to exclude horses and carriages. By the section of Circus Island, it appears, that the streets are 18 feet above the water level, in the empty basin ; and 14 feet above the rail-road ; which admits of the trains — engines and cars — passing * I cannot deny myself the pleasure of copying from the writings of Elihu Burritt, the learned blacksmith, his description of the steam-horse : — " I love to see one of those huge creatures, with sin 3V'fl of brass and muscles of iron, strut forth from his smoky stable, and salutui!' the long train of cars with a dozen sonorous puffs from his iron nost'ils, fall gently back into his harness. There he stands, champing and foaming upon the iron track, — his great heart a furnace of glowing coals : his lymphatic blood is boiling in his veins : the strength of a thousand horses is nerving his sinews : he pants to be gone. He would 'snake' St. Peter's across the desert of Sahara, if he could be fairly hitched to it; but there is a little sober-eyed, tobacco-chew- ing man in the saddle, who holds him in with one finger, and can take away his breath in a moment, should he grow restive and vicious. I am always deeply interested in this man, for, begrimmed as he may be with coal di- luted in oil and steam, I regard him as the genius of the whole machinery^ — as the physical mind of that huge steam horse." T ; i ':'i I-' ! iia Mi below tve it removed, but shall suggest some beneficial alterations. I would cut off" 20 or 30 fee' , — two or three windows, from the east end ; and add a story to the height ^f wall, which the long and steep roof admits of ; thereby getting quit of the storm v/indows, and long gawky chimney stacks. Shortening the building would add to th^ respectability of State siroet, and afK"'l more room for an audience listening to orators mounted on the rostrum. It would yield a full sweep for carriages coming out of, or entering Devofjshire street; and, from Washingion street, it \,"ould widen the view, down State street. The building, itself, would lool'- better. Having, then, the form of a cross, it would resemble a church ; and tne tower would be more conspicuou.s from the east, while the centre of its east end would more nearly approxi- mate to that of State street. Although it stands in the middle of that street, I do not think it an obstruction : on the contrary, it serves to divide the currents flowing into it from Washington street and Court sireet; and prevents coUision, which migiit otherwise hap- pen from the opposing streams. Citizens of Boston can never be too grateful for the good done by President Quincy moni.l and physical, while he was Mayor, — his &v;ouring the streets of indecency, and erecting the market called after him. Qumcy Market would be respectable any where ; and, as yet, is perhaps, sufficiently capacious. By-and-by , however, it may be enlarged to advantage ; and, fortunately, there is room for this. It is narrower by some 27 feet than Faneuii Hall ; and, in the fullness of time, it may be made equally vide, and equally high. Then, the architecture of both may be improved, and made ,o cor- respond. Also, there may be a gallery over the market suitiiig the utmost wants of exhibitions such as that now about to be, — the ex- hibition of mechanic excellence, (the Mechanic Fair,) — for mighty civic feasts, &c. — All this, I think, should be kept in view. Krra7a.— Pn(?e 16, Ctli line frrm foot, for " /( ' reail " /."' What is said, pair* '>?, as to Britidh Steaiiitrg coming direct to Boston, is now, by belter iiiformntioti, found to bu incorrect. 35 EXTENT OF IMPROVEMENTS. The mass of the New Town, aUuded to, would lay within a Hne described with a radius of two miles and -. half — the State House being a centre — from Tremont road to Charlestown, A radius of one mile would nearly inc.'ose all within the lioulevnrds ; and, sup- posing it to be fcur miles from Tremont road to Charleston '■n, along the middle of the intervening space, — then, there would be nearly six square miles of surface for building on ; and, I have calculated, " that there are, at least, 2,000 acres of surface now wholly worthless, from the overjloiv of ivater." This, altogether, is rough guessing, but near enough for present purposes. I would recommend a special Act of the legislature, regardinjr this extent: another, regarding all within a complete circle described with the above radius ; and, a third Act, regarding what would be included within a radius of six miles. The first-mentioned circle would take in South and East Boston, tue villages of Roxbury, Charlestown, and Chelsea • — the second, Dorchesier, and part of Quincy, Jamaica Plains, Brookline, Brighton, Watertown, Medford, and Maiden ; with all the islands of the harbor not outside of the Narrows and Broad Sound. Two hundred years ago, Westminster was distinct from London ; and, I can remember when Islington and Hakney, Camberwell and Kensington, with many other villages in the neighborhood, were parted by extensive pastures and garden grounds. Now, all are conglomerated into one vast mass of building, except the public parks and squares. By-und-bye, these being considered insufficient for recreation and health, Regent park was laid out; and, more re- cently, Government has appropriated public money to provide pleasure-grounds for other cities. It will, I nm sure, be wise, should you, by legislation, look to the approaching wants of Boston, in the same way ; and, by doing so, in time, within the circles spoken of, you may secure, cheaply and in the best manner, what will be most advantageous to all concerned, — individuals, and the public. Most fortunately, the Common was at an early clay devoted to the health and recreation of citizens of Boston; and, merciiiiUy was the Botanic Garden withheld from building on, as once con- templated. In addition to these, the Elysian Fields and Boulevards will not be too much for the New ToAvn ; besides a due assortment of squares, crescents, and circuses. What a misery is it, that, within the peninsula, there is not space left for yard-room to each house, where children may divert them- selves, safely, in the open air; and, those of mature years cultivate fiowei.s, to soften their hearts and better their affections. Plannmg out the NeAV town, this should be seen to. Nay, I Avould enact that so much room should be secured, forever, against the inroad of ra- pacity, and dedicated to such sacred purposes. Now that ruil-roads diminish distance, such luxury can be afforded without the smallest inconvenience ; for, this makes it unnecessary to crowd buildings together within the least space. '^■| J ' 36 It is to be regretted, that there was no plan for the extension of Boston at an early day ; but, less excusable was it, when larger masses of building were about being added to the city, that the Au- thorities did not interpose, and look out for the health and comfort of posterity. Look to Marion street, only 24 feet wide ; and many others in the same neighborhood still narrower ; with miserable holes for entrance, by stairs, into the basements ; Avhich are sinks of dis- ease and infection, — being without sulhcient light or air. Look to Harrison Avenue, an approach to tiie city, and a mile long, only 60 feet wide. No street, even the shortest, should be less than 30 feet wide; if a quarter of a mile long, dO feet; if half a mile. 70; and, if a mile, not less than 90 feet. — Harrison Avenue is evidently too narrow, as well for appearance, as the stream of traffic which flows through it. It ought to have been hO feet, at least. Could the British Government have anticipated the mighty growth of London, and had facilities of our day, what an amount of comfort, convenience, and beauty might have been secured by planning rightly I — how admirably might the remote parts of that mass of building been connected ! Now, then, is the time for action, here : — now, not only may errors be, in part, corrected ; but, the very best measures may be adopted for the growth of this city, which has every chance to go beyond London, in magnitude, before two hun- dred years are at an end : — Yes, London never can have such an amount of commerce as Boston will have within that period. Com- pare the back country of Boston with that of London, — a thousand, with a hundred miles ! Think that London became great before Liverpool began to compete with her in trade ; and, that she is kept growing by a multitude of accidental and factitious circumstances which time may change and dissipate, while Boston only waits for certainties, — the c-nstant and sure increase of American population, — American enterprise, and American stability, — the freedom of all mankind, and the last — the glorious triumph of humanity over in- stalled despotisms, ignorance, and vice. It is not so much the export of raw produce which increases the wealth and population of a city, as llie combined advantages of general commerce. New York and New Orleans may export more ilour and pork, cotton and sugar, tie. than Boston; but, will fall short of her, in many other respects. Venice, and sorue other cities, became great and powerful, although the\ had little raw produce to dispose of: — nay, while they imported their own food ; but they trafficked all round the world, and drew profit from exchanging the products of distant nations. Boston, in all this, has already gone ahead; and to the most jirofitable employment of capital on the ocean, she is making mighty investments of stock in manufactures, — more lucrative than agriculture. Her manufactured articles will ever find a profitable market in the south, and furnish abundant lux- uries; while a small proportion will readily supply her with bread from the west. Her position, on the globe and on the sea-board : her capital, gradually increasing: her indefatigable industry: her knowledge, her habits, and her enterprise, — all conspire to her great- ■Hi r ncss. Boston, indeed, wants but time; and, your forclhoiiglit should pre|>!ii-e for it. William Pf-nn was the first to exercise foretbouj^ht on this conti- nent, in city buildinu:; and, witb so good an example as Pliiladclphia, it is strange tliat New York was so long behind ; but, yet stra-iger by far is neglect here. New York did well, so far, to lay out ave- nues and streets: but, belter still may be done there, lieyond where buildings have reached, there is a tract on which architec- ture and ruial beauty may be combined to the greatest advanta"-e. ,Along Ilicrlcui heights, grandeur luiprecedentcd may be exhib- ited; and. even so far as Kingston bridge, nature invites the citizens of New York to improve the beauties of their island : so, within the space inclosed by the outer circle round Boston, (call it Boston Bounds,) fine improvements may be made, at little cost, n^-^rely by connecting, and exhibiting to the greatest advantage, those rare and beautiful features ".vhich nature has here thrown to- gether for the hand of man to work upon. The high grounds near Roxbury, C'helsea, &c. — Mount Auburn, Fresh Pond, Spy Pond, &e. — the streams, the islands, and the promontories ; — all may be made to harmonise, in one grand pano- rama, — to display striking and enchanting scenes, such as imagina- tion, once awakened, may conceive better than it it is possible to describe. How easily could paths, and rides, and drives, be conducted round about, and among all these fascinating objects I — How agreeable would it be to have public carriages, hourly, to carry us to each place, in turn, — allowing sufficient time for strangers to be satisfied : — to have a steamboat, in connection, running from Squantum Point: touching at certain promontories, islands, &;c. ; and, landing at Win- throp head I — All this, needs but legislation ; for, if set about, it would pay, and vield unspeakable gratification. II AVAYS AND MEANS. I have calculated, that. " there are 2,000 acres icholly ivorthlesx, ivhic'i, by the proposed improvements, icould he realized to im/uoise val"'e :" — and have said, ihixt, " so far /ro7n expense being incurred, V -v:' n::''ri Id instantly ensi/e." — Let me now prove it. *' . 1 i *bund favor in the sight of the city authorities last year, as a , ." and, had they taken my oflers for embellishment of the Com. ' n, my credit by this time might have been established so far,tiiat, perhaps, you, gentlemen, w^ould have listened to me, in say- ing that, even as a farmer, I could pay rent for the 2,000 acres, on a lease of 20 years; and, during that period, embank, drain, and make solid dry land of all these acres, free of cost to the public. As it is, and to stimulate some other person better known here, and thence more wortliy of confidence, I shall frankly tell how I Av'^ould go to work. I would contract with my friend , of Bani:,or, for a supply of coarse himber, with which I would pile and slab up two .ncs, 20 feet apart, along the whole front of the Boulevards ; and. ■ i 1 i i I [ \ 38 f! in same way, confine Charles Ptivcr, upwards, within proper bounds; — filling up the space between the piling, with stones and gravel. I would, then, drive stakes, in lines retreating from the Boulevards, outward, and a furlong apart, each from each ; which stakes I would warp with brushwood; anci, then, leave the greater part of the sur- face to do its own business, by arresting mud and floating substan- ces, for the formation of land. Perhaps, I might agree with mill- owners and others, up streai"-. so far as Waltham, to allow me to cut channels from Charles River into my inclosures, that, during freshets, mud, etc., might be carried thither to settle down; and, with leave, I might put sluices on the river, also in aid of my works, &c. &;c. &c. Whoever will take the trouble to walk along the Mill-Dam and various bridges downwards, at ebb tide, will see that there is little deep water outside the line of the Boulevards ; — so that, there would be no difliculty in piling, or staking : and whoever has seen operations, elsewhere, for making land, in the Vv'ay described, will acknowledge that it is wonderfully efficient and expeditious. It would not leave . v^ry great deal to do with travelled earth; nor would the raovin;^ .'is, by temporary rail-roads, be ruinous. Mark then, how spe«.. acres for cultivation might thus be se- cured; and, how produc .ve these might be made from city manure, street sweepings, &c. I have said, that " south of the Mill- Dam may be set about and completed; next, that betiveen the Mill- Dam, Cambridge, East Cam- bridge," &c. I would, in fact, begin to sell off, for building, at Prov- idence Depot ; and, proceed round the Boulevards, just as there was demand for building lots. Any one may amuse himself, with cal- culating what the 2,000 acres would bring at the rate of a dollar and half a foot ; which is, I understand, the selling price of building lots on the New street fronting the Botanic Garden at the present time. If this brief sketch is not all that may be required for conviction, I shall willingly explain further, when you appoint a committee to investigate and report on the whole matter. Gentlemen : — Volumes might bo written on the improvement of Boston. I have attempted only to give a lead to inquiry. The subject is mighty, and cannot be too gravely considered. It re- gards the comfort of generations in all coming time. No country ever started with such advantages as the United States : no city ever had such prospects as this at the present moment. It seems to me, that the watery waste which surrounds Boston has been de- signed, first, that the inhabitants should be penned up, and thence feel discomfort, till now that the utmost advantage may be made of it : — that on this waste they may form a city, surpassing all others, either in ancient or modern times. I have now only to commend you to God, and to pray that He may direct you in all things. Very sincerely, yours, ROB. F. GOURLAY. Marlboro' Hotel, September 14, 1844. 1 ■ n 581 THE SCIENCE OF CITY BUILDING ExTiiACT.//-o??i the Aiitohiograj^Jn/ of John TrumhuH : — " I arrived in London in Januury 1781, went immediately to Mr. West, and was received most cordially. " My father had written a letter to Mr. Edmund Burke, expressive of his gratitude for the kindness shown to his son whsni in ])rison, and connnending me to his future protection. This letter I early presented, and Avas most kindly rec(,'ivcd. ' Your [\ii\\o,x speaks of painting as being the great object of your pursuit : do you not intend to study architecture also?' asked Mr. Burke. I rei)lied, tiiat "I thought I knew enough already for my purjtose in backgrounds, &c.' ' I do not mean that, Mr. Trumbull. You arc aware, that architecture is the eldest sister, that ])ainting and sculpture are the youngest, and subservient to her : you must also be aware, that you belong to a young nation, which will soon want pu])lic buildings : those must be erected before the decu itions of painting and sculp- ture will be recjuired. I would therefore strongly ndvi.se you to study architecture thoroughly and scienlilically, in order to cpialify yourself to superintend the erection of these national buildings. Decorate them, also, if you please.' " This was wise and kind advice, and I had afterwards sullicient evidence of my own want of wisdom in neglecting to follow it: a few of the hours of evenings, which, with all my fancied industry, were trilled away, would have sufficed for the acquisition of thor- ough architectural knowledge." Mr. Truml)uirs biography was published 1S41, and he died last year. This year, I believe, for the first time, allention has been called to defects in the architecture of the U^nitcd States, by a native, — a writer in the North American Bcview. It is not important to notice the cA'/cf^s of this writer; but it is well that the subject has been brought up to public notice. In the year 1831, the Custom-IIouse in New York was about be- ing built, and an elevation of it was juiblished in newspapers. This drew the attention of Mr. William Ross, a scientific and practical architect, just then arrived from England. lie informed those who had charge of the work, that the dome, which appeared in the ele- vation, was not correct: in fact, the person who had furnished the plan and the elevation had not been master of his profession. Mr. Ross was employed to correct details, and, although a dome ajipears inside of the building, the walls have been car.iod up to hide it from view, outside : indeed, the whole roof is now nearly Hat, — being cov- ered over with marble slabs. Last year, I endeavored to correct a monslrous error at Bunker- Hill Monument, but failed. — Having been on *he top of it, April 21, 1813, 1 wrote the following lines, and gave them to the door-keeper : I' i 382 Tho London " hullif lin/s his head ami lir.t ; But THIS — more Irutlii'ul, all tho world ilelies. On coming away, I observed some laborers digging into the ban k on the south side of the hill ; and, going to thcm,inf|iiired oC a young man who was superintending the work, what was the object. He told me it was a foundation lor a stair to approach the monument. By placing myself opposite the centre of the monument, I saw that the digging was some 10 or 12 feet too far west, and informed tlie young man of the error. He said, they took the middle of the bank for the proper ])lace. I replied, that people would look not to the mif'dle of the bank, l)ut the middle of the monument; and, that he should ap|)risc his eniployer of this, as a few dollars would yet ]Mit all right. Coming into the city, I wrote a letter to the editor of Boston Post, and, the more to attract notice, headed the letter with the above couplet ; but, the editor returned my letter, and my trouble went, then, for nothing. Two months afterwards, I walked to Charlestown, and found a handsome stair where the people had been digging, with three others; — one, on the north side of the hill; one, on the east, and another, on the west. I have since measured the departures fium the riglit positions, and th.ey are as follow: — Tiie stair on the south side, — that first spoken of, — 11 feet wrong: that on the north side, 15 feet: that on the west, 16; and, that on the east, 22. Meeting a [)ersonon the top of the hill, I spoke of the errors, and he informed me of a curious result. He said, that one day wliilc walking there, he observed a gentleman step out of a carriage and look towards the monument from the bottom of the west stair. Af- ter eyeing it a while, lliis person, who was a Scotsman, observed, that the monument leaned to one side : that, said my informant, cannot be, for it was erected on a deep foundation and very care- fully built. Tho ScoLsman bade him look from where lie was, and bring the top line of the stair to bear ujion the bedding of one of the layers of stone in the monument, which would convince him; and, in appearance, it was so. They then went to the opposite side of the hill; looked up the stair, and found that the monument seemed to lean the other way. My informant now had tlie advantage, — asserting, tliat the monument could not lean two different ways, In fact, the error in building the stairs, had distorted every thing through the media of perspective. I have never inquired who was the planner of these stairs ; and, certainly, wish not to injure his reputation. Probably, he is a civil engineer, not an architect, and, had a ])lnn of the square which in- closes Breed's Hill to work by, into which streets are to run from the east, north, and west. On the north, the street is fbrii",ed by some wooden buildings, and looking up that street towards the monument, the planner might judge it best to place the stair o|)posite the mid- dle of the street : and, on his pai)er i)lan, all might look well enough ; but the grand object, to be approached, was the monument. The stairs should have been placed so as to tally with it, and ought still 383 to be. The street on the north could yet be cnsily corrected, if re- quired : those on the east, and west, formed to tullywilh the correct- ed stairs. It will be expensive to alter the stairs and the railings all round the hill ; but, bettor do so tirui have posterity, till the end of time, reflecting on the bungling of tliis age. Bunglings of this sort arc not coiifinod to America: oven in Ed- ingburgh, which displays so much good design and fine huiUliugs, monstrous blunders have been committed. Twenty years ago, a new approach to the old town was suggest od. As soon as it ap|)cared that this would be executed, a parcel of individuals bnnded logolher for speculation in building lots, — obtained control, and spodt nil. In- stead of om])loyiug a civil engineer to plan out the ground, they had an architect who favored their views ; and he, ignorant of such matters, made sad work of it. By and bye, this became apparent ; and a civil engineer was substituted just at the moment when the business rerpiircd an architect. About the same time, a costly clmn-h was erected in the new town, which, for Avimt of due consideration, was placed obliquely towards a street leading to it; and, there it stands grinning at all beholders, as does Bunker Hill monument, seen from the bundled stairs. Did a society exist lor promoting the science of city-building, noth- ing of this sort would occur. A watchful eye would be ever over all that concerned the public ; and by and bye, every tiling would be done well : indeed, ])ublic taste would be established, with a con- stnnt advancement in eloi^ance nnd refinement. The Boston llorlicullural Society is a ])raise\vorthy institution of recent origin, and now becoming respectable. A love of fine flowers and fruits betters all the allections, and prepares man for communion with God. The science of city-building includes this ; for gardening and architecture are sisters. Its study would not only ]iromote refinement in the present day ; but tend to the comfort and happi- ness of all succeeding generations. The disposition to build cities is inherent in man, and necessary to his condition on earth. No sooner did men begin to multiply, both before and after the tlood, than they set about city-building. God found no fault with this, and checked them only when they attempt- ed a vain and presumptuous thing — " a tower whose top may reach unto heaven." It does not appear, either from history or the remains of ancient cities, that any one of these was planned to aflbrd the greatest hap- piness to the greatest number. Cain laid out the first, before the flood ; Nimrod the first, after it ; and naturally, such men thought most of themselves. The mighty ruins of Thebes record little else than the triumphs of conquest ; and visiters at Athens and Rome, find nothing worthy of notice save the results of arbjtrary power and superstition. One thing should not be overlooked when survey- ing the works of by-gone days; — the fact. 'hat when there was sufficient stimulus, there was sufficient talent in man to produce de- lightful objects. The superstition of the Greeks called forth their architecture, which is admired at the present time ; that of the I !t i( n84 hi church of Rome, the pointed architecture, — still more befitting the house of God, — more solemn — more sublime. The middle ages needed strength, and, the castellated style, in many instances, extorts admiration : now, we want comfort and elegance, from the iialace down to the cottage, — order and arrangement, in streets, — vari- ety and beauty, in squares, and crescents ; now, the many should plan out for the many, and the many should stimulate the many to do the best for all. Is it r.ot for the people of America, on their virgin soil and with their free and independent institutions, to see to tlii.s? — and, where, in America, is such fitness, — such ability for beginning as in New England? — where such a subject for improvement, as the city of Boston ? But, what am I told, in Boston ? — how have I been continually assailed, here, while offering plans for the improvement of the city ? " O ! " it is said, " nobody cares for such matters here : no two people, here, will agree about improving the streets : all, here, are intent on securing the almighty-dollar : show them how to get that ; and, then, you will have plenty to approve and assist." But, this is not the whole truth : the people of Boston are not so very selfish, or tardy to move. Has not die Common been fenced in at great expense ? has not the frog pond been scoured out, and made really a pretty sheet of water ? — have not fine trees been trained up, and comfortable walks been formed, all within the Common ? — has not Mount Auburn been created ? — are not buildings every day becoming more and more elegant? — are not pressed brick taking the place of clap- boards? — and is not the beautiful granite substituted for brick? But, most hopeful of all, is the attention paid to schools, — training up the rising generation to orderly habits, and the best principles. Lookto the school-houses so handsome — so well planned — so costly: " O ! but where is the money to come from, for your mighty projects, — your Boulevards — your Circus Island — and, your sub-urban railroads ? We might all subscribe a little for a statue of General Washington ; but how are you to get quit of Dock-square, and the valuable property all round ? — it is impossible, and no one will listen to you, a moment." But, I say, take your time for all this opposition, obstruction, and contempt. I have been very happy, here, planning for you these last eighteen months, and shall remain liappy in the assurance that I have meant all for good. Very probably, I shall be gone before there is any serious move, on the part of the citizens of Boston, in this business, — perhaps dead: — but, certain I am, the time approaches when a move must be made, and a great one too. Some one, besides me, will see that the wateiy waste — the 2,000 acres of land, now generating miasma and disease, close to Boston, may be made available, — may become the finest site in the world for a new town ; — will see, that, — placing the whole of it, and much more, under proper management, means may be obtained not only for the growth of the new town, but for executing every desirable improvement within the peninsula. Certainly, were a Society instituted all would be speedily seen to, and acted on. K. F. G. ! i GENERAL PLAN for EmiAHGiNC, n- 1 UK(l ^- /ME mn CITY OF BOSTON Etc. W.C. .S'hanp's Lxth.. 2hVraJikHn. St. JJo.rton '\- w Sou lh7 Bo sto n ^ ^ -o •^ ^ .t*qiif'Sivian .S'tatup of Gen,! Was^iniftoii C Triiirnplml Arc ft com in f in n-rtiiii'i" o /* rnfcri'mj Boston tut 17'.'.' March 1776. 1) State House K Chavlesiown Town Jtnll f. Custnjn lioti^'e G BruUie St. Church K. Homan Cathnlic J)o. L Unitariart Do . M Do. J)o. ^ OcleoTL P Patfoda Q QiiiiLcif Afarket R Jioijlfton. Do. S Drovidence Depot T Western Do . F Jin stern. Do . W Dow ell Do. Y Transfer Do. K Centre Platform L2.3.U.5& 6 Termini of Tunnels. IdeS Ell Usances to dc rariklin S't. Bo.vton.