lEx ICthrtB 
 
 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
 When you leave, please leave this hook 
 
 Because it has heen said 
 "Ever thing comes t' him who waits 
 
 Except a loaned hook." 
 
 Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 (mi r of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
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 in 2014 
 
 A 
 
 I 
 
 http://archive.org/details/tohonorablesenatOOnewy 
 
TO THE HONORABLE THE SENATE OF THE 
 STATE OF NEW YORK: 
 
 The Board of Commissioners of the Central Park, in re- 
 sponse to the request contained in the following preamble and 
 resolutions, adopted by the Senate on the 3d instant, viz. : 
 
 Whereas, the Commissioners of the Central Park, having 
 applied to the Legislature for the sum of Five Millions of Dol- 
 lars, for the laying out, regulation and government of the Park; 
 namely, two and a half millions for the laying out, and two and 
 a half millions for the care and government of the Park, or the 
 annual interest on that sum, being one hundred and fifty thou- 
 sand dollars per annum, in addition to the sum of two millions 
 of dollars heretofore appropriated by the Legislature for those 
 purposes ; and the act of the Legislature, passed 17th April, 
 1S57, page 7M, under which said commission was organized, 
 having provided l< that no plan for the laying out, regulation, 
 or government of said Park shall be adopted or undertaken by 
 the Commissioners, of which the entire expense, when funded, 
 shall require for the paying of the annual interest thereon a 
 greater sum than §100,000 per annum," that is to say, a funded 
 debt of one million six hundred and sixty-six thousand six hun- 
 dred and sixtj^-six dollars, which amount was increased by the 
 act of 15th April, 1859, page 857, to two millions of dollars, but 
 with the like limitation ; therefore 
 
 litsolved, That the Commissioners of the Central Park are re- 
 quested to report to the Senate their answers to the following 
 interrogatories : 
 
 1. What reasons for having adopted and undertaken a plan 
 for the Park, the execution of which exceeds the limitations of 
 the Legislature, by the Act of 1857 ? 
 
 2. What reasons for having persevered in undertaking the 
 execution of the same plan after the passage of the Act of 
 '1859? 
 
 3. The names of the Commissioners voting in favor of the 
 adoption of that plan ? 
 
4. The names of the Commissioners voting upon the questions 
 of doing the work by contract or by days' work ? 
 
 5. The items of the plan which the Board has resolved to 
 strike out or omit ? 
 
 G. How much money has been expended below Seventy- 
 ninth street ; or how much below Ninety-sixth street; how much 
 below One Hundred and Sixth street; and the number of acres 
 in each section belonging to the Park % 
 
 7. How much money is required to be expended in each sec- 
 tion—stating the items of expenditure and the cost of each, and 
 which of the items, if any, are essential, and which of them are 
 not essential ? 
 
 8. How much money had been expended to 18th May, 1858, 
 when the plan was adopted ; how much to 1st January, 1S59; 
 how much to January 1st, 18G0 ? 
 
 9. What amount has been paid for drain-tile, and how much 
 thereof has been laid down in each of the three sections of the 
 Park before mentioned ? 
 
 10. What are the names of the persons who make purchases 
 for the Central Park ? Are the persons so employed connected 
 with any firm in the city of New York ; and if so, what firm, 
 and what is the amount annually thus expended ] 
 
 Respectfully Refort : 
 
 The act creating said Board, was passed the 17th day of 
 April, 1857. On the 30th of the same month, the Board pro- 
 ceeded to organize under its provisions. On the 13th day of 
 October, 1S57, after various preliminary measures, preparatory 
 to the commencement of their work, the Board determined to 
 offer, by public advertisement, premiums for the four designs 
 for laying out the ground of the Park, which should be chosen 
 by the Board. 
 
 It was required of competitors, that " reference should be had 
 " to the whole amount of expenditure allowed by the Legisla- 
 " ture, viz., about $1,500,00 ;" and they were allowed to the 
 1st day of April, 1858, to hand in their designs: competitors 
 for the prizes were required to " embrace with the report of 
 their plans, the following, with other particulars : The 
 fencing, lighting, draining, irrigating, grubbing, trenching, 
 
3 
 
 and planting the grounds ; the filling and the excavations ; 
 the width and mode of building the several roads for walking, 
 driving, and riding, and the cost of each item of work in detail, 
 with full and sufficient specifications by which the work can 
 be done." 
 
 After an exhibition of tho plans for several weeks, in order 
 that a full study and examination of their respective merits 
 might be had by the members of the commission, the Board on 
 the 28th of April, 1858, adopted the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That the thirty-three plans, from ]STo. 1 to 33, now 
 on exhibition for the proposed improvement of the Central 
 Park, are regularly before us, in pursuance of the proposals of 
 this Board, and that the selection of the four premium plans be 
 confined to the same — 
 
 By the following vote : 
 
 Ayes — 'Messrs. Dillon, Russell, Butterworth, Gray, Ilutchins, 
 Green, Elliott, Strong, Hogg, Belmont — 10. 
 
 Nay— Mr. Fields. 
 
 The following resolution was then proposed : 
 
 Resolved, That in the examination of the various plans for 
 laying out the Central Park, which have been presented for 
 competition, the Commissioners find thorn to possess various de- 
 grees of merit; — with original, varied, and valuable suggestions 
 for the contemplated object ; some of them are of a high order 
 of design, with beautiful illustrations of objects of art contem- 
 plated in the future embellishment of the grounds. But the 
 Commissioners deem it proper to declare, that their award of 
 the offered premiums for the best plans does not in any respect 
 commit the Board to the carrying out, in the actual construction 
 of the work, any plan or plans to which the premiums may be 
 awarded ; but that from the selected designs which will now be- 
 come the property of the Board, the Commissioners are at 
 liberty, in the actual construction of the work, to avail them- 
 selves of such variations as they deem to be expedient as the 
 groundwork of their future operations, leaving various and 
 many suggestions for the improvement and embellishment of 
 the Park for further development and later decisions. 
 
 Which resolution, after various motions to strike out, substi- 
 tute, &c.j was carried by the following vote : 
 
 Ayes — Messrs. Russell, Butterworth, Gray, Ilutchins, Green, 
 Elliott, Strong, Hogg, Belmont — 9. 
 
 Nays— Messrs. Dillon, Fields— 2, 
 
4 
 
 A further resolution was then adopted, as follows : 
 
 _ Resolved, That the Clerk call the roll, and that each Commis- 
 sioner, as his name is called, designate the number of the plan 
 he votes for, for the first prize. 
 
 The Board proceeded in accordance with this resolution, and 
 with the following result : 
 
 Messrs. Dillon, 30 ; Russell, 33 ; Butterworth, 33 ; Gray, 33 ; 
 Hutchins, 26; Fields, 30; Green, 33; Elliott, 33 ; Strong, 33; 
 Hogg, 33 ; Belmont, 30. 
 
 For No. 33, 7 ; for No. 30, 3 ; for No. 26, 1—11. 
 
 To plan No. 33, in general accordance with which the Park 
 is now beiug constructed, was therefore awarded the first 
 premium. 
 
 A copy of the original description which accompanied this 
 plan is annexed, marked " Appendix C." 
 
 At a meeting of the Board held on the lSth May, 1S58, 
 nearly three weeks after the award of the premiums, the follow- 
 ing resolution wa3 adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That plan No. is hereby adopted by the 
 
 Board as the plan for the Central Park, subject to such modifi- 
 cations as may be from time to time ordered by this Board. 
 
 The following members voting in the affirmative : 
 
 Ayes — Messrs. Dillon, Butterworth, Gray, Green, Strong, 
 Hogg— 6. 
 
 And a motion to insert " No. S3 " in the blank, was adopted 
 by the following vote ; 
 
 Ayes — Messrs. Russell, Butterworth, Gray, Green, Strong, 
 Hogg — 6. 
 
 Nay— Mr. Dillon— 1. 
 
 Absent — Messrs. Hutchins, Belmont, and Elliott. 
 
 The reasons for the adoption of this plan were, that the Board 
 deemed it eminently adapted to the ground, and that it 
 seemed to comprehend, in a far greater degree than any other 
 plan presented, provision for the present and future require- 
 ments of a great public pleasure-ground, while at the same time 
 it was peculiarly adjusted to the prospective exigencies of 
 commerce, and the current business of a great city. 
 
5 
 
 The plan having been thus~adopted, and the work prosecuted 
 for nearly twelve months in accordance therewith, the Board 
 proceeded with it, because it would, in 1850, have been waste- 
 ful, destructive to the beauty of the Park, and exceedingly un- 
 wise, to have adopted any other course, and to have pieced out 
 the then various half completed structures on any new plan ; 
 and further, the Board, in those parts of the work that were then 
 approaching completion, found abundant reason for satisfaction 
 with their choice of plan, and had been fully justified in this 
 choice, by the unbiassed judgment of men versed in all the 
 arts combined in the Park, as well as by the very general ap- 
 probation of the public. 
 
 These, in brief, are the reasons why the Commissioners 
 adopted the plan on which the Park is being constructed, and 
 why they have persevered after the passage of the act of 1859, 
 in the execution of the plan so adopted. 
 
 These reasons furnish the response of the Board, to the 
 inquiries of the Honorable the Senate.* It would seem, however, 
 from their form, taken together with the preamble, that these 
 questions are propounded under the impression that this Board 
 has exceeded the limitations of the Statute of 1857, and with the 
 object of obtaining from this Board its reasons for proposing the 
 expenditure in the construction of the Park, of a sum of money 
 greater than that to which the preamble seems to assume the 
 Board was limited by the law. 
 
 Without at present stopping to question this interpretation 
 of the law given in the preamble and resolutions, the Board 
 proceed respectfully to offer some considerations in this regard. 
 
 The section of the law of 1857, incorporated in the preamble, 
 is in these words : 
 
 " No plan for the laying out, regulation ancl government of 
 said Park shall be adopted or undertaken by the Commissioners, 
 of which the entire expense when funded, shall require for the 
 payment of the annual interest thereon a greater sum than one 
 hundred thousand dollars per annum.' 3 
 
 It will be apparent to the Honorable the Senate, that the 
 Commissioners, in the outset of their undertaking, proceeded 
 

 
 with deliberation in the awarding the premium to the plan 
 which was afterwards adopted, and that they were influenced by 
 the desire to take the safe course of construing the law before 
 commencing the construction of the Park, as limiting them to 
 the sum therein specified, as nearly as that sum could be ascer- 
 tained, and as far as such a construction was tenable. The 
 Board accordingly required that all plans should come within 
 the sum that would probably be realized under that law. 
 
 The estimates accompanying the plan adopted, a3 well as 
 those accompanying all the other plans, without any exception, 
 showed that they could be carried out within that sum. 
 
 This sum is one which, when funded, would require for the 
 payment of its annual interest, a sum not greater than $100,000. 
 It is not a fixed sum ; it appreciates or diminishes with the rate 
 of interest that the stock bears. The maximum amount of in- 
 terest is fixed, but not of principal. The amount of principal 
 must be adjusted to produce the specified interest. The rate of 
 interest would necessarily be determined by the condition of 
 monetary affairs when the money was wanted, or the stock 
 issued. The stock might be taken if it bore seven per cent., 
 when it would not be taken if it bore five per cent. 
 
 If the stock bore seven per cent, interest, the 
 
 amount realized under the section would be. . . $1,42S,571 
 
 If six per cent.,. the amount would be 1 fi66,(jG(j 
 
 If five per cent., the amount would be. 2,000,000 
 
 If four per cent., the amount would be . . . 2,500,000 
 
 If three per cent., the amount would be 3,333,333 
 
 The fact was, as is believed, at a time shortly anterior to the 
 passage of the law, city stocks were marketable at five per cent., 
 while at the time of offering the stock in the market, a few 
 months after, they could not be disposed of at five per cent., 
 and in one case, the loan had no takers, though offered pub- 
 licly at six per cent., and was only disposed of with great 
 difficulty. 
 
7 
 
 The difference between the issue of the stock, at 
 six or seven per cent., would be a diminution 
 of the sum at the command of the Board, to the 
 extent of $238,095 
 
 The difference between five and seven per cent., 
 
 would diminish it to the extent of 571,4*28 
 
 The various structures of the Park were either to be well and 
 sufficiently done, or not. Could the Legislature have intended 
 that the Commissioners should, with reference to such a work 
 as the Central Park of New York, adopt plans that would shift 
 with the money market ? cr that a work of such extent and 
 permanance, designed for all time, should be cribbed and nar- 
 rowed to a sum of money not only meagre and insufficient, at 
 the highest amount possible to obtain under the law, but also to 
 a sum. that might be decreased with every financial fluctuation? 
 Did the Legislature mean to require the Board to consult the 
 money market before they adopted a plan for the Park ? So, 
 that if money was to be had at seven per cent, they should 
 adopt a plan to cost $1,400,0'J0 ; if five per cent., one to cost 
 $2,000,000? 
 
 Again, willing as the Commissioners were, before commenc- 
 ing the work, to take precautions to keep within the limits of a 
 rigid and somewhat forced construction of the law, they were* 
 soon called on practically to determine whether they should 
 proceed to carry out the plan in such a superficial and cheap 
 fashion, as would nominally complete the Park within the 
 changing limits of the statute, or whether the structure should 
 be commenced and continued in so thorough a manner, as to 
 render it durable and permanent, expending the money at their 
 command in such a way that it should not be wasted in cheap 
 constructions, but in doing well ' what was to be done. 
 
 The term Park is very indefinite — to one it is an open com- 
 mon, to another it is an organized pleasure-ground for a city. 
 It would have been easy to make a Park with the money 
 allowed by the law, but it would have been a Park unfit for the 
 place — inadequate to the wants of the city, and in the end, a 
 wasteful expenditure of money. For instance — the carriage 
 roads cost as now constructed, about $25,000 per mile — if the 
 Board could have reduced itself to such a view of its duty, 
 
8 
 
 these might have been worked as country roads, at an expense 
 of not over $3,000 per mile, and the inhabitants of New York, 
 supplied with six months drives of dust, and six months of mud. 
 
 The thirty miles of walks might have been laid out on the same 
 scale of cheapness ; all that is now concealed under the surface, 
 of drainage essential to make the place salubrious, of trenching 
 and fertilizing the soil necessary to the growth of trees, whose 
 flecked shade is to play upon the ruddy cheeks of the children 
 of our grandchildren, the summer houses — the digging of 
 lakes, the sewerage, the cross roads for the accommodation 
 of the traffic of a great city, all these, one after the other, might 
 have been put aside, till the park was shorn to accommodate 
 the sum supposed to be fixed by the statute, but it would have 
 been an unsatisfactory work, and unjustifiable, except upon any 
 but the clearest and most express injunction of law. Did any 
 such injunction exist ? Its language is : " No plan for the lay- 
 ing out, regulation and government of said Park shall he adopt- 
 ed or undertaken, dbe." Does this require the Commissioners to 
 construct and complete a park for a specific sum ? 
 
 If any of this language can be made to signify " construc- 
 tion," it is the term " laying out" — the definition of which is, 
 " planning," " disposing," " arranging." 
 
 The work of designing is a mental operation anterior to lay- 
 ing out, as laying out is a process preceding construction ; one 
 speaks of laying out or planning a building or a garden. 
 
 The word " regulation'* is evidently here used in the same 
 sense as the word " government," by which it is immediately 
 followed, and of which it is a synonyme. 
 
 The same language "regulation and government" is again 
 used in the 4th section, thus, to the Board is given power " to 
 pass ordinances for the regulation and government" of the 
 Park; and, again, in the 14th section, it is said, the Commis- 
 sioners may "pass such ordinances as they may deem necessary 
 for the regulation, use, and government of said Park," — show- 
 ing, that this language in the 9th section was used with respect 
 to the management of the Park only, inasmuch as it is not pro- 
 bable that the power to pass ordinances for the regulation and 
 government of the Park, was intended to operate on construc- 
 tion, but rather on control and management during its progress 
 and after completion. 
 
9 
 
 The words " lay out and regulate" are again used in the 
 4th section, and the words "lay out and regulation" in the 7th 
 section of the same act, but with no more clearly defined 
 meaning. 
 
 It has already been suggested that nothing short of a very 
 clear and distinct provision of law would justify men charged 
 with the execution of a most responsible duty, involving the 
 expenditure of large sums of money, in omitting to exercise the 
 same degree of prudence and judgment that ordinarily govern 
 them in their own affairs : Passing by, however, the mere 
 phraseology of the law, it seems equally difficult to evolve from 
 its terms, ideas that it is possible to carry out, or that would 
 prove a safe guide for those to be controlled by them. 
 
 The next succeeding section of the act contains a direction to 
 the city authorities to raise moneys by loan, to the extent of a 
 sum, the annual interest of which shall not exceed the amount 
 of interest specified in the 9th section, to wit, §100,000, which 
 loan, it is provided, shall be redeemable in thirty years from its 
 issue. 
 
 Conceding that the words " laying out" in the 9th section, 
 mean " construction," the section would be in effect this — that 
 no plan for construction and government of the Park shall be 
 adopted, which in its execution shall require more than a sum 
 the annual interest of which shall not exceed $100,000, unless, 
 indeed, it should be contended that the language intended that 
 the expense of a mere plan was to be paid out of the fund and 
 the balance appropriated to the government of the Park, inas* 
 much, as government commenced immediately with the organ- 
 ization of the commission. 
 
 It will be observed by your Honorable Body, that the act 
 makes no other appropriation or provision for the government 
 of the Park. 
 
 Taken literally, this section combines notions of political econ- 
 omy, and of finance, involved and impracticable. 
 
 And after the ideas are extricated from the language, they 
 will be found impossible of execution, and can only be used to 
 serve with the text of the next section, as a limit of the amount 
 the Commissioners were authorized to expend, and not as a limit 
 upon the cost of the Park. 
 2 
 
10 
 
 It is required that the construction of the Park shall be by loan. 
 This is consistent with sound economy, inasmuch as the money 
 derived from the loan, is represented in the Park provided by 
 it, and which is worth twice the sum borrowed. 
 
 It is also required that the moneys necessary for the govern- 
 ment of the Park, shall be derived from the same loan. 
 
 The construction of the Park is a work with a limit ; it is ca- 
 pable of completion ; it has an end and a bound ; — but, the 
 government of a Park, its keeping, its care, its repair, its pro- 
 tection, and the protection of its visitors, its bureau of accounts, 
 in short, its government and regulation, is a continuing business, 
 not to be sustained, except in violation of all rules of economy, 
 by loan or by a construction fund. 
 
 The two things will not travel together — construction by bor- 
 rowing and the annual expenses of government by borrowing. 
 
 Should a railroad company borrow to build its road, and re- 
 sort to the same mode of obtaining money for its annual current 
 expenses, it^would have but a very brief existence to care for. 
 
 As the means for constructing a work which is to display its 
 highest benefits and beauties to posterity, are very properly 
 chargeable on posterity, in shape of obligations, maturing some 
 years ahead, so it is but just that at least the current annual 
 expenses of maintaining a structure of which the present gener- 
 ation enjoys the use, should be provided annually by tax and 
 not by the process of a loan. 
 
 To provide for the current expenses of successive years by a 
 public fund or loan, Would be without precedent. 
 
 If the expenses of construction and of government are both 
 to be paid out of the $1,500,000 provided by the act, to which 
 of these shall it be applied? Assuming the expense of manage- 
 ment and government, after the construction is complete, to be 
 $150,000 per annum, the whole fund would be consumed in ten 
 years in government ; where, then, is the fund for construction ? 
 On the other hand, if the whole fund is used for construction, 
 from what source shall the means come for keeping it after it is 
 completed ? 
 
 The loan is to be for thirty years ; was it the plan of the frain- 
 ers of the law, to pay the expenses of governing the Park for 
 this period of time, and apply the balance to its construction? 
 
11 
 
 A brief trial of a plan to carry on the government of this 
 city by loan instead of tax, by funding the expense of its police, 
 of its street cleaning, of itsl ighting, of all its current expenses 
 of government, would be sufficient to ensure its abandon- 
 ment. 
 
 The Commissioners have had a physical work to perform — 
 they have had matter to deal with ; and to do it, they have 
 called to their aid such forces as they could command ; they did 
 not see fit to plant trees to be afterward uprooted to supply the 
 drainage ; they did not choose to ornament the surface of the 
 landscape, before its basis was complete and thorough ; they 
 knew that neither the smooth enamel of the lawn, nor the vigor- 
 ous foliage of the forest, could come of a stinted soil ; they in- 
 tended to proceed with honest and direct purpose to the per- 
 formance of their duty. 
 
 Were all these processes to be reversed — was the work to be 
 done upon the surface, and everything beneath left undone — was 
 common sense to be set aside on the apprehension that language 
 so indefinite, and ideas so confused as those of the ninth section, 
 could by any process be marshalled to confront and charge them 
 with infidelity to their trust or with dereliction of duty ? 
 
 The Board are aware that more than ordinary skill and fore- 
 sight are necessary to frame legislation adequate to all the 
 contingencies that might grow np in the progress of a new en- 
 terprize, like constructing the Central Park, and of adjusting 
 its delicate relations to those of the surrounding city. 
 
 It is not to be expected that all these contingencies could be 
 provided for by the exercise of all the foresight with which 
 humanity is gifted. 
 
 The provisions of the law of 1S57 are no exception to this 
 general rule. 
 
 A provision should have been made for the maintenance and 
 government of the Park by current annual tax, so that all the 
 expenses of government should not be, as they necessarily have 
 been, charged upon the fund for construction. 
 
 To the Legislature of 1859, as well as repeatedly to the 
 Common Council of the city of New York, the Board have, in 
 their communications, shown that the sum of money at their 
 command was insufficient to construct the Park. 
 
12 
 
 Foreseeing the inadequacy of the fund at their disposal for 
 the completion of the Park in a manner commensurate with 
 the necessities of this metropolis, or with the expectations of its 
 citizens, the Board presented, during the past year, a commu- 
 nication to the Common Council of the city of Xew York, for 
 its approval of an application to the Legislature for an ad- 
 ditional sum of money, the annual interest of which should 
 not exceed SI 50,000 from which communication the following 
 is extracted : 
 
 "The Commissioners, in the conduct of the work at the 
 Park, have been governed by the conviction that permanency, 
 thoroughness, and substantiality of structure, are in the end 
 true economy. Much more extended apparent completeness 
 might perhaps have been attained by the amount of money that 
 has been expended, but the work would have wanted the 
 characteristics that now render it so durable and so generally 
 satisfactory. 
 
 " Much that is out of sight could have been dispened with, 
 and the same external appearance of finish attained. It would 
 have been, however, that sort of completeness that, as is the 
 case with most of our public works, would Lave required 
 several years to finish, and at very greatly increased expense 
 over the cost of a thorough structure at the outset. The ex- 
 tended system of drainage, so essential to the salubrity of the 
 Park, and so important to the vegetation that is to adorn it, 
 does its effectual work unseen. The preparation of the ground 
 before planting the trees, might have been accomplished with 
 less expenditure, but high cultivation and fertilization is ri:e 
 preparation for the growth of a century. Xo part of this island 
 can compare with the area of the Central Park for complete- 
 ness of drainage, either surface or subterranean; and the city, 
 authorities, as well as the property owners of the vicinity 
 would do well, before the work of building the city in the 
 neighborhood of the Park, to inquire whether modifications of 
 the present method of city drainage might not with advantage 
 be made. 
 
 " It has not been unknown to the Board, that the completion 
 of the park on such a basis was not practicable within the sum 
 provided by the Legislature; they have preferred to do the 
 work well, make a park adequate to the necessities of a great 
 city, by a sufficient expenditure of money, rather than shape off 
 a mere field, insalubrious and unattractive, within the limits of 
 the sum at present at their disposal. 
 
 ,; In anticipation of the necessity of legislative action, a 
 
13 
 
 special committee of this Board, during tlie last summer, exam- 
 ined this subject in detail, and in a report to the Board, present a 
 very careful estimate of the probable cost of completing the park. 
 
 " From the investigations of the committee, and from subse- 
 quent experience, the Board conclude that application should 
 be made to the Legislature to grant the authority to create and 
 issue of the Central Park Improvement Fund, a further sum, 
 the annual interest of which shall not exceed one hundred and 
 fifty thousand dollars, and the Board of Commissioners of the 
 Central Park respectfully request such action of your Honor- 
 able Body as shall express a concurrence and approval in such 
 application." 
 
 This request received the concurrence of both branches of 
 the Common Council, and in pursuance thereof the present bill 
 is now before the Legislature. 
 
 So far as this question is one of mere expenditure of money, 
 it is believed that the interests of the corporate authorities of 
 the city, the taxpayers, and the citizens at large require the 
 speedy completion of this spacious pleasure ground. Without 
 entering upon any detail on this point, the Board will only 
 quote a brief extract from a late report of the Comptroller, the 
 chief financial officer of the city, to the Common Council. It is 
 in these words : 
 
 " The increase in the amount of taxes accruing to the city in 
 consequence of the enhancement in value of real estate situated 
 in the upper part of this island, over and above the former 
 value of the land now withdrawn from taxation, on account of 
 the opening of this noble park, will it is thought, afford more 
 than sufficient means for the payment of interest on the debt 
 incurred for its purchase and improvement, without any increase 
 in the general rate of taxation." 
 
 The organization of the large forces eno-aged in the great 
 variety of concurrent and interlacing operations of construction, 
 in such manner that each class may be effectively occupied, 
 and a faithful return of the time of every individual secured, 
 lias required very perfect arrangements, and such as could 
 be readily adjusted to the constantly occurring changes in the 
 work. 
 
 This organization intimately affects the outgo of the money, 
 and upon its fidelity, and upon the vigor that pervades it, 
 depend the results that are obtained from the means expended. 
 
The construction of the park, in all departments, has "been char- 
 acterized by thorough system, and efficiency, and economy, and 
 has not only been satisfactory to the Board, but, it is believed, 
 has commanded the warm approval of experienced constructors 
 and of the public. 
 
 About 10,500 persons have had employment on the park at 
 different times, since its commencement. 
 
 4,435 were employed during last year. 
 
 The force is paid in specie regularly every fortnight. 
 
 The preamble to the resolution adopted by the Senate, 
 represent the Commissioners of the Central Park as applying 
 " to the Legislature for the sum of five millions of dollars for 
 the laying out, regulation and government of the Park, namely, 
 two and a half millions for the laying out, and two and a half 
 millions for the care and government of the Park, or the annual 
 interest on that sum, being an hundred and fifty thousand dol- 
 lars per annum." 
 
 Inasmuch as the Commissioners have made no application 
 for any such sum as five millions of dollars, it is apparent that 
 the preamble and resolutions were drawn under a misapprehen- 
 sion of the terms of the bill now before the Senate, and that part 
 of the preamble which states, that the Commissioners apply for 
 " two and a half millions, for the care and government of the 
 Park, or the annual interest on that sum," shows that the 
 same idea of governing the Park, and of its care after comple- 
 tion, by borrowing and expending a principal sum, still had 
 possession of the mind of the framer of the preamble. To say 
 that because the sum of $150,000 is asked for to meet current 
 expenses, therefore the Board either ask for, or add to the 
 cost of the Park a principal sum, of which this is the interest, 
 is like saying that the owner of a country seat, who expends in 
 the course of the year one thousand dollars in keeping his 
 grounds, adds therebj' to their cost a principal sum, of which 
 $1,000 is the interest. 
 
 A single glance at the bill before the Senate, discovers its 
 objects. They are briefly these : 
 
 The first and second sections provide for the creation by the 
 Common Council of the city of New York, of a stock or fund 
 
15 
 
 of $S33,333 T Yo> in each of three years, for the purpose of 
 completing the Central Park, and for the payment of the in- 
 terest on this stock. There is no provision of the bill raising 
 the money : its raising is provided for through the authorities 
 of the city, in the customary modes. 
 
 The third section provides for raising by the Board of Super- 
 visors in the city of New York, by tax, an annual sum as may 
 be required, not exceeding $150,000 in any one year, for the 
 maintenance and government of the Park — for the current ex- 
 penses of the Park. This provision supplies the omission in the 
 law of 1S57, which has compelled the Board to maintain and 
 govern for nearly three years, out of the principal fund pro- 
 vided by that law. 
 
 In addition to these expenses of keeping and of maintaining 
 the Park, are to be added sundry other expenses, not abso- 
 lutely essential to a Park, but required by public con- 
 venience. 
 
 The necessary expense to render 59th street, which bounds 
 the Park on the south, and through which the Park will be 
 reached by the greater number of its visitors, a convenient 
 access to the Park, will be not less than about §25,000. 
 
 The expense of construction of roads, for facilitating busi- 
 ness travel and traffic across the Park, in such manner as 
 not to impede the pleasure travel of the Park, though not 
 strictly a portion of the Park, yet is a great necessity. 
 
 To omit these improvements would be a mistake that it 
 would be difficult and expensive to repair. It has been con- 
 stantly urged in the Board, that the expense of their construc- 
 tion should be separated in the accounts of the Board from 
 other expenditures, with the view of making it the subject 
 of an application for the amount of funds expended in their 
 construction. 
 
 The proposed addition to the North end of the Park of about 
 sixty-five acres, as also of the area comprised within the grounds 
 of the late State Arsenal of some six acres, will occasion a large 
 additional expenditure of money. 
 
 It is also well known, that up to a time shortly anterior to the 
 passage of the act of 1S57, the city had no authority to issue 
 stocks at a rate exceeding five per cent., and that these stocks 
 
16 
 
 were saleable. This rate of interest would Lave given the Board 
 two millions of dollars, whereas they were issued hearing six 
 per cent, and yielded but $1,666,000, or a difference of $333,- 
 333. 
 
 All these circumstances have either diminished the fund at 
 the disposal of the Board, or have thrown upon that fund large 
 expenses, probably not contemplated at the time of the passage 
 of the law, but essential to the perfection of the work committed 
 to the charge of the Board. 
 
 !Nor is it possible, that the expenditures of a great work like 
 this, can be accurately estimated before hand. 
 
 The Legislature could not foresee these contingences, or other 
 exigencies of the work which were to spring up in its progress ; 
 the laAV of 1857 can only be properly construed as expressing 
 the intention of the Legislature to do all it could intelligently 
 do, which was to fix a limit, not what the Park was to cost, but 
 to specify and limit the amount of the annual interest of the 
 sum that at the outset should be placed at the disposal of the 
 Commissioners. 
 
 The plan was adopted in 1S5S, and in 1859 its principal fea- 
 tures were in progress. The met, that after the plan was adopt- 
 ed, and rocks riven, lakes excavated, trees planted, drains laid, 
 drives graded, walks made, bridges erected, on that plan, the 
 Legislature should, after all this had been done, again say in 
 1S59, that no plan " shall be adopted, for the laying out, regu- 
 lation, and government," &c, re-enacting the section of 1857, 
 totidem verbis (excepting the addition of $25,000 to the sum of 
 the interest, the principal of which might be expended,) would 
 seem to be conclusive, that the intention of the Legislature was 
 not to set aside the plan of 1857, to require the adoption of 
 another, but to authorize a further expenditure of about $100,000 
 in carrying out the plan already adopted. 
 
 Did the law of 1859 contemplate the adoption of another 
 plan, or did it contemplate the carrying out of the plan already 
 adopted? If the latter, then the plan already adopted has 
 the express recognition, sanction, and approval of the Legisla- 
 ture. 
 
 The Board, in reply to the paragraph ]S T o. 4 of the resolution, 
 requesting " the names of the Commissioners voting upon the 
 question of doing the work by contract or by days' work," 
 
ir 
 
 respectfully state, that the first action of the Board authorizing 
 the employment of laborers by the day, was on the 2Sth July, 
 1857. 
 
 On the question then before the Board : 
 
 Messrs. Russell, Butterworth, Gray, Ilutchins, Elliott and 
 Hogg voted in the affirmative. 
 
 Messrs. Dillon, Fields and Green in the negative. 
 
 This negative vote was given, it is believed, on the ground 
 that the Commissioners had not then realized any money to pay 
 with. 
 
 The next time the subject of employing more men by day's 
 work came before the Board was on the 8th of September, 
 1857 Messrs. Cooley, Dillon, Russell, Butterworth, Fields, 
 Green, Strong and Hogg being present; though the ayes and 
 noes were not called,. seem to have been unanimous in favor 
 of such employment. 
 
 From this time onward, at various times, the force of day 
 laborers, mechanics, cartmen, &c, was increased and decreased 
 from time to time, as the work required. 
 
 On the 15th July, 1858, in the midst of the most active oper- 
 ations then proceeding in all departments of the work, in the 
 height of the active working season, with a force of mechanics, 
 day laborers, cartmen, and others of about 1500 men employed, 
 the following resolution was proposed : 
 
 Resolved, That the works for drainage, trenching, and irri- 
 gation, the excavation and construction of ponds and lakes, and 
 the construction of the Drive, Ride, and Walk, and all other 
 works upon the Park, unless otherwise specially ordered by the 
 Board, be clone by contract; and that the architect-in-chief 
 report to this Board working plans, with specifications for each 
 of such works. 
 
 Upon this resolution, the vote was — ■ 
 
 Ayes — Messrs. Dillon and Belmont — 2. 
 
 Ways — Messrs. Russell, Gray, Green, Strong — L 
 
 (Five members being absent.) 
 
 At the next meeting, Mr. Fields obtained, by unanimous 
 consent, leave to have it entered on the minutes, that, if he had 
 been present, he would have voted in the affirmative. 
 
 This action of the Board is presumed to be that respecting 
 which enquiry is made in paragraph No. 4 of the resolutions of 
 the Senate. 
 3 
 
18 
 
 The resolutions call for "The items of the plan which the 
 board has resolved to strike out or omit." 
 
 So far as formally determined by action of the board, the 
 parts of the original plan which have been omitted, are as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 1. An entrance road at Sixtieth street on Eighth avenue, and 
 an entrance on Fifty-ninth street between Sixth and Seventh ave- 
 nues. A single entrance at the corner of Fifty-ninth street and 
 Eighth avenue has been substituted for these. This has involved 
 the filling of a piece of low ground between Fifty-ninth street 
 and Sixty-second street, adjoining Eighth avenue, the expense 
 of which — as well as the objectionable character of this entrance, 
 owing to the meeting of various angles at the intersection of the 
 Eighth avenue, Fifty-ninth street, and Bloomingdale road — was 
 intended to be avoided by the original plan. The advantages 
 of the course finally adopted seemed, to the judgment of the 
 board, to warrant the additional expense. 
 
 2. The entrance at 103d street of the original plan has been 
 transferred to 100th street. This change was made upon the 
 recommendation of the designers of the original plan, in conse- 
 quence of the extension of the limits of the park, authorized by 
 the legislature in 1859. 
 
 The response of the board to the questions numbered in the 
 preamble and resolutions Nos. 6 and 7, will be found given, 
 with all practicable accuracy, by the appendices hereto annexed, 
 marked A and B. 
 
 "Which of the items, if any, are essential, and which of them 
 are non-essential V 
 
 There are now in use about 3 J miles of carriage road, firm, 
 smooth, of easy grades, and so drained and constructed as to be 
 frost and storm proof, and therefore available at any season of 
 the year, being much the best road in the United States, although 
 not superior to many in Europe. There are also already in use 
 7i miles of firm, smooth, and substantially constructed walks. 
 Both carriage-roads and walks are carried through rural grounds, 
 which have been w r ell drained and freed from disagreeable ob- 
 jects, and whatever is likely to render the air impure. These 
 
19 
 
 grounds have been to some extent 'planted. What is essential 
 to the definition of a Park is therefore provided, and the Board 
 find it difficult to draw the distinction required by the Senate 
 between the essential and the non-essentialities of the work re- 
 maining to be done, except with reference to their own stan- 
 dard, of what is fitting the common pleasure-ground of two mil- 
 lions of citizens. Every item of their estimated expenditure is 
 essential to this ideal. 
 
 "No one of them can be omitted without causing an incon- 
 gruity, or leaving the Park incomplete. In the item for 
 bridges, for instance, a considerable sum might be saved by 
 the substitution of wood for stone or iron ; but wooden bridges 
 would be incongruous, after what has been already done. A 
 larger sum might be saved by dispensing entirely with some of 
 the proposed bridges ; but this would leave incomplete a system 
 of walks, drives, and rides, which has been partially realized, 
 and of which each of the proposed bridges is a necessary mem- 
 ber. It would also render much work that has been done use- 
 less, or destroy its original purpose. 
 
 The amount of money expended to 18th May, 
 
 1S58, when the plan was. adopted, was §163,53100 
 
 The amount expended to January 1st, 1859, 
 
 was 5S5,369 27 
 
 The amount expended to January 1st, 1860, 
 
 was 1,761,615 71 
 
 The entire amount of drain tile thus far laid on the Central 
 Park, not including vitrified pipe and other materials used in 
 the sewerage of roads, is as follows : 
 
 Between 59th and 79th streets 121,892 feet 
 
 " 79th and 96th streets 1,102 " 
 
 " 96th and 106th streets 21,929 " 
 
 Total $111,923 feet 
 
 =27. 4 4 miles. 
 
 This has cost the sum of $5,117 30. 
 =3-J cents per foot for all sizes. 
 
 The articles required for the Central Park are ordered by the 
 
20 
 
 Board, or referred to the Executive Committee, consisting of 
 five members of the Board, and after being ordered by this 
 committee are purchased by its treasurer, with the aid of such 
 person as he may employ for that purpose. Mr. B. F. Crane 
 and Mr. Thomas Hogg are the only persons employed for such 
 aid, with perhaps a rare exception, and for an amount rarely, if 
 ever, exceeding at any one time one hundred dollars. No person 
 who makes purchases for the Central Park is connected in any 
 way w T ith any firm in the city of New York or elsewhere, nor 
 has any such person any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in 
 any firm in this city or elsewhere, to the knowledge of the Board. 
 
 The amount expended for the purchase of materials, &c, 
 from May 1st, 1857, the date of the organization of the Board, 
 to January 1, 1858, was — 
 
 For materials of construction and tools.. $1,940 03 
 For stationery and printing 648 13 
 
 Total from May 1st, 1857, to January 1st, 1858. . . . $2,588 16 
 
 Expended from January 1, 1858, to January 1, 
 1859: 
 
 For materials of construction and tools. .$G0,186 32 
 
 " Stationery and printing 3,425 79 
 
 « Trees and plants 5,529 83 
 
 " Manure 6,734 20 
 
 Total from Jan. 1, 1859, to Jan. 1, 1 60 $75,876 14 
 
 Expended from January 1, 1859, to January 1, 
 1860: 
 
 For materials of construction and tools. $ 194,040 55 
 
 " Trees and plants 12,49105 
 
 " Stationery and printing 5,718 60 
 
 « Manure 7,204 60 
 
 Total from Jan. 1, 1859, to Jan. 1, 1860 219,454 SO 
 
 Total expenditure for purchases from May 1, 1857, 
 
 to January 1, I860, was $297,919 10 
 
 The Board desires to express its firm conviction that the 
 $2,500,000 specified in the bill now before the Senate, is fully 
 
21 
 
 adequate to the completion of the Park in such a manner as 
 shall be acceptable to the Public, and worthy the city of New 
 York ; and in asking for the present amount, the Board are 
 governed by the belief that no additional or farther sum will 
 ever be required or asked for by them. Much of the informa- 
 tion required by your Hon. Body has called for difficult and 
 extensive computations, and has necessarily occupied time in 
 its preparation. 
 
 The Board has herein endeavored to lay the information re- 
 quired before the Senate as promptly as was practicable; they 
 feel and urge upon the Legislature the immense importance of 
 an early provision of law to enable the Common Council of 
 New York to provide the Board with means necessary to prose- 
 cute their work during the present month, and are gratified at 
 the evidences of the deep interest that the progress of this 
 great work of the metropolis has excited in the minds of the 
 representatives of the people of the whole State. 
 
 The months of March and April are the planting months of 
 spring, trees are purchased and on their way to the Park ; the 
 regular forces of the Park are waiting for employment. 
 
 To conduct extensive operations in any department of the 
 Park requires previous provision of materials and organization 
 of men. All these circumstances impress upon the Board the 
 serious consequences of delay, yet the Commissioners cheer- 
 fully tender to your Honorable Body all the facilities in their 
 power for obtaining the fullest information as to all departments 
 of their work, as they believe that to spread information of this 
 work in all its details, is to attract to its beauties new troops of 
 admirers, and to confer upon its management an increase of the 
 friendly regards and confidence of the people. 
 
 New York, March 8th, 1860. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 By order of the Board. 
 E. M. Blatcheord, 
 President of the Board of Commissioners 
 of the Centred Parle, 
 
 Andw. H. Green, 
 
 Comptroller of the Parfo 
 
22 
 
 "Wm. II. Grant, Esq., 
 
 Superintending Engineer of the Central Park : 
 
 Sir, — The Honorable the Senate of the State, have pro- 
 pounded to the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park, 
 among others, the following interrogatories : 
 
 "How much money has been expended below 79th street, or 
 how much below 96th street ? how much below 106th street, 
 and the number of acres in each section belonging to the 
 Park ?" 
 
 " How much money is required to be expended in each 
 section, stating the items of expenditure and the cost of each ?" 
 
 "Will you have the computations necessary to give a full 
 answer to these questions carefully and accurately made, and 
 send the result to me as promp^y a3 is practicable with cor- 
 rectness. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 Andrew II. Green, 
 
 Comptroller of the Park. 
 
 Andrew H. Green, Esq., 
 
 Comptroller of the Park : 
 Sir, — In compliance with your instructions in reference to 
 the interrogatories of the Honorable the Senate, I submit here- 
 with the statements answering the same. 
 I am, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obclt. serv., 
 
 Wm. H. Grant, 
 
 Sup erin t en di n g E n gi n eer * 
 
 Central Park, March 8th, 1860. 
 
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30 
 
 Appendix C. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF A PLAN FOE THE IMPROVE- 
 MENT OF THE CENTRAL PARK. 
 
 »«<. 
 
 A general survey of the ground allotted to the park, 
 taken with a view to arrive at the leading characteristics 
 T cai°fugges- which present themselves, as all-important to be considered 
 
 tions - in adapting the actual situation to its purpose, shows us, in 
 the first place, that it is very distinctly divided into two 
 tolerably equal portions, which, for convenience sake, may 
 be called the'upper and the lower parks. 
 
 The horizontal lines of the upper park are bold and 
 sweeping, and the slopes have great breadth in almost 
 every aspect in which they may be contemplated. As 
 The upper this character is the highest ideal that can be aimed at for 
 
 pa,k * a park under any circumstances, and as it is in most 
 decided contrast to the confined and formal lines of the 
 city, it is desirable to interfere with it, by cross roads, and 
 other constructions, as little as possible. Formal planting 
 and architectural effects, unless on a very grand scale, must 
 be avoided ; and as nearly all the land between the Reser- 
 voir and 106th street (west of the Boston Road) is seen in 
 connection, from any point within itself, a unity of 
 character should be studiously preserved in all the garden- 
 ing details. 
 
 The lower park is far more heterogeneous in its charac- 
 ter, and will require a much more varied treatment. The 
 The lower most important feature in its landscape, is the long rocky 
 and wooded hill-side lying immediately south of the Res- 
 ervoir. Inasmuch as beyond this point there do not 
 appear to be any leading natural characteristics of similar 
 consequence in the scenery, it will be important to draw as 
 much attention as possible to this hill-side, to afford 
 
31 
 
 facilities for rest and leisurely contemplation upon the 
 rising ground opposite, and to render the lateral boundaries 
 of the park in its vicinity as inconspicuous as possible. 
 The central and western portion of the lower park is an 
 irregular table-land ; the eastern is composed of a series of 
 of graceful undulations, suggesting lawn or gardenesque 
 treatment. In the extreme south we find some flat alluvial 
 meadow ; but the general character of the ground is 
 rugged, and there are several bold, rocky bluffs, that help 
 to give individuality to this part of the composition. 
 Such being the general suggestions that our survey has 
 afforded, it becomes necessary to consider how the re" 
 quirements of the Commission, a3 given in their instruc- 
 tions, may be met with the least sacrifice of the character- 
 istic excellencies of the ground. 
 
 Up to this time, in planning public works for the city of 
 Xew York, in no instance has adequate allowance been 
 made for its increasing population and business; not even rreli , 
 in the case of the Croton Aqueduct, otherwise so w T ell JJJ 
 considered. The City Hall, the best architectural work in 
 the State, and built to last for centuries, does not at this 
 time afford facilities for one-third of the business for which 
 it was intended. The present Post-Office, expensively 
 fitted up some ten years ago, no longer answers its purpose, 
 and a new one of twice it3 capacity is imperatively 
 demanded. The Custom House, expressly designed for 
 permanence, and constructed to that end at an enormous 
 expense, less than twenty years ago, is not half large 
 enough to accommodate the present commerce of the city. 
 
 The explanation of this apparently bad calculation, is 
 mainly given with. the fact, that at every census since that 
 of 1S00, the city's rate of increase has been found to be 
 overrunning the rate previously established. 
 
 A wise forecast of the future gave the proposed park the 
 name of Central. Our present chief magistrate, who can 
 himself remember market-gardens below Canal street, and 
 a post-and-rail fence on the north side of City-Hall Park, 
 warned his coadjutors, in his inaugural message, to expect 
 a great and rapid movement of population towards the parts 
 
32 
 
 of the island adjoining the Central Park. A year hence, 
 five city railroads will bring passengers as far up as the 
 park, if not beyond it. Recent movements to transfer 
 the steamboat landings and railroad stations, although 
 as yet unsuccessful, indicate changes we are soon to 
 expect. 
 
 The 17,000 lots withdrawn from use for building pur- 
 poses in the park itself, will greatly accelerate the occupa- 
 tion of the adjoining land. Only twenty 3'ears ago, Union 
 Square was " out of town ;" twenty years hence, the town 
 will have enclosed the Central Park. Let us consider, 
 therefore, what will at that time be satisfactory, for it is 
 then that the design will have to be really judged. ISTo 
 longer an open suburb, our ground will have around it a 
 continuous high wall of brick, stone, and maible; the 
 adjoining shores will be lined with commercial docks and 
 warehouses ; steamboat and ferry landings, railroad stations, 
 hotels, theatres, factories, will be on all sides of it and 
 above it : all of which our park must be made to lit. 
 
 The demolition of Columbia College, and the removal of 
 the old cloistral elms which so long enshadowed it ; the 
 pertinacious demand for a division of Trinity Churchyard ; 
 the numerous instances in which our old graveyards have 
 actually been broken up ; the indirect concession of the 
 most important space in the City-Hall Park for the pur- 
 poses of a thoroughfare, and the further contraction it is 
 now likely to suffer ; together with the constant enormous 
 expenditure of the city, and sacrifices of the citizens, in the 
 straightening and widening of streets, are all familiar facts, 
 and teach us a lesson of the most pressing importance in 
 our present duty. To its application we give the first 
 place in our planning. 
 
 Our instructions call for four transverse roads. Each of 
 these will be the single line of communication between one 
 side of the town and the other, for a distance equal to that 
 between Chambers street and Canal street. If we suppose 
 but one crossing of Broadway to be possible in this interval, 
 we shall realize what these transverse roads are destined to 
 become. Inevitably they will be crowded thoroughfares, 
 
33 
 
 having nothing in common with the park proper, but every- 
 thing at variance with those agreeable sentiments which we 
 should wish the park to inspire. It will not be possible to 
 enforce the ordinary police regulations of public parks upon 
 them. They must be constantly open to all the legitimate 
 traffic of the city, to coal carts and butchers' carts, dust carts 
 and dung carts ; engine companies will use them, those on one 
 side the park rushing their machines across it, with frantic 
 zeal at every alarm from the other; ladies and invalids will 
 need special police escort for crossing them, as they do in 
 lower Broadway. Eight times in a single circuit of the park 
 will they oblige a pleasure drive or stroll to encounter a 
 turbid stream of coarse traffic, constantly moving at right 
 angles to the line of the park itself. 
 
 The transverse roads will also have to be kept open, while 
 the park proper will be useless for any good purpose after 
 dusk ; for experience has shown that even in London, with 
 its admirable police arrangements, the public cannot be 
 secured safe transit through large open spaces of ground 
 after nightfall. 
 
 These public thoroughfares will then require to be well 
 lighted at the sides; and, to restrain marauders pursued by 
 the police from escaping into the obscurity of the park, Foreign ex- 
 strong fences or walls, six or eight feet high, will be ample3, 
 necessary. One such street passes through the Regent's 
 Park of London, at the Zoological Gardens. It has the ob- 
 jection that the fence, with its necessary gates at every 
 crossing of the park drives, roads, or paths, is not only 
 a great inconvenience, but a disagreeable object in the 
 landscape. 
 
 To avoid a similar disfigurement, an important street, 
 crossing the garden of the Tuileries, is closed by gates at 
 night, forcing all vehicles which w T ould otherwise use it, to 
 go a long distance to the right or left. 
 
 The form and position of the Central Park are peculiar 
 in respect to this difficulty, and such that precedent, in 
 dealing with it, is rather to be sought in the long and 
 narrow Boulevards of some of the old Continental cities of 
 Europe, than in the broad parks with which, from its area 
 5 
 
iii acres, we are most naturally led to compare it. The 
 Boulevards referred to are, however, generally used only 
 as promenades — not as drives or places of ceremony. In 
 frequent instances, in order not to interrupt the alleys, the 
 streets crossing them are made in the form of causeways, 
 and carried over on high arches. This, of course, prevents, 
 all landscape-gardening, since it puts an abrupt limit to the 
 view. Some expedient is needed for the Central Park, by 
 which the convenience of the arrangement may be retained, 
 while the objection is as far as possible avoided. 
 
 In the plan herewith offered to the Commission, each of 
 the transverse roads is intended to be sunk so far below 
 the general surface, that the park drives may, at every 
 necessary point of intersection, be carried entirely over 
 design, it, without any obvious elevation or divergence from their 
 most attractive routes. The banks on each side will 
 be walled up to the height of about seven feet, thus 
 forming the protective barrier required by police consid- 
 erations ; and a little judicious planting on the tops or slopes 
 of the Jbanks above these walls, will in most cases entirely 
 conceal both the roads and the vehicles moving in them, 
 from the view of those walking or driving in the park. 
 
 If the position which has just been taken with regard to 
 the necessity for permanently open transverse thorough- 
 fares is found to be correct, it follows necessarily that the 
 700 acres allowed to the new park must, in the first instance, 
 be subdivided [definitely, although, it is to be hoped, to 
 some extent invisibly, into five separate and distinct sec- 
 tions, only connnected here and there by roads crossing 
 them ; and if the plan of making these thoroughfares by 
 sunken roads is approved, they will, as it appears to us from 
 the nature of the ground, have to be laid down somewhat 
 on the lines indicated on the plan. If so, the problem to be 
 solved is narrowed in its dimensions, and the efforts of the 
 landscape gardener can be no longer directed to arranging 
 a design that shall agreeably use up the space of 700 acres 
 allotted, but to making some plan that shall have unity of 
 effect as a whole, and yet avoid all collision in its detailed, 
 features, with the intersecting lines thus suggested. It is on 
 
35 
 
 this basis that the present plan has, in the first instance, 
 been founded. If the sunken transverse roads were omitted, 
 the design would not be less complete in character ; but it 
 is, on the other hand, so laid out that the transverse 
 thoroughfares do not interfere materially with its general 
 or detailed effect. 
 
 After having planned the park drives agreeably to these 
 views, we observed that three additional, moderately direct, 
 transverse roads had occurred. These will afford facilities inverse 
 for crossing the park to all vehicles of classes which it will 
 be proper to admit upon them, such as hackney coaches 
 and all private carriages ; and thus seven transverse roads 
 will be really provided to be used, during daylight. Four 
 roads will probably be amply adequate for the night traffic 
 needing to cross the park ; but it must be questionable if 
 this number "would be sufficient during the day. 
 
 As it is not proposed that the park proper shall be lighted 
 at night, it is well worth while to consider if the advantages The exterIor - 
 which it offers as an interesting promenade, may not yet in 
 some way be obtained at night. 
 
 The ordinance that regulates the width of Fifth avenue, 
 allows a space of fifteen feet on each side, exclusive of the Fifth avenue 
 sidewalks and the roadway ; consequently, a space thirty 
 feet in width, for promenade, is already provided on this 
 side of the park for its whole length. On the Eighth B SJ ££ 
 avenue, a similar arrangement may probably be effected, roa(1 * 
 and as there would be no occasion to back up carts against 
 the park side of the avenue, it is feasible to carry the rail- 
 way tracks close to the edge of the promenade, thus leaving 
 a clear space for carriages on the building side, and making 
 the access to the park side more clean and convenient. 
 
 On the southern boundary, it is not desirable to reduce 
 the already moderate width of the carriage-way. It is, on 
 the other hand, a question whether, as the streets and the Fifty -ninth 
 
 P and One 
 
 park both, m reality, are the property or one owner — the Hundred 
 city — this street should not be treated in a similar manner, streets. 
 It will, from its position, be in time rather crowded with 
 traffic, and will, therefore, have some claim to be widened 
 on this ground alone. As a question of beauty of arrange- 
 ment for the park itself, however, it is conceived that if by 
 
36 
 
 this management a more stately character than could other- 
 wise be obtained will be secured to the outer boundaries of 
 the park, it will be cheaply purchased at the sacrifice of a 
 few feet at the south end, off its present length of two and 
 half miles. In riding along any of the avenues, the eye 
 cannot fail to be struck with the great difference in dignity 
 of effect, between such streets as Fourteenth and Twenty- 
 Third, and those intermediate ; and it would be a matter of 
 regret, that the source of effect so easily obtained, should 
 be lost in connection with the grand approaches to the park, 
 because it does not happen that its boundaries at present 
 coincide with the wide streets laid out on the working plan 
 upon which the city is being constructed. If, moreover, 
 the advantage of the evening promenade is allowed to be 
 of importance, we should be sorry to dispense with this sec- 
 tion of it, which would be the only portion having a direct 
 communication from the Sixth and Seventh avenues. 
 
 For the purpose of concealing the houses on the opposite 
 side cf the street, from the park, and to insure an umbra- 
 geous horizon line, it is proposed, as will be seen in the plan, 
 ■eatmentof* plant a line of trees all around the outer edge of the park, 
 nSe?. dary between the sidewalk and the roadway. On approaching 
 the Fifth and Eighth avenue entrances, this line of trees 
 along Fifty-ninth street will come prominently into view, 
 and have a handsome effect if the street is widened ; but 
 if Fifty-ninth street is allowed to remain as a narrow street, 
 it is feared that it will be difficult to prevent this boundary 
 line of the park from having a contracted and somewhat 
 mean appearance. Hence, we have thought it proper, in 
 our plan, to assume the advantage and practicability of this 
 arrangement to be conceded ; but, if this should not be the 
 case, it will be readily perceived that it forms no essential 
 part of our design. 
 
 On the space originally provided for a sidewalk on the 
 park side of the streets and avenues, there will, in any 
 case, be room for such a line of trees as we have proposed. 
 The continuous exterior mall should by no means be given 
 up, even though it cannot be made in all parts as wide a3 
 we have proposed. At many points, and frequently for 
 quite long distances, it will form an elevaafed terrace, com- 
 
37 
 
 commanding extensive views over the park, of the most in- 
 teresting character ; and a mere parapet-wall three or four 
 feet high, will, in such cases, be all-sufficient for the safety 
 of promeuaders and the protection of the park from inter- 
 lopers. 
 
 The handsomest approach from the city is certain to be 
 alone; the Fifth avenue, and it has been thought necessary 
 
 & P n Fifth avenue 
 
 to view with special care the angle of the park first reached entrance, 
 from this direction, because it will be generally felt that 
 immediate entrance should be had at this point. 
 
 The grade of the avenue has been established so high, 
 that considerable filling-in would be required to avoid a 
 rapid descent ; but directly this single difficulty is over- 
 come, the ground beyond has great advantages for the pur- 
 pose of a dignified entrance to the park. A massive rock, 
 that will be in connection with this requisite made ground, 
 offers a sufficiently large natural feature to occupy the 
 attention, and will at once reduce the artificial character 
 to a position of minor importance. If next, we stand upon 
 that portion of the rock which (a little north of the large 
 cherry-tree) is at grade-height, we find that there is another 
 rocky hillock within a short distance, in the direction a 
 visitor to the park would most naturally pursue — that is to 
 say, towards the centre of the park. This can be easily 
 reached by slightly raising the intermediate ground ; by 
 then sweeping to the right, the natural conformation of the 
 surface offers an easy ascent (by the existing cart-way over 
 Sixty-third street) to a plateau (two rods west of the 
 powder-house), directly connected with the extensive table- 
 land which occupies the centre of the lower half of the 
 park. 
 
 From this plateau (now occupied mainly by the nursery) 
 a view is had of nearly all the park up to the Reservoir, 
 in a northerly direction ; and on looking to the south and 
 west, we perceive that there are natural approaches from 
 these directions, which suggest that we have arrived at a 
 suitable point of concentration for all approaches which 
 may be made from the lower part of the city to the interior 
 of the park. 
 
 Yista Rock, the most prominent point in the landscape 
 
38 
 
 of the lower park, here first comes distinctly into view, 
 and fortunately in a direction diagonal to the boundary 
 lines, from which it is desirable to withdraw attention in 
 every possible way. A7e therefore accept this line of view 
 as affording an all-sufficient motive to our further proce- 
 dure. Although averse, on general principles, to a sym- 
 metrical arrangement of trees, we consider it an essential 
 feature of a metropolitan park, that it should contain a 
 grand promenade, level, spacious, and thoroughly shaded. 
 This result can in no other way be so completely arrived at 
 as by an avenue ; which, in itself, even exclusive of its 
 adaptability for this purpose, contains so many elements of 
 grandeur and magnificence, that it should be recognized as 
 an essential feature in the arrangement of any large park. 
 
 The objection to which it is liable is, that it divides the 
 landscape into two parts, and it is therefore desirable to de- 
 cide at what point this necessity can be submitted to with the 
 least sacrifice to the general effect. The whole topographical 
 character of the park is so varied, so suggestive of natural 
 treatment, so picturesque, so individual in its character- 
 istics, that it would be contrary to common sense to make 
 the avenue its leading feature, or to occupy any great extent 
 of ground for this special purpose. It must be subservient 
 to the general design, if that general design is to be in ac- 
 cordance with the present configuration of the ground, and 
 we have therefore thought that it should, so far as possible, 
 be complete in itself, and not become a portion of any of 
 the leading drives. There is no dignity of effect to be pro- 
 duced by driving through an avenue a quarter of a mile 
 long, unless it leads to and becomes an accessory of some 
 grand architectural structure, which itself, and not the 
 avenue, is the ultimatum of interest. An avenue for driv- 
 ing in should be two or three miles long, or it will be petite 
 and disappointing. "We have therefore thought it most de- 
 sirable to identify the idea of the avenue with the promen- 
 ade, for which purpose a quarter of a mile is not insuffi- 
 cient, and we can find no better place for such a grand 
 mall or open air hall of reception, as we desire to have, 
 than the ground before us. 
 
39 
 
 In giving it this prominent position, we look at it in the 
 light of an artificial structure on a scale of magnitude com- 
 mensurate with the size of the park, and intend in our de- muie. 
 sign that it should occupy the same position of relative 
 importance in the general arrangement of the plan, that a 
 mansion should occupy in a park prepared for private oc- 
 cupation. The importance that is justly connected with 
 the idea of the residence of the owner in even the most 
 extensive private grounds, finds no parallel in a public 
 park, however small, and we feel that the interest of the 
 visitor, who, in the best sense, is the true owner, in the lat- 
 ter case, should concentrate on features of natural, in pref- 
 erence to artificial beauty. Many elegant buildings may 
 be appropriately erected for desirable purposes in a public 
 park; but we conceive that all such architectural structures 
 should be confessedly subservient to the main idea, and that 
 nothing artificial should be obtruded on the view as an ul- 
 timatum of interest. The idea of the park itself should 
 always be uppermost in the mind of the beholder. Holding 
 this general principle to be of considerable importance, we 
 have preferred to place the avenue where it can be termi- 
 nated appropriately at one end with a landscape attraction 
 of considerable extent, and to relieve the south entrance 
 with only so much architectural treatment as may give the 
 idea that due regard has been paid to the adornment of 
 this principal promenade, without interfering with its real 
 character. 
 
 This avenue may be considered the central feature in our 
 plan for laying out the lower park, and the other details of 
 arrangement are more or less designed in connection with 
 it. 
 
 To the west is the parade ground, containing about 
 twenty-live acres, that may, at a moderate expense, be 
 levelled and made suitable for its purpose ; and also some Parade 
 
 , ground. 
 
 eight or ten acres of broken ground, that will be more or 
 less available for military exercises. Such a broad open 
 plane of well kept grass would be a refreshing and agree- 
 able feature in the general design, and would bear to be of 
 much greater extent than is here shown, if the lot were of 
 
40 
 
 a different shape ; but, under the circumstances, twenty 
 five acres seems as much as can well be spared for the pur- 
 pose. A military entrance from Eighth avenue is proposed 
 to be made at Sixty-ninth street, which has been already, 
 at considerable expense, cut through the rock at this point, 
 and offers a suggestion for a picturesque approach, with a 
 portcullis gate, and with the main park drive carried over 
 it at a higher level. 
 
 The natural southern boundary of the table-land, occupied 
 bv the parade ground, is a rapid slope, that occurs about in 
 
 Playground. , . . « ^ • . i . I 
 
 the line of Sixty-sixth street ; in this slope it is proposed to 
 sink one of the transverse roads ; and on a level plane be- 
 low it, stretching to the south, a play-ground, about 10 
 acres in extent, is located, as indicated on the plan. "We 
 have thought it very desirable to have a cricket ground 
 of this size near the southern boundary of the Park, and 
 not far from the Sixth and Eighth Avenue Railroads, which 
 offer the most rapid means of access from the lower part of 
 the city. 
 
 In this playground sites are suggested for two buildings 
 of moderate dimensions ; one for visitors to view the games, 
 which would be appropriately located on a large rock that 
 overlooks the ground ; and the other for the players, at the 
 entrance from the transverse road, by which an exit could 
 be obtained from the playground after the other gates 
 were closed. Only one mass of rock of any considerable 
 magnitude would require to be blasted out for the purpose 
 of adapting this ground to its intended purpose; its posi- 
 tion is indicated on the plan by a red cross, and the object 
 of its removal will be seen on examination. This part of 
 the design is illustrated in study JS"o. 2. The ground at the 
 southwest corner of the park it is proposed to fill in, suffi- 
 ciently to make, on the plan indicated, an agreeable Eighth 
 avenue entrance. 
 
 To the southeast of the promenade, and between the 
 Fifth and Sixth avenue entrances, it is proposed to form a 
 Th iake? wer lake of irregular shape, and with an area of eight or nine 
 acres. This arrangement has been suggested by the pres- 
 ent nature of the ground, which is low, and somewhat 
 
41 
 
 swampy. It is concieved that, by introducing such an or- 
 namental sheet of water into the composition at this point, 
 the picturesque effect of the hold bluffs that will run down 
 to its edge and overhang it, must be much increased ; and 
 that by means of such a natural boundary, this rocky section 
 of the park will be rendered more retired and attractiye as a 
 pleasant walk or lounge. The proposed effect of this part 
 of the design, as it will appear from the Fifth avenue en- 
 trance, is indicated on study ]S~o. 1. 
 
 To the southeast of the promenade will be found that 
 portion of the park in which the present Arsenal is situated. 
 This ground is undulating and agreeable in its character, 
 and will offer pleasant opportunities for shady walks. The 
 Arsenal itself, although at present a very unattractive 
 structure, and only tolerably built, contains a great deal of 
 room, in a form that adapts it very well to the purposes of 
 a museum. It is proposed, therefore, to improve its exter- 
 nal appearance, so far as may be necessary, without chang- 
 ing its shape or usefulness, or going to any great expense ; 
 and as it occurs rather near the Fifth avenue entrance, and is, 
 therefore, likely to occupy too considerable a share of atten- 
 riori, if left exposed to view from the south, it is intended, 
 as early as possible, to plant in its vicinity forest-trees, cal- 
 culated to become handsome specimens of large size, and 
 that will, after a few years, prevent the museum from at- 
 tracting an undue share of attention in the general land- 
 scape. 
 
 To the east of the promenade, there will be a half mile 
 stretch of lawn and trees extending from the vicinity of 
 Fifty-ninth street to Seventy-second street, and this will be s 
 the dress ground of the park ; and in a prominent position 
 on this ground, and immediately connected with the grand 
 mall, the site for a music hall, called for in our instructions, 
 has been set apart : and we have suggested that a palm- 
 house and large conservatory should be added to this music 
 hall whenever it is built. 
 
 This site is recommended because it is conspicuous, 
 without being obtrusive, and is easy of access from the pro- 
 menade and from one of the leading avenue entrances ; 
 6 
 
42 
 
 while, to the north, it commands from its terraces and ve- 
 randas the finest views that are to be obtained in the lower 
 part of the park. It also overlooks the site which we have 
 selected as most appropriate for the flower-garden, called 
 for in our instructions ; and this we consider a decided ad- 
 vantage, as the most attractive view of a flower-garden is 
 from some point above it, that will enable the visitor to 
 take in at a glance a general idea of the effect aimed at. 
 
 The garden is located in low ground to the northeast of 
 the promenade, and is designed close to Fifth avenue, the 
 Garden, grade of which, at the centre line of the garden, is about 
 twenty feet above the present level of the ground ; this, for 
 the reasons above stated, we consider a desideratum, and 
 have suggested that over the arcade or veranda that we 
 propose should be built against the east wall of the park, in 
 connection with the garden, a structure should be erected, 
 with an entrance on a level with the avenue, so as to give 
 an opportunity for a view of the garden, both from this 
 level and from another story above it. This idea is not, of 
 course, necessary to the design, and the sketch submitted 
 is merely a suggestion, to show what may be done at some 
 future time. 
 
 The plan of the flower garden itself is geometrical ; and 
 it is surrounded by an irregular and less formal plantation 
 of shrubs, that will serve to connect it with the park proper. 
 In the centre it is proposed to construct a large basin for a 
 fountain, with a high jet; other smaller jets are prepared 
 for, as indicated ; and, in connection with the north wall, 
 which will be somewhat below the surface of the ground 
 beyond, it is proposed to arrange some such wall fountain as 
 the celebrated one of Trevi. The water for this fountain 
 will, in the present case, be supplied from the overflow from 
 the skating pond, and also from the reservoir, and will fall 
 into a semi-circular marble basin, with a paved floor. Such 
 a fountain is out of place unless it can be furnished with an 
 ample supply of water; but, in the position assigned to it 
 on our plan, there will be no difficulty in procuring all the 
 water that can be required for the purpose ; and it seems 
 desirable, therefore, to take advantage of the opportunity 
 
43 
 
 offered, for the effect of a sculptured fountain of this sort is 
 quite distinct from that produced by a jet d'eau. 
 
 A colored plan of this part of the design is illustrated to 
 an enlarged scale on study No. 11. 
 
 To the northwest of the promenade is a slope, offering an 
 appropriate site for a summer-house, that in such a situation 
 should have some architectural pretension ; and further to 
 the west, near Eighth avenue, is a stretch of table-land, ter- 
 minated by an abrupt rocky descent, that suggests itself as 
 well suited for a Casino or refreshment house. 
 
 From the upper end of the promenade the rocky hill-side 
 to the north, surmounted by YistaRock at its highest point, 
 comes into full view ; and on this rock it will be generally 
 conceded a tower should be erected — but by no means a 
 large one, or the whole scale of the view will be destroyed. 
 To the north and northwest of the promenade, a tract of 
 low ground is proposed to be converted into the skating 
 pond called for in our instructions; and the picturesque 
 scenery between Vista Rock and the promenade will thus 
 be heightened in effect, when seen from the south side of 
 this lake, of about fourteen acres. A terrace approach, as 
 shown on the plan, and on study No. 3, is proposed, from 
 the avenue to the water. This feature, although by no 
 means absolutely necessary, would add much to the general 
 effect, and could be introduced at any future time, if it is 
 preferred at present to treat the ground occupied by it in a 
 less artificial style. 
 
 Immediately in the vicinity of Yista Rock is the south 
 wall of the present reservoir. This wall occupies the whole 
 of the middle of the park, and is a blank, uninteresting ob- 
 ject, that can in no way be made particularly attractive. 
 We have, therefore, thought it necessary to bear this in 
 mind in arranging the general plan, and have given a 
 direction to the lines of drive leading this way from the 
 lower part of the park, that will enable them to avoid the 
 wall of the reservoir altogether. The necessity for doing 
 this has induced us to commence diverting the lines of drive 
 at the south end of the grand promenade, which seems to 
 offer a sufficient reason for so doing, and to lead them after- 
 
wards on their northerly course in such a way that they 
 may pass naturally to the east and west of the reservoir. 
 If any drive proceeded in the direction of the Hue of ave- 
 nue, and at once crossed the ground proposed to be occupied 
 by the lake, the reservoir would inevitably become the ter- 
 minal feature of the lower part of the park, and this would 
 be disagreeable. The skating pond will offer a sufficiently 
 natural barrier to this direct mode of proceeding, and will 
 furnish a reason for locating the promenade in its proposed 
 position, and also for terminating it where suggested; and 
 by carrying a road along the edge of the water, an oppor- 
 tunity will be given to lengthen out the drive commanding 
 the principal views in this vicinity ; the hike will also help 
 to give a retired and agreeable character to the hill-side 
 beyond, which is well adapted for picnic parties and pleas- 
 ant strolls. Even if the reservoir did not occur in its pres- 
 ent position, the conformation of the ground is such that the 
 roads would naturally take, to a considerable extent, tlfe 
 direction indicated, leaving the centre of the park undivided 
 by a drive. 
 
 The management of the ground between the skating pond 
 and Yista Rock appears to be indicated by its form and the 
 character of its present growth. It is well sheltered, and 
 large masses of rock occur at intervals. The soil is moist, 
 and altogether remarkably well adapted to what is called in 
 Europe an American garden — that i?, a. ground for the 
 special cultivation of hardy plants of the natural order 
 Ericac?ei, consisting of rhododendrons, andromedas, azaleas, 
 kalmias, rhodora, &e. The present growth, consisting of 
 sweet gum, spice-bush, tulip tiee, sassafras, red maple, 
 black oak, azalea, andromeda, &c , is exceedingly intricate 
 and interesting. The ground is at present too much encum- 
 bered with stone, and with various indifferent plants. By 
 clearing these away, and carefully leaving what is valuable 
 — by making suitable paths, planting abundantly, as above 
 suggested, and introducing fastigiate shrubs and evergreens 
 occasionally, to prevent a monotony of bushes — the place 
 may be. made very charming. Where the hill-side ap- 
 proaches the lake, sufficient openings are proposed to be 
 
45 
 
 left for occasional glimpses, or more open views, of the 
 water; and glades of fine turf are intended to occur at fa- 
 vorable intervals, so as to offer pleasant spots for rest and 
 recreation. 
 
 To the east and southeast of the present reservoir, the 
 general conformation of the surface continues to be of the 
 
 t n riaygroum 
 
 same easy, undulating character as that to the east or the 
 promenade, and can be treated in a similar manner. The 
 whole space is intended to be occupied with stretches of 
 well-kept turf, with line groups and single trees, so planted 
 that they may appear to advantage, and not crowd each 
 other. That portion which is immediately east of the re- 
 servoir, is set apart for one of the playgrounds ; and in the 
 strip of land between the main drive and the reservoir wall, 
 a reserved garden is provided for, with gardener's house 
 attached ; this will be needed in connection with the 
 flower garden already described. On the west side of the 
 reservoir, the ground is of an irregular character, which 
 continues past the old and new reservoirs to the upper end 
 of the site. The spaces remaining for park use will, how- 
 ever, be so much contracted by the reservoir walls and 
 embankments, that extended landscape effects are out of 
 the question. It is intended, therefore, as the soil and situ- 
 ation are adapted to the purpose, to arrange in this locality 
 a winter drive about a mile and a half in length, and to 
 plant somewhat thickly with evergreens, introducing de- 
 ciduous trees and shrubs occasionally, to relieve the monot- Wmterdnv 
 ony of effect that might otherwise occur. Large open 
 glades of grass are introduced among these plantations of 
 evergreens, as the effect aimed at, is not so much that of a 
 drive through a thick forest, crowded with tall spindling 
 trees, as through a richly wooded country, in which the 
 single trees and copsss have had plenty of space for develop- 
 ing their distinctive characteristics to advantage. Imme- 
 diately south and west of the present reservoir, terraces Berceau 
 have been already formed, and these can readily be con- walks * 
 verted into continuous arbors, or berceau walks. Access 
 will thus be provided to all the gates of the reservoir, and 
 the wall will itself be planted out. The effect of these 
 
46 
 
 closely-shaded walks will also, it is conceived, offer an 
 agreeable contrast to the views obtainable from Vista Rock, 
 in the immediate vicinity. In the northern section of this 
 locality, and in connection with one of the transverse roads, 
 will be found the house of the Superintendent, the office of 
 the Commission, the police station, and other necessary 
 
 Police . J 
 
 station. buildings, such as stables, <kc. The site is not far from the 
 one at present occupied by the police, and is thought to 
 be well suited for its purpose. By making a private en- 
 trance along the wall of the reservoir, the whole establish- 
 ment can be immediately connected, by means of the 
 transverse road, with the city streets, and at the same time 
 be central and elevated, without being unpleasantly prom- 
 inent. It is proposed, as will be seen on the plan, to make 
 short connections from the park roads to the transverse 
 thoroughfare north of the present reservoir, so as to admit 
 of visitors shortening the drive in this way if preferred. 
 
 The new reservoir, with its high banks, will take up a 
 great deal of room in the park, and although it will offer a 
 
 Reservoir large sheet of water to the view, it will be at too high a 
 ride - level to become a landscape attraction from the ordinary 
 drives and walks. It is suggested, therefore, that all round 
 it a ride shall be constructed, and carefully prepared for 
 this purpose only ; and although this feature may be some- 
 what costly in the first instance, it is conceived that the 
 result would be worth the outlay, for the sake of its advan- 
 tages as a ride over a mile and a half in length, command- 
 ing the view of the reservoir, and uninterfered with by the 
 regular drives, although in connection with them at differ- 
 ent points. 
 
 On the east of the new reservoir, the park is diminished 
 to a mere passage-way for connection, and it will be diffi- 
 cult to obtain an agreeable effect in this part of the design, 
 unless some architectural character is given to it. It is not 
 recommended, however, to attempt any such effect imme- 
 diately, or out of the funds of the Commission, but to ac- 
 cept the high bank of the reservoir as a barrier to the west, 
 for a few years ; because it is thought that as soon as this 
 part of the city is built up to any considerable extent, it will 
 
47 
 
 not be difficult to obtain an enriched architectural effect, 
 appropriate to the purpose, without expense to the Commis- 
 sion. An arcade, 100 feet deep, could be substantially 
 built, and the drive could be carried above this arcade, on 
 a level with the reservoir, and overlooking Fifth avenue, 
 the remainder of the ground being filled in ; and it is 
 thought that as this arcade may be lighted from the rear, 
 and will face a fashionable thoroughfare, it will offer at no 
 distant period, very valuable lots for stores, or other pur- 
 poses ; and as it is a third of a mile in extent, it may be a 
 source of revenue, in rent, to the park fund, instead of a 
 burden on it. 
 
 The northwesterly portion of the park, above the new 
 reservoir, is planned very simply, in accordance with what Tower on 
 we conceive to be the suggestion of the ground. The ever- mii. aidua 
 green drive is continued nearly to the foot of Bogardus 
 Hill, and then, somewhat changing its character, turns to 
 the east. At this point a branch road crosses a brook, that 
 is made to expand into a pool a little below the bridge ; 
 and this road then winds gradually to the top of the hill, 
 which offers an available site for some monument of public 
 importance, that may also be used as an observatory tower. 
 If, as is not improbable, the trans-atl antic telegraph is 
 brought to a favorable issue, while the park is in an early 
 stage of construction, many reasons could, we think, be 
 urged for commemorating the event by some such monu- 
 ment as the one suggested, on the plan, and in study !Nb. 
 0. The picturesque effect of a spring of clear water, that 
 already exists in this vicinity, may be heightened, as sug- 
 gested in study ISTo. 10. 
 
 The central portion of the upper section of the park is 
 left as open as possible, and can be levelled so far as may 
 required for the purposes of the playgrounds indicated on 
 the plan, and on study Xo. 7. At present, it is hardly 
 thought that it would be necessary to make the Sixth 
 avenue entrance to the north, but its position is indicated. 
 
 The northeast section of the upper park is shown as an 
 arboretum of American trees, so that every one who wishes 
 to do so may become acquainted with the trees and shrubs 
 
48 
 
 that will flourish in the open air in the northern and middle 
 sections of our country. 
 
 This arboretum is not intended to be formally arranged, 
 bat to be so planned that it may present all the most beau- 
 tum? ° re * tiful features of lawn and woodland landscape, and at the 
 same time preserve the natural order of families, so far as 
 practicable. The botanical student will thus be able to find 
 any tree or shrub without difficulty. We have selected this 
 tract, of about forty acres, in the upper angle of the site, 
 so as to interfere with the more special requirements of the 
 park as little as possible. The spot chosen is in some 
 measure separated from the rest of the grounds, by a ridge 
 of land between Fifth and Sixth avenues, and includes the 
 buildings on Mount St. Vincent. The wooden structures 
 would be removed, and the brick chapel converted into a 
 museum and library of botany, similar to that at Kew, but 
 with more specific regard to landscape and decorative 
 gardening. In the#park itself there will be numerous 
 specimens of all the trees, native or foreign, that are likely 
 to thrive ; but it is proposed to limit this particular collec- 
 tion to American trees, because the space necessary for a 
 complete arboretum would occupy several hundred acres, 
 and also because it will afford an opportunity to show the 
 great advantage that America possesses in this respect. !No 
 other extra-tropical country could furnish one-quarter the- 
 material for such a collection. In the whole of Great 
 Britain, for example, there are less than twenty trees, 
 native to the island, that grow to be 30 feet in height ; 
 while in America we have from five to six times that 
 number. There are, indeed, already forty species of the 
 largest native trees standing in the park, which is nearly 
 equivalent to the number to be found in all Europe. 
 
 It is proposed to plant from one to three examples of each 
 species of tree on open lawn, and with sufficient space 
 about each to allow it to attain its fullest size with unre- 
 stricted expanse of branches ; the effect of each tree is also 
 to be exhibited in masses, so as to illustrate its qualities for 
 grouping. Space is provided to admit of at least three 
 specimens of every native tree which is known to flourish 
 
49 
 
 in the United States, north of North Carolina; also for 
 several specimens of every shrub ; these latter, however, 
 except in particular instances, are not expected to be 
 planted singly, hut in thickets, and as underwood to the 
 coppice masses — as may best accord with their natural 
 habits, and be most agreeable to the eye. Further details 
 of this part of the design will be found in the explanatory 
 guide to the aiboretum, submitted with the plan, in which 
 the proposed airangement of all the trees is set forth in 
 order. 
 
 The leading features of the plan have now, it is thought, 
 been referred to. It has not been considered necessary 
 to especially particularize the different trees proposed to be 
 used in the various parts of the park. For the purposes of 
 the avenue, the' American elm naturally suggests itself at 
 once as the tree to be used ; and it is hoped that the fine 
 effect this produces, when planted in regular lines, may in 
 a few years be realized in the Central Park. 
 
 There is no other part of the plan in which the planting 
 calls for particular mention, except to the south of the 
 skating pond ; an opportunity is there offered for an exhibi- 
 tion of semi-tropical trees, and it is intended to treat that 
 portion of the park in the manner suggested in study No. 
 
 A list of the trees to be used is appended to the 
 explanation of the arboretum. 
 
 The plan does not show any brooks, except a small one 
 in connection with the pool at the foot of Bogardus Hill, 
 which can always be kept full by the waste water from the 
 New Reservoir. Mere rivulets are uninteresting, and we 
 have preferred to collect the ornamental water in large 
 sheets, and to carry off through underground drains the 
 water that at present runs through the park in shallow 
 brooks. 
 
 As a general rule, we propose to run footpaths close to 
 the carriage roads, which are intended to be 60 feet wide, 
 allowing a space of four feet of turf as a barrier between 
 the drive and the path. Other more private footpaths are 
 introduced, but it is hardly thought that any plan would be 
 popular in New York, that did not allow of a continuous 
 7 
 
50 
 
 promenade along the line of the drives, so that pedestrians 
 may have ample opportunity to look at the equipages and 
 their inmates. 
 
 It will be perceived that no long straight drive has been 
 provided on the plan ; this feature has been studiously 
 avoided, because it would offer opportunities for trotting 
 matches. The popular idea of the park is a beautiful open 
 green space, in which quiet drives, rides, and strolls may 
 be had. This cannot be preserved if a race-cour3e, or a 
 road that can readily be used as a race-course, is made one 
 of its leading attractions. 
 
I