Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/descriptionofplaOOolms 
 
lEx Htbrts 
 
 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
 'When you leave, please leave this hook 
 
 Because it has been said 
 "Sver'thing comes t' him who waits 
 
 Except a loaned book." 
 
 Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
1858. 
 
 C E ISr T R A I. PARK 
 1868. 
 
Meantime, with cheap land, and the pacific disposition of 
 the people, everything invites to the arts of agriculture, of 
 gardening, and domestic architecture. Public gardens on the 
 scale of such plantations in Europe and Asia, are now unknown 
 to us. There is no feature of the old countries that strikes an 
 American with more agreeable surprise than the beautiful 
 gardens of Europe ; such as the Boboli, in Florence, the Villa 
 Borghese, in Rome, the Villa d'Este, in Tivoli, the gardens at 
 Munich, and at Frankfort on the Elaine : w<jrks easily imi- 
 tated here, and which might well make tlie land dear to the 
 citizen, and inflame patriotism."' — Eiuersoit^ 1844. 
 
DESCRIPTION 
 
 OF A 
 
 PLAN FOR THE IMPROVEMENT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 "GREENSWARD." 
 
 [F. L. OLMSTED CALVERT V A U X. ] 
 
 NEW YORK, 1858. 
 
 [ R E P R I T E D 1868.] 
 
DL5 
 
 The Aldim Pm«.— Sutton, Bowne «& Co., 23 Liberty St., N. Y. 
 
Note, 1S68. 
 
 The following Description was prepared in 1858 to accom- 
 pany the first study of our design for the Central Park, 
 the appended woodcut being printed with the Keport. 
 
 A few notes are added in this edition, together with a map 
 showing to what extent the intention of the plan has, thus 
 far, been realized and in what manner the study has been 
 elaborated. 
 
 O. & V. 
 
REPORT. 
 
 A GENERAL survev of the ground allotted to tlie 
 park, taken with a view to arrive at the leading 
 characteristics Avhieh present themselves Topographical 
 as all-iro port ant to T)e considered in adapt- 
 ing 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 lower parks. 
 
 The horizon lines of the upper park are bold 
 and sweeping and the slopes have great breadth 
 in ahnost every aspect in which they may The upper 
 be contemplated. As this character is p^""^- 
 the highest ideal that can be aimed at for 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 pos- 
 
6 
 
 sible. Formal planting and architectural effects, 
 unless on a very grand scale, must be avoided ; and 
 as nearly all tlie groimd between the Resei'voir and 
 lOGtli 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 gardening details. 
 
 The lower park is far more heterogeneous in its 
 character and will require a much more A^aried 
 
 The lower treatment. The most important feature 
 park. landscape is the long rocky and 
 
 wooded hill- side lying immediately south of the 
 Reservoir. Inasmuch as beyond this point there do 
 not appear to be any leading natural characteristics 
 of similar consequence in the scenery, it will be im 
 poi'tant to draw as much attention as possible to 
 this hill-side, to afford facilities for rest and leisurely 
 contemplation upon the rising ground opposite, and 
 to render the lateral boinidaries of the park in 
 its vicinity as inconspicuous as possible. The cen- 
 tral and western poi'tion of the lower park is an 
 irregular table-land; the eastern is composed of a 
 series 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 l)old, rocky bluffs, that help to give individ- 
 uality to this part of the composition. 
 
 Such being the general suggestions that our sur- 
 vey has afforded, it becomes necessary to consider 
 
7 
 
 how the requirements of the Commissioners, as 
 given in their instructions, may Le met with the 
 least sacrifice of the characteristic excellencies of 
 the ground. 
 
 Up to this time, in planning public Avorks for 
 the city of New York, in no instance has adequate 
 allowance l)een made for its increasing preliminary 
 population and business ; not even in the considerations, 
 case of the Croton Aqueduct, otherwise so well 
 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 
 the business for which it was intended. The pres- 
 ent Post-Office, expensively fitted some ten years 
 ago, no longer answers its purpose, and a new one 
 of twice its capacity is imperatively demanded. 
 The Custom-House, expressly designed for perma- 
 nence and constructed to that end at 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 calcula- 
 tion is mainh' given with the fact that, at every 
 census since that of 1860, 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 j^resent chief magis- 
 trate, who can himself remeniT)er market-o^ardens 
 below Canal street, and a post-and-rail fence on the 
 
8 
 
 nortli side of City-Hall park, warned his coadjutors, 
 in his inaugural message, to expect a great and 
 rapid movement of population toward the parts 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 move- 
 ments to transfer the steamboat-landings and rail- 
 road stations, although as yet unsuccessful, indicate 
 changes we are soon to expect. 
 
 The 17,000 lots withdrawn from use for build- 
 ing purposes in the park itself, will greatly 
 accelerate the occupation of the adjoining land. 
 Only twenty years 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 desim Avill have to be 
 really judged. 
 
 No longer an open suburb, our ground will 
 have around it a continuous high wall of brick, 
 stone, and marble. The adjoining shores will be 
 lined with commercial docks and warehouses ; steam- 
 boat and ferry landings, railroad stations, hotels, 
 theatres, factories, will be on all sides of it and 
 above it ; all which our park must be made to tit. 
 
 The demolition of Columbia College, and the 
 removal of the cloistral elms which so long enshad- 
 owed 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 
 
9 
 
 important space in the City-Hall park for the pur- 
 poses of a thoroughfare and the further contraction 
 it is noAv likely to suffer; together with the con- 
 stant enormous expenditure of the city and sacri- 
 fices of the citizens, in the straightening and widen- 
 ing of streets, are all familiar facts, that 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 T)e the sole line of communica- 
 tion between one side of the town and The transverse 
 the other, for a distance equal to that 
 between Chambers street and Canal street. If we 
 suppose l)ut one crossing of Bi-oadway to be possible 
 in this interval, we shall realize what these trans- 
 verse roads are destined to l)ecome. InevitaT)ly 
 they will l)e crowded thoroughfares, having nothing 
 in common with the ])ark ])ro])er, l)ut every thing at 
 variance with those agreeal)le sentiments ^^hicli we 
 should wish the park to inspire. It will not be pos- 
 sible to enforce the ordinary i)olice regulations of 
 public parks u})on 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 ^vill use them, those on one side 
 the park rushing their machines across it with fi-an- 
 tic 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 
 
 3 
 
10 
 
 in a single circuit of tlie 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 movement. 
 
 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 ])ublic 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 marau- 
 ders pursued by the police from escaping into the 
 obscurity of the park, strong fences or walls, six or 
 eight feet high, will l>e necessary. A public road 
 
 Foreign 1^^^^^ guardcd ])asses through the Kegent's 
 
 examples, p^^^.]. Loudou, at the Zoological Gardens. 
 It has the objection tliat the fence, with its necessary 
 gates at every crossing of the park drives, roads or 
 paths, is not only a great inconvenience Init a dis- 
 agreeable object in the landscape. 
 
 To avoid a similar dishgurement an import- 
 ant passage across the garden of the Tuileries is 
 closed by gates at night, forcing all who would 
 otherwise use it to go a long distance to the right 
 or left. 
 
 The form and position of the Central Park are pe- 
 culiar in respect to this difficulty, and such that pre- 
 cedent in dealing with it is rather to be sought in 
 the long and narrow Boulevards of some of the old 
 
11 
 
 Continental cities of Europe, than in the broad parks 
 with which, from its area in acres, we are most nat- 
 urally led to compare it. The Boulevards referred 
 to are, ho^vever, generally used only as walks, 
 not as drives or places of ceremony. In frequent 
 instances, in order not to interrupt their alleys, the 
 streets crossing them are made in the form of cause- 
 ways and carried over on high arches. This, of 
 course, destroys all landsca})e effect, since it puts 
 an abrupt limit to the view. Some expedient is 
 needed for the Central Park by which the conve- 
 nience of the arrangement may l)e 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 The present 
 park drives may, at every necessary point 
 of intersection, be carried entirely over it, AN'ithout 
 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 
 considerations, and a little judicious planting on 
 the tops or slopes of the banks above these walls 
 will, in most cases, entirely conceal both the roads 
 and the vehicles movino- in them, from the view of 
 those walking or driving in the jjark."^'* 
 
 If the position which has just been taken with 
 regard to the necessity for permanently open trans- 
 
 * Note, 1868.— In execution, the four traflSc roads have been carried through the Park 
 in the manner suggested. 
 
12 
 
 verse thoroughfares is found to be correct, it follows 
 necessarily that the 700 acres allowed to the new 
 park must, in the first instance, be siibdivided defi- 
 nitely, although it is to be hoped to some extent 
 invisibly, into five separate and distinct sections, 
 only connected 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 tlie lines indicated on the 
 plan. If so, tlie [)roblem to l^e solved is narrowed 
 in its dimensions, and the efforts of the designer 
 can be no long^er directed to an an^aup-ement 
 that shall agreeably use up the space of 700 
 acres allotted, ])ut to making some plan that shall 
 have unity of effect as a whole, and yet avoid colli- 
 sion in its detailed features with the intersecting 
 lines thus su<j:<i:ested. It is on this basis that the 
 present plan has, in the first instance, been founded. 
 If the sunken transverse roads were omitted, the 
 design woidd not be less comple1;e in character; but 
 it is, on the other hand, so laid out that the trans- 
 verse thoroughtares do not interfere materially with 
 its general or detailed effect. 
 
 x\fter having planned the park drives agreeably 
 to these views, we ol)served that three additional 
 moderately direct, transverse roads had sji^face trans- 
 occurred. These will aftbrd facilities for ^'^^^^^^^^s. 
 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 
 
13 
 
 Fifth Aveuue. 
 
 transverse roads will be really provided to Ije used 
 during daylight. Four roads will prol)ahly be 
 amply adequate for the night ti'affic needing to 
 cross the park; but it might be questioned if this 
 number would be sufficient during the day. 
 
 As it is not proposed that the park j)roper shall 
 be lig^hted at nio^ht, it is well worth while 
 
 ~ , . 1 • 1 • '^'^'^ exterior. 
 
 to consider if the advantages which it 
 
 offers as an interesting promenade may not yet 
 
 in some ^vay be obtained at night. 
 
 The ordinance that regulates the width of Fifth 
 avenue, provides for an o})en space of fifteen feet on 
 each side, exclusive of that required for the 
 sidewalks and the roadway ; consequently, 
 a space of thirty feet in width is iUready pre] )ared for on 
 this side of the park for its Avliole length. Ei-hth aveuue 
 On the Eio'hth avenue a similar arrancre- Ka^''^^^^- 
 ment may pro1)ably be eft*ected,andas there would be 
 no occasion to ])ack up carts against the park side 
 of the avenue, it is feasible to carry the railway 
 tracks close to the edsce of the walk, thus leaviiio; a 
 clear space for carriages on the opposite or 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 ques- and'o^ie^nS? 
 tion whether, as the streets and the park 
 
 * Note, 1868. — The sidewalks have been treated in execution as proposed, but the 
 suggestion in regard to the railroad has not yet been carried out. In the Brooklyn 
 Park however the intended arrangement has been fully realized. 
 
14 
 
 both, in reality, are the property of one owner — 
 the City — this street should not be treated in a 
 similar manner. It will, from its position, be in 
 time rather crowded with traffic, and will, there- 
 fore, have some claim to be widened on this ground 
 alone. As a question of beauty of arrangement for 
 the park itself, however, it is conceived that if by 
 this manao^ement a more statelv character than could 
 otherwise be obtained would })e secured to the outer 
 boundaries of the park, it would be cheaply purchased 
 at the sacrifice of a tew feet at the south end, off its 
 present length of two and a 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 w^ould be a 
 matter of regret that a 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 section of it, which ^vould 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 of the street, from the park, and to 
 insure an umbrageous horizon line, it is Treatment of 
 proposed, as will be seen in the plan, to boundary unes. 
 
15 
 
 plant a line of trees all around the outer edge of 
 the park, between the sidewalk and the roadway.* 
 On approaching the Fifth and Eighth avenue en- 
 trances, this line of trees along Fifty-Ninth street 
 will come prominently into view, and have a hand- 
 some et^ect, if the street is widened ; l)ut 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 haA^ng a contracted 
 and somewhat mean appearance. Hence, we have 
 thought it proper in our plan to assume the ad- 
 vantage and practicability of this arrangement to 
 be conceded ; but, if this should not 1 )e the case, it 
 will be readily perceived that it forms no essential 
 part of our design.f 
 
 On the space originally j)rovided 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 as we have 
 proposed. At many jioints, and frequently for 
 quite long distances, it will form an elevated terrace, 
 commanding extensive views over the park, of the 
 most interesting character, and a mere j)arapet-wall 
 three or four feet high, will, in such cases, be all- 
 sufficient for the safety of promenaders and the 
 protection of the park from interlopers. 
 
 * Note, 1868.— This feature of the design has been partially carried into execution 
 and is in progress from year to year, as the street and avenue grades become settled. 
 
 t Note, 1868. — In execution, 59th street has been treated as here recommended. 
 
16 
 
 The finest approacli from the city is certain 
 to be along the Fifth avenue, and it has been 
 
 Fifth avenue thought necessary to view with special 
 entrance. ^^^^ -^^le angle of the park first reached 
 from this direction, because it will be generally 
 felt that immediate entrance should be had at 
 this point."^ 
 
 The grade of the avenue has l)een established 
 so higli that considerable fiUing-in would be re- 
 quired to avoid a rapid descent, l)ut directly this 
 single difliculty is overcome, the ground l)eyond 
 Jias great advantages for the purpose of a dignified 
 entrance to tlie ])ark. A massive rock that will be 
 found in connection with this requisite made-ground, 
 ofters a sufiiciently large natural ol)ject to occupy 
 the attention, and will at once I'educe the artificial 
 feature to a j^osition of minor importance. If, 
 next, we stand u])on that portion of the rock which 
 (a little noi'th of the large cherry-tree) is at grade- 
 height, we find that thei*e is another rocky liillock 
 Avithin a short distance, in the direction a visitor 
 to tlie park would most naturally pursue — that 
 is to say, towards the centre of the park. This 
 can be easily reached ])y slightly raising the in- 
 termediate ground; by then sweeping to the right, 
 the natural conformation of the surface ofters 
 an easy ascent (l)y the existing cart-way over Sixty- 
 Third street) to a plateau (two rods west of the 
 poAvder-house), directly connected with the exten- 
 
 * Note. 1S6S. — We si;bmittecl a plan for a much needed amplification in this approach 
 during the earlier stage!* of the work, but the s^nggesti'on has not yet been acted on. 
 
17 
 
 sive table-land wliicli occupies tlie 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. 
 
 Vista Rock, the most prominent 2)oint in the laud- 
 scape of the lower park, here first comes distinctly 
 into view, and fortunately in a direction 
 
 T T The Avenue. 
 
 diagonal to tlie boundary lines, trom 
 which it is desiral)le to ^^'ithdraw attention in every 
 possible way. We therefore accept this line of view as 
 aifording an all-sufficient motive to our further proce- 
 dure. Although averse on general principles to a 
 symmetrical arrangement of trees, we consider it an 
 essential feature of a metropolitan park, that it should 
 contain a grand promenade, level, S23acious, 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 es- 
 sential 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 de- 
 
18 
 
 sirable to decide at wliat 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 characteristics, 
 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 accordance with the pre- 
 sent configuration of the ground, and we have there- 
 fore 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 produced by driving through an avenue a 
 quarter of a mile long, unless it leads to, and becomes 
 an accessory of, some gi-and architectural structure, 
 which itself, and not the avenue, is the ultimatum of 
 interest. An avenue for drivins: in should be two 
 or three miles long, or it will be petite and disap- 
 pointing. We have therefore thought it most desi- 
 rable to identify the idea of the avenue with the 
 promenade, for which purpose a quarter of a mile is 
 not insuflicient, 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.'^ 
 
 In giving it this prominent position, we look at 
 it in the light of an artificial structure on a scale of 
 
 The prome- magnitude commensurate Avith the size 
 nade. park, and intend in our design that 
 
 * Note. 18G8. — In execution, this avenue has been planted with elms, as suggested 
 later in the i-eport, and is now called " The Mall." 
 
19 
 
 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 occupation. 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 latter case, should 
 concentrate on features of natural, in preference to 
 artificial, beauty. Many elegant buildings may be 
 appropriately erected for desirable purposes in a 
 public park, but we conceive that all such archi-, 
 tectural structures should be confessedly subservient 
 to the main idea, and that nothing artificial should 
 be obtruded on the view as an ultimatum of interest. 
 The idea of the park itself should always be upper- 
 most 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 terminated appropriately at one end with a land- 
 scape 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 princij)al 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 
 
20 
 
 25 acres, tliat may, at a moderate expense, be levelled 
 and made suitable for its purpose;"^' and 
 
 , • 1 X ^ nil ground. 
 
 also some eig-nt or ten acres oi broken 
 ground, that will be more or less available for mili- 
 tary exercises. Sncli a broad open plane of well- 
 kept grass would l)e a refreshing and agreeable 
 feature in the genei'al design, and would bear to be 
 of much greater extent than is here shown, if the lot 
 were of a different shaj^je ; but under the circumstances, 
 25 acres seems as much as can well be spared for 
 the purpose. A military entrance from Eighth 
 avenue is proposed to be made at Sixty-Ninth 
 street, which has been already, at considerable ex- 
 pense, cut through the rock at this point, and offers 
 a suggestion for a i)ictiu'esque approach, with a port- 
 cullis gate, and with the main park drive carried 
 over it at a hia^her level. 
 
 The natural southern boundary of the table-land 
 occupied by the parade ground is a rapid slope 
 that occurs al)out in the line of Sixty- 
 
 ^. , . , . T . . T Playground. 
 
 Sixth street; ni this slope it is proposed 
 to sink one of the transverse roads ; and on a level 
 plane below it, stretching to the south, a playground 
 about ten 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 boun- 
 dary of the park, and not far from the Sixth and Eighth 
 
 Note, 1868.— A Parade ground was demanded by the schedule of instructions furnished 
 to competitors. In execution this open space under the name of " The Green " has been 
 retained as a prominent feature of the design, but has not been and is not intended to be 
 used for military exercises. 
 
21 
 
 avenue railroads, wliicli offer tlie most rapid means of 
 access from the lower part of tlie 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 he 
 obtained from the playground after the other gates 
 were closed.f Only one mass of rock of any consid- 
 erable magnitude would require to })e blasted out 
 for the purpose of adapting this ground to its intended 
 purpose ; its position is indicated on the plan l)y a 
 red cross, and the object of its removal will l)e seen 
 on examination. This part of the design is illus- 
 trated in study Iso. 2. The ground at the south- 
 west corner of the park it is proposed to fill in 
 sufficiently to make, on the j^lan indicated, an agree- 
 able Eighth avenue entrance. 
 
 To the south-east of the promenade, and ])et^veen 
 the Fifth and Sixth avenue entrances, it is proposed 
 to form a lake of irreo^ular shape, and with 
 
 The lower lake. _ ^ ^ ^ rr^T - 
 
 an area oi 8 or 9 acres, ihis arrano;e- 
 ment has been suggested by the j^resent natui'e of the 
 ground, which is low and somewhat s^vampy. It is 
 conceived that, by introducing such an ornamental 
 sheet of water into the composition at this point. 
 
 * The playground has been arranged as here recommended. 
 
 t Note, 1868.— The foundation for this building was laid during the last season. 
 
22 
 
 the picturesque effect of the bold 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 ren- 
 dered more retired and attractive as a pleasant walk 
 or lounge. The proposed effect of this part of the 
 design, as it will appear from the Fifth avenue en- 
 ti-ance, is indicated on study No. l.f 
 
 To the south-east of the promenade will be found 
 that portion of the park in which the present Arsenal 
 is situated. This 2:round is undulatinsr 
 
 , 1 1 • • 1 T Ml The Arsenal. 
 
 and agreeable m its chararacter, and will 
 offer pleasant opportunities for shady walks. The 
 Arsenal itself, although at present a very unattrac- 
 tive structure, and only tolerably built, contains a 
 great deal of room in a form that adapts it very 
 well to the j^urposes of a museum. It is proposed, 
 therefore, to improve its external appearance so 
 far as may be necessary, without changing its 
 shape or usefulness, or going to any great expense; 
 and as it occurs rather near the Fifth avenue en- 
 trance, and is, therefore, likely to occupy too con- 
 siderable a share of attention if left exposed to view 
 from the south, it is intended, as early as possible, 
 
 * Note, 1868.— An improvement of the soil and of the skylines of this rocky section, 
 contemplated at the time the plan was made, was last year carried into execution, by 
 means of earth filling on the more prominent summit levels. 
 
 + Note 1868.— The original requirements of the Commission in regard to boundary 
 and expense necessitated, in the first study, a cramped and unsatisfactory arrangement 
 of the entrances on Fifty -ninth street. We have since made studies for the amplification 
 of each of the principal approaches, and the necessary legislation in regard to the entrance 
 at 8th Avenue and 5!)th street having been obtained at the instance of the property 
 owners in the neighborhood, this improvement is shown on the map of the Park, 
 dated 1868. 
 
23 
 
 to plant in its vicinity forest-trees, calculated to 
 become handsome specimens of large size, and 
 that will, after a few years, prevent the mnsemn 
 from attracting an undue share of attention in the 
 general landscape. 
 
 To the east of the promenade, there will be a half- 
 mile stretch of lawn and trees extending from the vi- 
 cinity of Fifty-Ninth street to Seventy- 
 
 T 11- '^^ ^ t Music-Hall. 
 
 Second street, and this AVill be tlie 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 conserva- 
 tory should be added to this music-hall when- 
 ever it is built.* 
 
 This site is recommended because it is conspicuous 
 without being obtrusive, and is easy of access from 
 the promenade and from one of the leading avenue 
 entrances; while, to the north, it commands from 
 its terraces and verandas 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 advantage, as the most attractive view of a 
 flower-garden is from some point above it, that will 
 
 * Note 1868. — This site is now occupied by a building which we designed for a Ladies' 
 Restaurant, sites on a somewhat larger scale being reserved for a music-hall and con- 
 servatory, which yet remain to be erected. 
 
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 north- 
 east of the promenade, and close npon the line of Fifth 
 
 The Flower avenue, the grade of which opposite the 
 Garden. ccntrc of tlic 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 ]:)uilt against the east wall of 
 the park in connection witli 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 ga^'den, both from this level and from 
 another story above it. This idea is not, of 
 course, necessary to the design, and the sketch sub- 
 mitted 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 l)asin for a fountain, with a high 
 jet ; other smaller jets are ])repared 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 
 
 * Note 1868.— While the construction of the park was in progress Messrs Parsons & 
 Co., who held a contract granted by the Commissioners, employed us to develop this 
 general idea in the form of a two-stoi-y glass building, of which the upper section is the 
 conservatoiy proper and the lower portion is proposed to be used for the exhibition and 
 sale of flowers, but the design has not yet been executed. 
 
25 
 
 the celebrated one of Trevi. Tlie water for this 
 fountain will, in the present case, be supplied 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 ];)lan, there 
 will be no difficulty in ]3rocuring all the water that 
 can be required for the purpose ; and it seems desir- 
 able, therefore, to take advantage of the opportunity 
 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 illus- 
 trated to an enlarged scale on study No. 11. 
 
 To the north-west of the promenade is a slope, 
 offering an a})propriate site for a summer-house, that 
 in such a situation should have some architectural 
 pretension ; and further to the west, near Eighth ave- 
 nue, is a stretch of table-land, terminated by an ab- 
 rupt 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 Vista Rock at 
 its highest point, comes in 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 
 
 * Note, 1868. — This ground still remains vmimproved, it being the intention to develop 
 the idea referred to in the report, although the plans for the structure are not yet finally- 
 decided on. 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 scale of the view will be destroyed.^'" To the north 
 and north-west of the promenade, a tract of low 
 ground is proposed to be converted into the skat- 
 ing pond called for in our instructions; and the 
 picturesque scenery ])etween Vista Rock and the 
 l^romenade will thus be heightened in effect, when 
 seen from the south side of this lake, of about 14 
 acres. A terrace approach, as shown on the ]3lan, 
 and on study 'No. 3, is proposed, from the avenue to 
 the water f This feature, although by no means ab- 
 solutely necessary, would add much to the general 
 effect, and could be introduced at any future time, 
 if it is jjreferred at present to treat the ground oc- 
 cupied by it in a less artificial style. 
 
 Immediately in the vicinity of Yista Rock is the 
 south wall of the present reservoir. This wall oc- 
 cupies the whole of the middle of the park, and is 
 a blank, uninteresting object, that can in no way be 
 made particularly attractive. We have therefore, 
 thought it necessary to ])ear this in mind in arrang- 
 ing the general jAiin, 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 
 
 * Note, 18(58. — The foundations for this work were commenced last season on a rocky 
 promontory which formed a part of the Croton reservoir inclosure when it was expected to 
 be bounded by street lines, but which has lately been added to the park territory, in 
 accordance with our suggestion. 
 
 + Note. 18(58. — The architectural treatment of the terrace approach has been developed 
 in detail during the progress of the work, but much of the intended effect still remains 
 to be realized. 
 
 i Note, 18(58.— In execution, the lines have been carried out as here indicated, and as 
 the trees grow up the old square reservoir is less and less thought of as an obstruc- 
 tion in the composition. 
 
27 
 
 tMs 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 afterwards on their northerly course 
 in such a way that they may pass naturally to the 
 east and west of the reservoir. If any drive pro- 
 ceeded in the direction of the line of avenue, and at 
 once crossed the ground proj^osed to be occujDied by 
 the lake, the reservoir would ine^dtably Ijecome the 
 terminal feature of the lower part of the park, and 
 this would l>e disagreealjle. 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 
 terminatino' it where sus^o-ested: and bv carrvins^ a 
 road along the edge of the water, an opportunity 
 will be given to lengthen out the drive commanding 
 the principal views in this vicinity ; the lake will 
 also help to give a retired and agreeable character 
 to the hill-side T)eyoiid, Avliich is well adapted for 
 pic-nic parties and pleasant strolls. Even if the reser- 
 voir did not occur in its present position, the confor- 
 mation of the ground is such that the roads would 
 naturally take, to a considerable extent, the di- 
 rection indicated, leaving the centre of the park 
 undivided by a drive. 
 
 The management of the ground l^etween the skat- 
 ing pond and Vista Rock'^ appears to l:>e indicated 
 by its form and the character of its 2:)resent growth. 
 It is well sheltered, and laro-e masses of rock occur 
 
 * IsoTE, 1868.— The ground here referred to is now called The Ramble." 
 
28 
 
 at intervals. The soil is moist, and altogether re- 
 markably well adapted to what is called in Europe 
 an American garden, that is, a ground for the 
 sj)ecial cultivation of hardy plants of the natural 
 order Ericacsei, consisting of rhododendrons, an- 
 dromedas, azaleas, kalmias, rhodoras, (fee. ^ The 
 present growth, consisting of sweet-gum, spice- 
 bush, tulip-tree, sassafras, red-maple, black-oak, aza- 
 lea, andromeda, (fee, is exceedingly intricate and 
 interesting. The ground is at present too much en- 
 cumbered with stone, and with various indifferent 
 plants.f By clearing these away, and carefully leav- 
 ing what is valuable; by making suitable paths, 
 planting abundantly, as above suggested, and intro- 
 ducing fastigiate shrubs and evergreens occasionally, 
 to prevent a monotony of bushes, the place may be 
 made very charming. Where the hill-side approaches 
 the lake, sufficient openings are proposed to be left 
 for occasional glimpses, or more open views, of 
 the water; and glades of fine turf are intended to 
 occur at favorable intervals, so as to offer pleasant 
 spots for rest and recreation. 
 
 To the east and south-east of the present reservoir, 
 the general conformation of the surface continues to 
 be of the same easy, undulating character 
 
 Playground. />i i i 
 
 as that to the east oi the promenade, and 
 can be treated in a similar manner. The whole space 
 is intended to be occupied with stretches of well- 
 
 * Note, 1868. — This suggestion has been partially realized but yet remains to be fully 
 developed. 
 
 t Note, 1868. — Many of these which we have marked for removal, have hitherto, for 
 various reasons, been allowed to remain. 
 
29 
 
 kejDt turf, witli fine groups and single trees, so planted 
 tliat they may apj)ear to advantage, and not crowd 
 eacli other. That portion which is immediately east 
 of the reservoir is set apart for one of the play- 
 grounds and in the strip of land between the main 
 drive and the reservoir wall, a reserved o-arden 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 contin- 
 ues past the old and new reservoirs to the upper end 
 of the site. The spaces remaining for park use will, 
 however, be so much contracted ])y the reservoir 
 walls and embankments, that extended landscape 
 effects are out of the question. It is intended, there- 
 fore, as the soil and situation are adapted to the 
 purpose, to arrange in this locality a ^-i^ter 
 winter drive about a mile and a half in 
 length, and to plant somewhat thickly with ever- 
 greens, introducing deciduous trees and shrubs oc- 
 casionally, to relieve the monotony of effect that 
 otherwise might 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 d]'ive 
 through a thick forest, crowded Avith tall spindling 
 trees, as through a richly wooded country, in which 
 the single trees and coj^ses have had plenty of s]3ace 
 
 * Note, 1868.— This tract of ground is now recommended as the site for the formal 
 flower garden in connection with a group of architectural structures that wiU include 
 music-hall, art galleries, horticultural and other museums, and refreshment rooms on a 
 liberal scale ; the intention of allowing military exercises on the park having been 
 abandoned, and the Green serving the purpose of the plaj'groimd above proposed. 
 
for developing tlieir distinctive cliaracteristics to 
 advantage.'''' . Immediately soutli and west of tlie 
 present reservoir, terraces liave been already formed, 
 and these can readily be converted into continuous 
 Berceau arbors, or berceau walks. Access will 
 walks. -j.|^^g provided to all the gates of the 
 reservoir, and the wall will itself be planted out. 
 The effect of these closely shaded walks will also, it 
 is conceived, offer an agreeable contrast to the views 
 obtainable from Vista Rock, in the immediate vici- 
 nity.f 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 
 Police office of the Commission, the |)olice station, 
 station. ^^^^ otlier necessary buildings, such as 
 stables, <foc. 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 
 entrance along the wall of the reservoir, the whole 
 establishment 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 prominent. It is i:)roposed, 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 
 
 * Note, 1868,— These plantations have been made as designed. 
 
 t Note, 18()8.— The idea of the berceau walk has been carried out in execution on the 
 south side of the reservoir. 
 
31 
 
 will offer a large sheet of water to the view, it will 
 be at too high a level to become a land- Reservoir 
 scape attraction from the ordinary drives 
 and Avalks. 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 l)e somewhat costly in the first in- 
 stance, it is conceived that the result would be 
 worth the outlay, for the sake of its advantages 
 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 different points.'^ 
 
 On the east of the new reservoir, the park is 
 diminished to a mere passage-way for connection, 
 and it will be difficult to obtain an asrreeable 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 immediately, or 
 out of the funds of the Commission, l)ut to accept 
 the hio^i 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 not be difficult to obtain 
 an enriched architectural effect, appropriate to the pur- 
 pose, without expense to the Commission. 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 re- 
 
 * Note, 1868.— In execution the design of this separate bricUe road has been_much 
 amplified. 
 
32 
 
 mainder of tlie groundbeing filled in ; audit is thouglit 
 that as this arcade may be lighted from the rear, and 
 will face a fashionable thorong-hfare, it will offer, at 
 no distant period, very valuable lots for stores, or 
 other purposes ; and as it is a third of a mile in ex- 
 tent, it may be a source of revenue, in rent, to the park 
 fund, instead of a burden on it."^ 
 
 The north-westerly jDortion of the park, above the 
 new reservoir, is planned very simply, in accordance 
 
 Tower on witli wliat wc coucelvc to be the sugges- 
 Bogardus Hill. ^^^^^ ^£ ^^le grouud. The evergreen 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 ])elow the 
 bridge ; and this road then winds gradually to the 
 to]) of the hill, which offers an available site for some 
 monument of j^ublic importance, that may also be 
 used as an observatory tower. I f as is not improbable, 
 the transatlantic telegraph is brought to a favorable 
 issue, while the park is in an early stage of construc- 
 tion, many reasons could, we fhink,be urged for com- 
 memorating the event by some such monument as 
 the one suggested on the j)lan, and in study No. 9. 
 The j^icturesque effect of a spring of clear water, that 
 already exists in this vicinity, may be heightened, as 
 suggested in study Ko. 10. 
 
 The central portion of the upper section of the park 
 is left as open as possible, and can be levelled so far 
 
 * Note. 1868. — In execution the simpler plan above suggested was adopted, and the 
 arrangement will probably remain intact for a number of years. 
 
33 
 
 as may be required for the purposes of tlie play- 
 grounds indicated on tlie plan, and on study No. 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 north-east section of the up])er park is shown 
 as an arl)oretum of American trees, so that every one 
 w^ho wishes to do so may become acquainted with the 
 trees and shrubs that will flourish in the oj)en air in 
 the northern and middle sections of our country. 
 
 This arboretum is not intended to be formally 
 arranged, but to be so 2:>lanned that it may 2:)resent 
 all the most beautiful features of la^vn and wood-land 
 landscape, and at the same time preserve 
 the natural order of families, so far as 
 may be practicable. The botanical student will thus 
 be able to find any tree or shrub without difticulty. 
 We have selected this tract, of about 40 acres, in 
 the upper angle of the site, so as to interfere with 
 the more special requirements of tlie park as little 
 as possil)le. 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 in- 
 cludes the buildings on Mount St. Vincent. The 
 wooden structures would be removed, and the brick 
 
 * >5'oTE, 1868.— The postponement of operations in this quarter Avas recommended 
 "because we found that the lOGth street boundary of the park required a revision, -which 
 could not, with proprietj% be urged when the competition plan was made. The north- 
 ern limit of the park was, subsequently to the date of this report, extended from 106th 
 to 110th sts., and so much of the original plan as applied to the ground to the northward 
 of that here described, was afterwards modified in order to connect satisfactorily with 
 our design for laying out the additional territory which was approved by the commis- 
 sion in April, 1863. 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 chapel converted into a museum and library of 
 botany, similar to that at Kew, but with more spe- 
 cific 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 
 collection to American trees, because the space ne- 
 cessary 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 
 over 30 feet in height ; while in America we have 
 from five to six times that num])er. There are, in- 
 deed, already over forty S23ecies of the largest native 
 trees standing in the park, which is nearly equiva- 
 lent to the nimi])er to be found in all Europe. 
 
 It is proposed to plant from one to three exam- 
 ples of each species of tree on open lawn, and with 
 sufficient space about each to allow it to attain its 
 fullest size with unrestricted expanse of branches; 
 the effect of each tree is also to be exhibited iu 
 masses, so as to illustrate its qualities for grouping. 
 Space is provided to admit of at least three speci- 
 mens of every native which is known to flourish in 
 the United States north of North Carolina ; also for 
 several specimens of every shrub ; these latter, how- 
 ever, except in particular instances, are not expected 
 
35 
 
 to be planted singly, but in thickets, and as under- 
 wood to tlie 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 arboretum, 
 submitted with the plan, in which the proposed ar- 
 rangement of all the trees is set forth in order. 
 
 The leading features of the plan have now, it is 
 thouo-ht, been referred to. It has not been consid- 
 ered necessary to especially particularize the different 
 trees j^roposed 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 to be 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 exhibition of semi-troj^ical trees, and 
 it is intended to treat that portion of the park in 
 the manner suggested in the study. 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 of water from the New Reservoir. 
 Mere rivulets are uninteresting, and we have pre- 
 ferred to collect the ornamental water in large 
 
36 
 
 sheets, and to cany oJff tlirougli underground 
 drains tlie water that at present runs througli 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 tour 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 
 promenade along the line of the drives, so that 
 pedestrians may have ample opj^ortunity 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 oj)- 
 portunities for trotting matches. The popular idea 
 of the park is a beautiful ojjen space, in which quiet 
 drives, rides, and strolls may be had. This can- 
 not he preserved if a race-course, or a road that 
 can readily be used as a race-course, is made one 
 of its leading attractions. 
 
./JUULIUUiJUUUiJUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL JUUUUUUUUiJLlUUUI IUuUUUl 
 
 !nnnnnnrinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnr,n,nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnr.nnnnrv 
 
 FIRST STUDY OF DESIGN FOR THE CENTRAL PARK. 
 Prom a Wood-cut made in 1858. 
 
^^^^^^^^^^^