EXPLANATORY TO A SECTIONAL REMARKS PLAN PROSPECT PARK, AS SUGGESTED BY H . A. G R A E F. Brooklyn : ROME BROTHERS, STATIONERS & PRINTERS, 383 FULTON STREET. 1865. Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library INTRODUCTION. The great interest which I have always taken in the estab- lishment of our projected Prospect Park has induced me to pre- pare a sectional plan of that part of the ground selected, which is situated between Flatbush and 9th avenue's, the Coney Island Plank Road and 9th street, including the property of Edwin C. Litchfield, Esq., anticipating that the hon. Board of Park Com- missioners will consider an addition of this beautiful property a necessity. The plan, whose material features would not neces- sarily be affected if even in other directions ground should be added, is drawn according to a scale of 2 inches to 100 feet. In projecting this plan, I have made it my principal task to avail myself of the many natural advantages of the ground. By doing so I intended not only to produce the grandest pos- sible effect, in accordance with the strictest rules of economy, but also to satisfy, as far as possible, all other claims that reasonably might be made to such an establishment. Whether I have been successful in this respect, I leave to the judg- ment of every unbiased mind. In order to render impossible even the slightest doubt as to the practicability of my plan, I have personally and most care- fully surveyed the ground in question. After having marked out the boundaries of drives, walks, groupes, prospects, etc., by ground posts, I have transferred to paper the forms and features thus originated, adapting, thereby, each speciality of my plan to the natural formation of the ground. I hardly deem it necessary to remark that it cannot be ex- pected to see all suggestions of my plan carried out at once. I simply wish that it may please those who have been intrusted with the improvement of the Park to provide in time for all important departments of such an institution, whatever plan they may see fit to adopt for its establishment. As at present it is intended to mention in general only the features recommending themselves as the most feasible ones to be introduced in the Prospect Park, and to simply indicate their location, size and shape, more minute descriptions are uncalled for. They will, however, if desired, also be furnished, accompa- nied by special plans, specifications, estimates of cost, etc. etc. The following pages contain a short description of the fea- tures represented in my plan. Those more especially interested in the improvement of Prospect Park will find in the Appendix a more detailed development of the motives according to which I have been working. 1. Three Entrances from Brooklyn are proposed : One on Flat- bush avenue, one on 3d, and another on 9th street. Two of them are touched by the City Railroad Cars ; the third, nearly midway between the two others is, on account of its Belgian pavement, particularly fit for driving. 2. Three Connections with the easterly part of the Park are proposed in my plan. One Suspension Bridge across Flatbush avenue, opposite Underbill street, two Entrances near McCarty's Hotel, and a Tunnel under Flatbush avenue, nearer to the town of Flatbush. In case, however, the gentlemen of the Park Com- mission should abandon the beautiful easterly part of the Park, these connections would be unnecessary, and a simple bridge for foot-passengers would lead across Flatbush avenue to the Ridgewood Reservoir. 3. For Prospects twelve places are designated in my plan. Nine of them command the most imposing far views ; the three others inside views. The different 23rospects on the Park grounds are undoubtedly some of their most beautiful features. We are, however, con- stantly in danger of losing them within a very short time, unless the gentlemen of the Park Commission do something to preserve them. I have pointed out this danger already in an article in the N. Y. Tribune of March 23, and feel obliged to refer to it here again. 4. Roads and Drives are proposed in my plan to a length of about six miles. All of them are laid out in the most agree- able lines of beauty, short curves and all considerable uneven- ness having been avoided. They are wide enough to admit all different kinds of vehicles four abreast, and can all be used as 5 bridlepaths. To avoid dangerous collisions drives and walks are from the very entrances separated from eacli other. 5. Walks are, at an average, eight feet in width, widening however in places where occasionally a conflux of visitors may occur, to twenty feet. They are kept as far as possible from the roads; where botli have to run close together they are separated from each other by green sward or low shrubs. Roads and drives, as well as walks, are intended to be built of the most durable material, according to the newest modes of construc- tion, and with a special view to the greatest convenience, safety and enjoyment of visitors. o. The Lake. With regard to the manifold uses of this estab- lishment for sailing, rowing and skating purposes, it is desirable to have the lake as near the city as possible. As proposed in my plan it can be reached within 17 minutes from the City Hall, thus offering the best opportunity for enjoyment to pleasure- seekers after business hours. In addition to this the place itself where I have located the lake is the most proper on account of the quality of the ground, in consequence of which the expense will really be very insignificant. Covering the place for other purposes with top-soil would cause a much greater outlay of money than the formation of the proposed lake. For further particulars about the lake we refer the reader to the Appendix. 7. Three Fountains are proposed in my plan. One opposite the entrance on Flatbush avenue, one in the centre of the flower garden, and another in the rear of the Pavilion. They are fed by the Ridgewood Reservoir, and throw their jets from Id to 18 feet respectively. The first-mentioned should have for its basis a large white figure to produce effect even when the fountain is not playing: the second is needed for sprinkling the street and watering the flowers; and the third, besides being an ornament, serves for economical purposes. The water flowing from these fountains will run into the lake. 8 and 9. Two Waterfalls and Eight Ponds will be found in my plan. Besides being ornaments of the place they all serve for various other purposes, and form, together with the lake, a water surface of about 42 acres. 10. Of the Five Bridges proposed, the two in connection with the Zoological Garden can be constructed at little expense. 6 11. The Flower Garden is located in my plan near Flatbush avenue, opposite McCarty's Hotel, for reasons shown in the Appendix. Flower beds will besides be distributed in proper places all over the Park. 12. For Refreshment Hall see Appendix. The Park Grounds contain, in my estimation, so many natural beauties, that if they are judiciously managed art need not add anything. Where buildings are indispensably necessary they should be built in the most proper way, solid, but in simple ;;tyle, avoiding ail unnecessary expense. 13. Orchestral Hall I propose to locate near 9th street and the Coney Island Plank Road. This spot seems as if intended for such a purpose. Two hills are here right opposite each other; the lower one of which, facing east, presents at half its height, as it were, a natural platform on which the orchestra would find an excellent place ; the opposite larger one affording, on its regular gftnphitlieatralic slope and surroundings, sitting room for more than 10,000 persons to listen to the musical perform- ance. The most magnificent gigantic forest trees with which both hills are covered render this spot still more eligible for this purpose. When adorned with beds of fine blooming shrubs, creepers, and ornamental and fragrant plants in a -tasteful man- ner, it promises to become one of the most attractive features of the whole Park. It has been proved by experiment that this place, in an accoustic point of view, has not its equal on the Park grounds. A drive is proposed to lead through the valley between these two hills, which, however, will be closed during musical performances.* II. The Island, found on my plan, I consider not only a great ornament in the lake, but it renders possible a central road from Flatbush avenue to the westerly part of the Park, which other- wise could, quite improperly, be located only near Flatbush or 9th avenue. 15. Those in any way acquainted with the rules of landscape gardening will find the form of Groupes, as well as the clustering- of Trees and Shrubs tastefully arranged. I have been guided by the principle that in most cases such plants should be placed in * Orchestral Hfill, in New York Central Park, affords little advantage over a crowded theatre, the majority of the audience being compelled to sit so close together in tiie auditory hall that t!ic real enjoyment is thereby marred in a great degree. • 7 groupes only which bloom simultaneously, in order to insure a greater effect. In establishments of the magnitude of Prospect Park, a single plant in bloom, under ordinary circumstances, can produce but very little effect. 16. My plan proposes but One Monument in the centre of the so-called Battle Pass, and in commemoration of the historical event which took place here in 1778. 17. Zoological Garden. Anticipating that the lion. Board of Park Commissioners will be in favor of introducing in Prospect Park zoological collections, my plan proposes, as most fit for this purpose, the* oval sandhill opposite 8d street and 11th avenue, indicated in my plan by a yellow-greenish color. This little hill is surrounded in such a way by higher hills and woods, that it affords neither far nor inside views, and consists of such hue drift sand, that hardly a plant would grow on it. Thus af- fording the landscape gardener little chance for improvement, it is by its very nature and position especially fit for the keep- ing of animals. Protected by the higher hills and surrounding woods against storms and cold winds, they are less exposed to the effect of the sudden changes of temperature, and in the meantime, owing to the dry sandy ground, the animals kept there wiil be less liable to pulmonary and hoof diseases. The centre of this groupe is reserved for the most important build- ing of the Zoological Garden, which may be used as a residence for the dangerous carnivorous animals. The other lots, the si;:es of which vary from SO to 100 feet, will be occupied by such inoffensive animals as are individually too insignificant to draw the public to a more remote spot, but which cannot fail to be of great interest when seen together in a colony. Among these animals will be, for instance, the different kinds of rabbits, hares, porcupines, hedgehogs, racoons, etc. In close proximity to this colony, places have been fenced in for such inoffensive animals as need more space, and the fields marked with red in my plan, south of the colony, are intended for such as require either solid apartments — as wolves, bears, etc., or places secured with wire or hitting — as wild-cats, squir- rels, eagles, owls, etc. Besides these there are oilier arrangements in proper places in the Park for larger and more interesting animals, for which the reader is again referred to the Appendix. a Wherever animals are kept in the Park provision should al- ways be made to secure for them such an existence as their comfort and special habits claim, and thus render their state of imprisonment tolerable. Shelter-houses, water-basins, shade trees and shrubs, grass, salt, sand, etc., should therefore be pro- vided to satisfy all their peculiarities. Care will, however, also be taken that they never can escape the observation of the visiting public. As regards the Zoological collections, it would suffice in the beginning to procure divers solid contrivances, in which ani- mals of different size and habits can be kept for some time, until a proper place for their abode can be allotted them. I remark here once more that in my opinion all apartments for the animals should be constructed in the cheapest possible way. From the many stones scattered all over the Park grounds, roots of trees, etc., covered with ground, creeping plants, mosses and ferns, many a rustic abode for them can be produced at almost a nominal expense. The only exceptions from this rule will be the centre of the Zoological colony, the winter-house for tropic animals, and the aviary, where foreign birds will be kept in cages. Besides the features already mentioned, there are many others of more or less importance in the other part of the Park ground, which may be used to great advantage by a skillful landscape gardener, such as, a botanical and experimental garden, a Swiss landscape in miniature, with cottage, alpine animals, Russian gliding paths, hermitage, etc., for more of which see Appendix. APPENDIX. Besides the ornamental, I have endeavored to combine in our Park, as much as possible, all those enjoyments of country life which draw so many of our fellow-citizens from the city during the summer. If I should thereby succeed in retaining in the city only one-half of the summer emigrants, more money would be saved to Brooklyn annually than the expense for keeping the Park in order would amount to. In the meantime I have devoted much careful study as to how the Park could be rendered useful to those of our young fellow- citizens desirous of becoming initiated into the various interest- ing, and in some respects indispensable, branches of natural science, without causing considerable expense, or detracting in any way from the beautiful appearance of the Park, by the in- troduction of the necessary means for this purpose. That this should be a leading idea in laying out a park In Brooklyn, which, owing to her natural position and other favorable circum- stances, will soon outshine the great mercantile metropolis of this continent in matters of art and science, will be generally acknowledged. We deem the time not very distant when to Brooklyn's educational institutions a University will be added. Would it not be wise to provide in time those requisites so in- dispensably necessary for such an establishment ? Anticipating that the Park will be surrounded by either a lo w . living hedge or picket fence, I have arranged the groupes of trees and shrubs in such a manner as to produce an imposing effect if seen from the neighboring streets. Wherever an op- portunity offered I have projected opposite the streets and avenues leading to the Park such objects of prominence as will most effectively attract the interest of visitors while approach- ing the Park grounds. My plan endeavors to conduct the visiting public in about equal proportions to the various parts and attractions of the Park. For this purpose, all advantages which the character of the Park grounds present to the landscape gardener have been 10 studied and faithfully employed, and rendered accessible by convenient roads or walks ; and where attractions in nature are wanting, I have endeavored to replace them by artificial ones. In proper places benches, settees, arbors, belvideres, etc., afford to families and private parties ample opportunity to enjoy them- selves in retired groupes, undisturbed by others. A large num- ber of shelter-houses are distributed all over the Park to afford protection during sudden storms.* Features of lesser import- ance, as places for drinking-water, retires, etc., have not been introduced at present in my plan, but will be provided for. Nor does any difficulty exist in introducing, at a small expense, many other little improvements, such as arbors, rockeries, arti- ficial rocks, swings, etc., when the Park is being laid out. In proximity to the three main entrances, where visitors will concentrate and meet most largely, I have proposed compara- tively smaller groupes than elsewhere, to afford sufficient room for the necessary turnouts; towards the centre of the Park, how- ever, the groupes will be larger and the roads fewer, but the latter may be multiplied without difficulty if desired. A Parade Ground has not been provided for in my plan, as I confidently hope the Park Commissioners will have found sufficient reasons for excluding such an institution from a public park. The Lake. There is no reason to doubt that the Park Com- missioners have already decided to have a lake in the Park, and the only question to be solved is to designate the most proper place for it, A lake in a park, if rightly located and well laid out, may serve to accomplish a six-fold aim. (1) as a great ornament; (2) for boating ; (3) for skating purposes ; (-1) as a reservoir of water for swimming and wading birds ; (o> for fish and amphi- bious animals ; and (6) for water and swamp plants. As may be seen in my plan, I propose to form the lake close by Flatbush avenue, nearly opposite the Reservoir. It is my * In the New York Central Park sufficient attention has not been paid to these necessary arrangements, and the riding public seems to have been favored, much to the disadvantage of pedestrians. Among others, the arrangements in the so-called Ramble are defective in such a degree, that already, a few years only after the estab- lishment of the Central Park, pedestrians can hardly pass persons seated on benches without, molesting them. Furthermore, the free current of air is interrupted to such an extent by the m my short curves and windings of the paths in all directions, that during the heated term the oppressive air. even in the shade, is almost insupportable. 11 intention to connect, in the proposed shape, by two canals, tho three ponds now existing there, with the spacious plot of flat barren ground opposite 1st street, which is exactly on the sam 1 level with the three ponds, and like them frequently inunda- ted. My reasons for selecting this terrain for the lake are the following : 1. The existence there, as already mentioned, of five ponds which are constantly filled with a sufficient quantity of water, and only need to be combined and brought into a suitable shape 2. The subsoil in this place, consisting of sandy gravelly clay, is so compact that it will drain no water, for which reason it is admirably adapted to serve as the bottom of a lake, whereas it is entirely unfit for the growth of plants. 3. If this spot should not be transformed into a lake, it would have to be filled up and covered with a vast quantity of topsoil, causing considerably more labor and expense than the formation of a lake, according to my proposal, ever would. 4. In the proposed place the lake would offer a pleasant view from many important spots in the Park, which would render it in the meantime one of its greatest ornaments. 5. In consequence of the cutting through of the two canals a small island necessarily will form in the lake, which cannot fail to become also a very interesting feature of the Park. The canals will be spanned by two rustic bridges, rising high enough above the level of the water not to obstruct the boating and skating. The expense for cutting through these canals is but imaginary, for a considerable quantity of excellent topsoil, clay and compact ground are gained thereby, to be employed to ad- vantage in the near vicinity of the lake for divers purposes, which, if not procured in this way, would have to be acquired by some other means and at considerable expense, from a re- moter place. Owing to the hilly formation of the Park ground between 9th and 10th avenues, it would be very difficult to lead a central drive from the entrance on Flatbush avenue to the westerly part of the Park, if it were not done in the manner here pro- posed. The lake, as suggested, covers an area of about 33 acres, and offers : 6. The great advantage, that under ordinary circumstances it will fill itself with water I consider a water column of 36 inches 12 depth in the lake perfectly sufficient for all the purposes herein mentioned. Meteorological observations, carefully made through many years, show (see Blodgett's Meteorological Charts) that the quantity of water which falls in the proximity of Prospect Park averages more than 13 inches per annum. Besides the 33 acres waterlevel of the lake proper, there are about 50 more acres of the adjacent grounds so slanting that all rain and snow water, not absorbed naturally by the soil, must needs flow into the lake. In addition thereto, the rainwater falling upon other 30 adjacent acres can, by a little expense for drainage, also be conducted thither. If all these resources should be found inadequate to feed the lake, the rainwater falling upon 9th avenue, from 7th to Montgomery street, may, owing to its strong inclination, be led into the lake from more than 90,000 square feet; and in a similar way from other 40,000 square feet from Flatbush avenue, after having passed a pond for the purpose of removing its coarsest impurities. However, as human calculations in regard to the performance of nature cannot always be relied upon, and in order to provide against such obstacles to the self-replenishing of the proposed lake as might occur in consequence of protracted drought, such as was experienced last season, it will be advisable to establish a communication between the lake and the Ridgewood Reser- voir. This will be unavoidably necessary, with a view to regu- late the water in the lake at any moment in winter, t<» create an ice surface tit for skating purposes. This connection with the lieseivoir, however, is not expensive, owing to its close prox- imity. With reference to the practical use of the lake as to sailing and skating purposes, I have proposed rounded forms in preference to others.* At the easterly termination of the lake a small harbor will be formed, shaded by a Chinese temple, in which harbor a suf- ficient number of boats will be in readiness for visitors. The water of the lake will occasionally be led by means of a sluice into the five smaller ponds, and collected finally in one capaci- ous cistern near the Zoological Garden, from which, by means *This principle has not been adhered to in forming tiie Skating Pond in the New York Central Park. The many obstacles canned by protruding rocks and stones af- ford it is true, quite a picturesque view ; they are, however, in usiug the iake not only UindiancoB. but may under certain circumstances even become dangerous. 13 of a small windmill, it is pumped into another cistern located on the top of one of the neighboring hills, from whence it flows by itself in the shape of a cascade into the drinking and bathing vessels of the animals, according to their wants. For Skafhii>\ the take as proposed offers great advantages by its Bh ft distance from, and its convenient access by, the Flat- bush railroad cars. During the skating season a particular en- trance on Flatbush avenue, near the spot where a considerable ground excavation exists already, will lead to the skating house. This will be provided with all comforts for visitors, and will be only 50 paces distant from Flatbush avenue. Thi^ arrangement will not only save time and trouble to the public, but also re- duce expenses for snow-shoveling, and will remove all danger as to the injury of improvements in the Park by young people. At the south-westerly side of the little island shown on my plan, backed by a steep bank of some 15 feet high, a simple and cheap building is proposed, the ground floor of which will be furnished with all requisites for wintering the more delicate water birds. This place is so protected that probably very little artificial heat will be required for this purpose. The upper floor will afford room for three apartments, indicated by red fields, for aquaria, etc. Over the middle apartment a water reservoir will be erected, serving in the meantime as cupola, into which the water, alter having passed through a filter, is also pumped by means of a small windmill, to be distributed from thence into the various aquaria underneath. The two spaces between the three apartments, indicated by yellow fields, will be covered with awnings, and thus afford opportunity for the enjoyment of a beautiful far view, together with the advantage of a refreshing breeze, the interesting spec- tacle of numerous boats, gondolas and swimming birds gliding along on the smooth and spacious surface of the silvery waters below. The effect of an expanse of water is particularly condi- tioned by its clearness and transparency. To render these per- fect the bottom of the lake, after having proved not to drain water any longer, will be covered with a thin layer of white gravel. ^ fi£vtt Many of my friends perhaps will recollect that in 1357 I en- deavored to establish in the centre of Brooklyn a large Green- house, in which it was iutended to keep a rich collection of plants, interspersed with interesting singing birds, small play- ful quadruped, aquaria, etc. As it was intended to arrange this establishment with a view to instructiun as well as amusement, it was proposed to combine with it a library and reading room? where books and papers would be kept, treating on the various natural sciences, horticulture, floriculture, etc. This enterprise, though cordially recommended and highly appreciated by many of our most influential citizens, was hot carried out owing to the monetary crisis then prevailing. Convinced that in course of time the want of a Zoological Garden would be felt among us, I have continued since to de- vote my attention to this interesting matter, and have kept up a correspondence with leading men of several of the most cele- brated zoological gardens of the old country, in consequence of which I am in possession of an important experience and know- ledge in regard to this section of Natural History ; all of which I am ready at any time to contribute to the pleasure and in- struction of my fellow-citizens. That I have not been mistaken in my expectations in this respect is clearly shown by the un- common interest manifested, near and far, in zoological estab- lishments of all dimensions. Hardly a city of any importance is found in Europe which has not already some kind of a zoolo- gical garden, or is at least planning one. These institutions form almost everywhere the great point of attraction of the sur- rounding country, and afford pleasant and instructive entertain- ment for young and old. In all places experience has taught that as soon as the public had a chance to become convinced of the utility of such establishments, and the pleasure to be de- rived from them, not only the largest number of the animals, but also in many instances the money for the erection of the necessary buildings, was raised by voluntary contributions from among the people. The latest reports on the New York Central Park state that the Zoological Department there, imperfect though it be, already forms the most interesting point of attrac- tion in the Park. Much as I should wish to be able to refer the reader in proof of my assertions to an establishment in our vicinity, circumstances oblige me to go as far as the free city of Hamburg, where a Zoolo- gical Garden was established about five years ago. Already dur- ing this short period admirable results have been accomplished there. The general interest manifested by the public in that undertaking cannot be better illustrated than by the statement that during the first five months this establishment was visited by 212,000 persons who paid an admission fee. During one fine Sunday in July 88,28ft tickets were disposed of, not including the mmty free and season tickets. The foundation funds for this Garden amounted originally to 250,000 marks banco (about $89*000), and were contributed by a few wealthy citizens of the little Republic. This sum was hardly sufficient to prepare the ground for the reception of a few animals ; but as soon as these had come, and the public could form an idea of the enjoyment in store for them, an additional 100,000 marks banco were pro- cured in one hour, and since the Garden has been thrown open to the public, contributions in money and animals are constantly being made. The establishment counts already more than 1,600 animals in 350 kinds, among which 15 kinds of stags from different countries are found. Of many kinds the stock is al- ready so abundant that there is no proper room to keep more duplicates, and these are offered for exchange on liberal terms. The wading birds, such as storks, cranes, herons, gulls, geese, ducks, etc., they have in very large numbers. These often start in docks on an excursion into the neighborhood, and regularly return to the Garden, not seldom accompanied by strangers not before doinestieated there. In establishing the aquaria saloons, it is proposed to take as models those famous ones of the free city of Hamburg, which are justly considered the best existing in this department of zoologieal establishments. For several years past the sea-water in them has been used unchanged, and with the most satisfac- tory success as regards vegetation and the prosperity of animal life. In the aquaria establishment, in connection with some of the ponds, provision should be made for artificially raising fish. In France and Germany astonishing results have been accom- plished in this branch of industry. Varieties of fish which had become scarce have been propogated in enormous quantities, and even exotie fish have been acclimated to the waters of those countries. In my opinion, perhaps no cities in the world have greater advantages for the establishment of a Zoological Garden than the sister cities of New York and Brooklyn. Our frequent and 16 speedy connection with all ports of the world render the ex- change of exotic animals easy to us, and the abundance of ani- mals in our own forests enables us to enter into relations with other zoological gardens for exchanging purposes. In this way we can readily acquire a considerable collection of suitable ani- mals. Provided that in the beginning such kinds only are chosen as will stand our climate without protection, and the keeping of which does not cause great expense, the establish- ment of a zoological garden will prove to be much less expen- sive than perphaps is anticipated. If at first only a few groupes of animals are arranged in an attractive manner, so that the public may see the effect of such an 'arrangement, it will be here as in other places — donations will come in daily, and en- couragement of all kinds will not be wanting. What our city is able to accomplish we have seen in our re- cent Sanitary Fair. And why could not similar means be re- sorted to and with satisfactory results, if it is for the assistance of an establishment intended to afford so many truly beneficial enjoyments as a zoological garden undoubtedly will. A few months since I circulated among my friends a sub- scription list to the following effect : " We, the undersigned, hereby express our desire that the Commissioners of the future Brooklyn Park would connect therewith a Zoological Depart- ment for purposes of science and recreative amusement. We also signify our willingness to render assistance in sustaining, to the best of our ability, this instructive and important branch of Natural History.' 1 Two of the fifty lists, coining to hand yes- terday, contained 18 and 25 subscribers respectively. If each list of those fifty brings 10 subscribers only, each of which obliges himself to present some specimen animal to the Park, we shall have 500 animals as soon as their reception can be made convenient. Anticipating that the Park Commissioners will decide to erect a Pavilion or Refreshment Hall in the Park, the most convenient place for this establishment would be where the house of Rol- lin Sandford has just been torn down. This is the most eleva- ted spot on the westerly part of the Park, affording by far the most splendid panorama upon the bay, its back-ground, and also the high sea. A Pavilion, two stories high, with verandahs, would enhance the enjoyment of these far views. 17 The spot just alluded to is a square of about 80 feet, dug out to a depth of some 15 feet. If this should be filled in again, it would perhaps cause an outlay equal to half the expense of building such a pavilion. According to my plan, the drive passes by the east side of the proposed pavilion's ground floor ; to the west, however, where the ground is 15 feet lower, it is on the same level with the basement. In front of the latter a fountain is proposed. From here four rows of linden trees, forming ex- cellent shady walks, and affording beautiful perspective views, extend down to the port or harbor of the lake alluded to in the above. In a north-easterly direction, some 50 paces from the pavilion, a shed is to be erected in a protected place, where horses and carriages of visitors may be kept in waiting without annoying the public by offensive odor or flies attracted by the animals. The Flower Garden is proposed to be laid out on the flat bar- ren piece of ground immediately to the right of Flatbush ave., opposite McCarty's Hotel. Provided that the proposed easterly part of the Park be retained, this spot is about central, protected by hills against cold N., N. W., and W. winds, and can be per- fectly overlooked not only from the street, but from the Reser- voir building and its surroundings, as also from the proposed pavilion and all of the westerly hills. All topsoil has been re- moved from this spot, and if it is intended to cultivate anything on it, a layer of several feet of topsoil will be needed. In using this place for a flower-garden, owing to the many foot-paths, about one-quarter only of soil will be required of what would be needed, if large trees with deep roots were expected to grow in it. By planting high trees, the beautiful view would be de- stroyed upon the many little hills situated in a S. S. W. direc- tion, which, properly decorated, would give such a splendid background. The woodland between 1st and 3d streets and 9th and 10th avenues, is particularly fit, on account of the properties of its soil, for the cultivation there of magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, etc. And in order to cultivate also the more tender kinds of these beautiful families of flowers, it is proposed to plant the seam of the woods with hardy evergreens, to keep out the cold blasts of the north, north-west and west. 3d street, from 9th to 10th avenue, remains a straight-lined road because IS of its existence already in this form, and because, without a con- siderable revolution, an alteration cannot well be made. It seems advisable to plant there four rows of fine low-sized trees, for instance Kohl renter ia paniculata, to render more conspicuous the perspective of the main building in the zoological estab- lishment. Botanical Garden. The importance and usefulness of a bo- tanical garden being acknowledged by every person of educa- tion, it seems superfluous to enlarge upon the necessity of its establishment, especially as we have reason to believe that the Park Commissioners have already decided in its favor. It will suffice to remark, that with a very limited outlay of money, and without detracting from the beauties of the Park, much can be done for those desirous of studying botany, if, in order to make a beginning, a proper selection of native plants are systemati- cally arranged together in a suitable place in the Park. Another selection of poisonous plants, cultivated in a secluded spot, as also a collection of trading and officinal plants, and such as are frequently mistaken for the latter, would be all that is requisite to enable the student, with the aid of some volumes on botany, to become familiar with all branches of this beautiful science. It is but natural that all privileges afforded by such a garden should be granted to those educational institutions of our city desirous of availing themselves of the same. Experimental Garden. In the experimental garden the best modes of trimming grapevines, pruning, engrafting and oculat- ing fruit-trees, ornamental shrubs, roses, etc., as also hibridizing and other interesting occupations connected with horticulture, will be introduced for the information of all desirous of avail- ing themselves of the opportunity. The usefulness of newly introduced seeds, roots, manures, implements, etc., will be tested and the results published for public benefit. Other questions of the day, such as raising silkworms, etc., might perhaps at some future time be introduced with advan- tage in this department of the Park. If judiciously laid out and faithfully carried through, these establishments must needs prove of great benefit to the com- munity at large. Not on the amount of capital invested in them, but on the good will and efficiency of the individual to whose 19 care these three last mentioned institutions will be intrusted, their success mainly will depend. , Much more might be said in regard to every point mentioned in the above, but the few suggestions thrown out here will suffice to draw the attention of those interested in the improve- ment of Prospect Park, to this important work. Any further information will be cordially given, on application to H. A. G. ERRATA. Owing to an " error in calculo*', discovered too late for correction, the figures in pages 5, 11 and 12, relating to ground measure in acres, are to be reduced to two-thirds of their amount.