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,