Volume 6 — BOSTON COMMON, AND ITS EXTENSION.

Letter to George H. Snelling, Esq., of Boston, March 26, 1860.

Mr. Snelling interested himself much with regard to the disposition of the lands west of Boston Common, known as the “Back Bay Lands,” and owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Beyond a general desire to keep them open, his special aim was to have a tidal lake, bordered by avenues with trees. In this effort he was aided particularly by John A. Andrew, afterwards Governor. Other citizens, including the venerable Josiah Quincy, Professor Agassiz, and Dr. Edward Jarvis, wrote letters, published at the time, and used before the Committee of the Legislature to whom the matter was referred. Among these was the following.

Senate Chamber, March 26, 1860.

MY DEAR SIR,—I am grateful for your timely intervention to save our Boston Common, by keeping it open to the western breezes and the setting sun. It is not pleasant, I know, to separate in opinion from those about us; but your object is so disinterested, so pure, so benevolent, so truly in the nature of a charity, that all, even though differing in details, must be glad that you have come forward.

I know well the value of water in scenery. Perhaps nothing else adds so much to the effect of a landscape, which, indeed, without water often seems lifeless, or, as was once said by a valued friend of mine, “like a face without eyes.” Boston, from its peninsular situation, cannot be entirely deprived of this picturesque feature. It seems to me, however, that, in a region like that now in question, we should hesitate long before renouncing the opportunity of adding to its attractions by a piece of water, which, from perennial supply, would always prove an ornament of unsurpassed beauty, as well as a place of recreation, and a source of health.

On this it is useless to enlarge. All who have ever stood on Boston Common will easily see how much this pleasant retreat must lose in charm, when its great western vista is closed; and all who have ever speculated on the probable growth of our metropolis, and the longing of a crowded population for fresh air, will recognize the necessity for open spaces, which will be outdoor ventilators.

Boston is already growing in every direction. A wise forecast, if not able at once to provide all the means needful for its salubrity and adornment, will at least avoid embarrassing the future, when half a million of souls have built their homes about the ancient Trimountain.

Our Common has been ample enough for the past; but the metropolis has already outgrown it in every respect. Besides being too narrow in proportions, it is wanting in those accessories of beauty and of knowledge especially illustrative of Natural History, which, according to the experience of other countries, are proper for public grounds. I wish much to see there, among other things, an arboretum, where every tree that can bear our climate shall find its classified place,—pleasing the eye by its beauty, protecting the body by its shade, and speaking to all by the voice of Science.

Accept the thanks of an absent citizen, who never thinks of his native Boston without a yearning to see it foremost in all that contributes to a true civilization; and believe me to be, my dear Sir,

Very faithfully yours,

Charles Sumner.

To George H. Snelling, Esq.