,,transcriber',s ,,note ,italic text is denoted by underscores4 ,footnote anchors are denoted by number1 and the footnotes have been placed at the end of the paragraph4 ,some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book4 #aheh4 ,,central ,,park4 #ahfh4 8,meantime1 with cheap land1 and the pacific disposition of the people1 everything invites to the arts of agriculture1 of gardening1 and domestic architecture4 ,public gardens on the scale of such plantations in ,europe and ,asia1 are now unknown to us4 ,there is no feature of the old countries that strikes an ,american with more agreeable surprise than the beautiful gardens of ,europe2 such as the ,boboli1 in ,florence1 the ,villa ,borghese1 in ,rome1 the ,villa d',este1 in ,tivoli1 the gardens at ,munich1 and at ,frankfort on the ,maine3 works easily imitated here1 and which might well make the land dear to the citizen1 and inflame patriotism40--,emerson1 #ahdd4 ,,description ,,of ,a ,,plan ,,for ,,the ,,improvement ,,of ,,the ,central ,park4 8,,greensward40 ,f4 ,l4 ,,olmsted ,,calvert ,,vaux4 ,,new ,,york1 #aheh4 ,,reprinted #ahfh4 ,the ,aldine ,press4--,sutton1 ,bowne ,co41 #bc ,liberty ,st41 ,n4 ,y4 ,,note1 #ahfh4 ,the following ,description was prepared in #aheh to accompany the first study of our design for the ,central ,park1 the appended woodcut being printed with the ,report4 ,a few notes are added in this edition1 together with a map showing to what extent the intention of the plan has1 thus far1 been realized and in what manner the study has been elaborated4 ,o4 ,v4 ,,report4 ,sidenote3 ,topographical suggestions4 ,a general survey of the ground allotted to the park1 taken with a view to arrive at the leading characteristics which present themselves as all-important to be considered in adapting the actual situation to its purpose1 shows us1 in the first place1 that it is very distinctly divided into two tolerably equal portions1 which1 for convenience sake1 may be called the upper and lower parks4 ,sidenote3 ,the upper park4 ,the horizon lines of the upper park are bold and sweeping and the slopes have great breadth in almost every aspect in which they may be contemplated4 ,as this character is the highest ideal that can be aimed at for a park under any circumstances1 and as it is in most decided contrast to the confined and formal lines of the city1 it is desirable to interfere with it1 by cross-roads and other constructions1 as little as possible4 ,formal planting and architectural effects1 unless on a very grand scale1 must be avoided2 and as nearly all the ground between the ,reservoir and #ajfth ,street 7west of the ,boston road7 is seen in connection1 from any point within itself1 a unity of character should be studiously preserved in all the gardening details4 ,sidenote3 ,the lower park4 ,the lower park is far more heterogeneous in its character and will require a much more varied treatment4 ,the most important feature in its landscape is the long rocky and wooded hill-side lying immediately south of the ,reservoir4 ,inasmuch as beyond this point there do not appear to be any leading natural characteristics of similar consequence in the scenery1 it will be important to draw as much attention as possible to this hill-side1 to afford facilities for rest and leisurely contemplation upon the rising ground opposite1 and to render the lateral boundaries of the park in its vicinity as inconspicuous as possible4 ,the central and western portion of the lower park is an irregular table-land2 the eastern is composed of a series of graceful undulations1 suggesting lawn or gardenesque treatment4 ,in the extreme south we find some flat alluvial meadow2 but the general character of the ground is rugged and there are several bold1 rocky bluffs1 that help to give individuality to this part of the composition4 99 99 99 99 99 ,such being the general suggestions that our survey has afforded1 it becomes necessary to consider how the requirements of the ,commissioners1 as given in their instructions1 may be met with the least sacrifice of the characteristic excellencies of the ground4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,preliminary considerations4 ,up to this time1 in planning public works for the city of ,new ,york1 in no instance has adequate allowance been made for its increasing population and business2 not even in the case of the ,croton ,aqueduct1 otherwise so well considered4 ,the ,city-,hall1 the best architectural work in the ,state1 and built to last for centuries1 does not at this time afford facilities for one-third the business for which it was intended4 ,the present ,post-,office1 expensively fitted up some ten years ago1 no longer answers its purpose1 and a new one of twice its capacity is imperatively demanded4 ,the ,custom-,house1 expressly designed for permanence and constructed to that end at enormous expense less than twenty years ago1 is not half large enough to accommodate the present commerce of the city4 ,the explanation of this apparently bad calculation is mainly given with the fact that1 at every census since that of #ahfj1 the city's rate of increase has been found to be overrunning the rate previously established4 ,a wise forecast of the future gave the proposed park the name of ,central4 ,our present chief magistrate1 who can himself remember market-gardens below ,canal street1 and a post-and-rail fence on the north side of ,city-,hall park1 warned his coadjutors1 in his inaugural message1 to expect a great and rapid movement of population toward the parts of the island adjoining the ,central ,park4 ,a year hence1 five city railroads will bring passengers as far up as the park1 if not beyond it4 ,recent movements to transfer the steamboat-landings and railroad stations1 although as yet unsuccessful1 indicate changes we are soon to expect4 ,the #ag1jjj lots withdrawn from use for building purposes in the park itself1 will greatly accelerate the occupation of the adjoining land4 ,only twenty years ago1 ,union ,square was 8out of town20 twenty years hence1 the town will have enclosed the ,central ,park4 ,let us consider1 therefore1 what will at that time be satisfactory1 for it is then that the design will have to be really judged4 ,no longer an open suburb1 our ground will have around it a continuous high wall of brick1 stone1 and marble4 ,the adjoining shores will be lined with commercial docks and warehouses2 steamboat and ferry landings1 railroad stations1 hotels1 theatres1 factories1 will be on all sides of it and above it2 all which our park must be made to fit4 ,the demolition of ,columbia ,college1 and the removal of the cloistral elms which so long enshadowed it2 the pertinacious demand for a division of ,trinity churchyard2 the numerous instances in which our old graveyards have actually been broken up2 the indirect concession of the most important space in the ,city-,hall park for the purposes of a thoroughfare and the further contraction it is now likely to suffer2 together with the constant enormous expenditure of the city and sacrifices of the citizens1 in the straightening and widening of streets1 are all familiar facts1 that teach us a lesson of the most pressing importance in our present duty4 ,to its application we give the first place in our planning4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,the transverse roads4 ,our instructions call for four transverse roads4 ,each of these will be the sole line of communication between one side of the town and the other1 for a distance equal to that between ,chambers street and ,canal street4 ,if we suppose but one crossing of ,broadway to be possible in this interval1 we shall realize what these transverse roads are destined to become4 ,inevitably they will be crowded thoroughfares1 having nothing in common with the park proper1 but every thing at variance with those agreeable sentiments which we should wish the park to inspire4 ,it will not be possible to enforce the ordinary police regulations of public parks upon them4 ,they must be constantly open to all the legitimate traffic of the city1 to coal carts and butchers' carts1 dust carts and dung carts2 engine companies will use them1 those on one side the park rushing their machines across it with frantic zeal at every alarm from the other2 ladies and invalids will need special police escort for crossing them1 as they do in lower ,broadway3 eight times in a single circuit of the park will they oblige a pleasure drive or stroll to encounter a turbid stream of coarse traffic1 constantly moving at right angles to the line of the park movement4 ,the transverse roads will also have to be kept open1 while the park proper will be useless for any good purpose1 after dusk1 for experience has shown that even in ,london1 with its admirable police arrangements1 the public cannot be secured safe transit through large open spaces of ground after nightfall4 ,sidenote3 ,foreign examples4 ,these public thoroughfares will then require to be well lighted at the sides and1 to restrain marauders pursued by the police from escaping into the obscurity of the park1 strong fences or walls1 six or eight feet high1 will be necessary4 ,a public road thus guarded passes through the ,regent's ,park of ,london1 at the ,zoological ,gardens4 ,it has the objection that the fence1 with its necessary gates at every crossing of the park drives1 roads or paths1 is not only a great inconvenience but a disagreeable object in the landscape4 ,to avoid a similar disfigurement an important passage across the garden of the ,tuileries is closed by gates at night1 forcing all who would otherwise use it to go a long distance to the right or left4 ,the form and position of the ,central ,park are peculiar in respect to this difficulty1 and such that precedent in dealing with it is rather to be sought in the long and narrow ,boulevards of some of the old ,continental cities of ,europe1 than in the broad parks with which1 from its area in acres1 we are most naturally led to compare it4 ,the ,boulevards referred to are1 however1 generally used only as walks1 not as drives or places of ceremony4 ,in frequent instances1 in order not to interrupt their alleys1 the streets crossing them are made in the form of causeways and carried over on high arches4 ,this1 of course1 destroys all landscape effect1 since it puts an abrupt limit to the view4 ,some expedient is needed for the ,central ,park by which the convenience of the arrangement may be retained1 while the objection is as far as possible avoided4 ,sidenote3 ,the present design4 ,in the plan herewith offered to the ,commission1 each of the transverse roads is intended to be sunk so far below the general surface that the park drives may1 at every necessary point of intersection1 be carried entirely over it1 without any obvious elevation or divergence from their most attractive routes4 ,the banks on each side will be walled up to the height of about seven feet1 thus forming the protective barrier required by police considerations1 and a little judicious planting on the tops or slopes of the banks above these walls will1 in most cases1 entirely conceal both the roads and the vehicles moving in them1 from the view of those walking or driving in the park4#a #a ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,in execution1 the four traffic roads have been carried through the ,park in the manner suggested4 ,if the position which has just been taken with regard to the necessity for permanently open transverse thoroughfares is found to be correct1 it follows necessarily that the #gjj acres allowed to the new park must1 in the first instance1 be subdivided definitely1 although it is to be hoped to some extent invisibly1 into five separate and distinct sections1 only connected here and there by roads crossing them2 and if the plan of making these thoroughfares by sunken roads is approved1 they will1 as it appears to us1 from the nature of the ground1 have to be laid down somewhat on the lines indicated on the plan4 ,if so1 the problem to be solved is narrowed in its dimensions1 and the efforts of the designer can be no longer directed to an arrangement that shall agreeably use up the space of #gjj acres allotted1 but to making some plan that shall have unity of effect as a whole1 and yet avoid collision in its detailed features with the intersecting lines thus suggested4 ,it is on this basis that the present plan has1 in the first instance1 been founded4 ,if the sunken transverse roads were omitted1 the design would not be less complete in character2 but it is1 on the other hand1 so laid out that the transverse thoroughfares do not interfere materially with its general or detailed effect4 ,sidenote3 ,surface transverse roads4 ,after having planned the park drives agreeably to these views1 we observed that three additional moderately direct1 transverse roads had occurred4 ,these will afford facilities for crossing the park to all vehicles of classes which it will be proper to admit upon them1 such as hackney coaches and all private carriages2 and thus seven transverse roads will be really provided to be used during daylight4 ,four roads will probably be amply adequate for the night traffic needing to cross the park2 but it might be questioned if this number would be sufficient during the day4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,the exterior4 ,as it is not proposed that the park proper shall be lighted at night1 it is well worth while to consider if the advantages which it offers as an interesting promenade may not yet in some way be obtained at night4 ,sidenote3 ,fifth ,avenue4 ,sidenote3 ,eighth avenue ,railroad4 ,the ordinance that regulates the width of ,fifth avenue1 provides for an open space of fifteen feet on each side1 exclusive of that required for the sidewalks and the roadway2 consequently1 a space of thirty feet in width is already prepared for on this side of the park for its whole length4 ,on the ,eighth avenue a similar arrangement may probably be effected1 and as there would be no occasion to back up carts against the park side of the avenue1 it is feasible to carry the railway tracks close to the edge of the walk1 thus leaving a clear space for carriages on the opposite or building side and making the access to the park side more clean and convenient4#b #b ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the sidewalks have been treated in execution as proposed1 but the suggestion in regard to the railroad has not yet been carried out4 ,in the ,brooklyn ,park however the intended arrangement has been fully realized4 ,sidenote3 ,fifty-,ninth and ,one ,hundred and ,sixth streets4 ,on the southern boundary it is not desirable to reduce the already moderate width of the carriage way4 ,it is1 on the other hand1 a question whether1 as the streets and the park both1 in reality1 are the property of one owner--the ,city--this street should not be treated in a similar manner4 ,it will1 from its position1 be in time rather crowded with traffic1 and will1 therefore1 have some claim to be widened on this ground alone4 ,as a question of beauty of arrangement for the park itself1 however1 it is conceived that if by this management a more stately character than could otherwise be obtained would be secured to the outer boundaries of the park1 it would be cheaply purchased at the sacrifice of a few feet at the south end1 off its present length of two and a half miles4 ,in riding along any of the avenues1 the eye cannot fail to be struck with the great difference in dignity of effect1 between such streets as ,fourteenth and ,twenty-,third1 and those intermediate1 and it would be a matter of regret that a source of effect so easily obtained1 should be lost in connection with the grand approaches to the park1 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 constructed4 ,if1 moreover1 the advantage of the evening promenade is allowed to be of importance1 we should be sorry to dispense with this section of it1 which would be the only portion having a direct communication from the ,sixth and ,seventh avenues4 ,sidenote3 ,treatment of boundary lines4 ,for the purpose of concealing the houses on the opposite side of the street1 from the park1 and to insure an umbrageous horizon line1 it is proposed1 as will be seen in the plan1 to plant a line of trees all around the outer edge of the park1 between the sidewalk and the roadway4#c ,on approaching the ,fifth and ,eighth avenue entrances1 this line of trees along ,fifty-,ninth street will come prominently into view1 and have a handsome effect1 if the street is widened2 but if ,fifty-,ninth street is allowed to remain as a narrow street1 it is feared that it will be difficult to prevent this boundary line of the park from having a contracted and somewhat mean appearance4 ,hence1 we have thought it proper in our plan to assume the advantage and practicability of this arrangement to be conceded2 but1 if this should not be the case1 it will be readily perceived that it forms no essential part of our design4#d #c ,,note1 #ahfh4--,this feature of the design has been partially carried into execution and is in progress from year to year1 as the street and avenue grades become settled4 #d ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,in execution1 #eith street has been treated as here recommended4 ,on the space originally provided for a sidewalk on the park side of the streets and avenues1 there will1 in any case1 be room for such a line of trees as we have proposed4 ,the continuous exterior mall should by no means be given up1 even though it cannot be made in all parts as wide as we have proposed4 ,at many points1 and frequently for quite long distances1 it will form an elevated terrace1 commanding extensive views over the park1 of the most interesting character1 and a mere parapet-wall three or four feet high1 will1 in such cases1 be all-sufficient for the safety of promenaders and the protection of the park from interlopers4 ,sidenote3 ,fifth avenue entrance4 ,the finest approach from the city is certain to be along the ,fifth avenue1 and it has been thought necessary to view with special care the angle of the park first reached from this direction1 because it will be generally felt that immediate entrance should be had at this point4#e #e ,,note1 #ahfh4--,we submitted a plan for a much needed amplification in this approach during the earlier stage of the work1 but the suggestion has not yet been acted on4 ,the grade of the avenue has been established so high that considerable filling-in would be required to avoid a rapid descent1 but directly this single difficulty is overcome1 the ground beyond has great advantages for the purpose of a dignified entrance to the park4 ,a massive rock that will be found in connection with this requisite made-ground1 offers a sufficiently large natural object to occupy the attention1 and will at once reduce the artificial feature to a position of minor importance4 ,if1 next1 we stand upon that portion of the rock which 7a little north of the large cherry-tree7 is at grade-height1 we find that there is another rocky hillock within a short distance1 in the direction a visitor to the park would most naturally pursue--that is to say1 towards the centre of the park4 ,this can be easily reached by slightly raising the intermediate ground2 by then sweeping to the right1 the natural conformation of the surface offers an easy ascent 7by the existing cart-way over ,sixty-,third street7 to a plateau 7two rods west of the powder-house71 directly connected with the extensive table-land which occupies the centre of the lower half of the park4 ,from this plateau 7now occupied mainly by the nursery7 a view is had of nearly all the park up to the ,reservoir1 in a northerly direction2 and on looking to the south and west1 we perceive that there are natural approaches from these directions1 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 park4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,the ,avenue4 ,vista ,rock1 the most prominent point in the landscape of the lower park1 here first comes distinctly into view1 and fortunately in a direction diagonal to the boundary lines1 from which it is desirable to withdraw attention in every possible way4 ,we therefore accept this line of view as affording an all-sufficient motive to our further procedure4 ,although averse on general principles to a symmetrical arrangement of trees1 we consider it an essential feature of a metropolitan park1 that it should contain a grand promenade1 level1 spacious1 and thoroughly shaded4 ,this result can in no other way be so completely arrived at1 as by an avenue1 which in itself even1 exclusive of its adaptability for this purpose1 contains so many elements of grandeur and magnificence1 that it should be recognized as an essential feature in the arrangement of any large park4 ,the objection to which it is liable is that it divides the landscape into two parts1 and it is therefore desirable to decide at what point this necessity can be submitted to with the least sacrifice to the general effect4 ,the whole topographical character of the park is so varied1 so suggestive of natural treatment1 so picturesque1 so individual in its characteristics1 that it would be contrary to common sense to make the avenue its leading feature1 or to occupy any great extent of ground for this special purpose4 ,it must be subservient to the general design1 if that general design is to be in accordance with the present configuration of the ground1 and we have therefore thought that it should1 so far as possible1 be complete in itself1 and not become a portion of any of the leading drives4 ,there is no dignity of effect to be produced by driving through an avenue a quarter of a mile long1 unless it leads to1 and becomes an accessory of1 some grand architectural structure1 which itself1 and not the avenue1 is the ultimatum of interest4 ,an avenue for driving in should be two or three miles long1 or it will be petite and disappointing4 ,we have therefore thought it most desirable to identify the idea of the avenue with the promenade1 for which purpose a quarter of a mile is not insufficient1 and we can find no better place for such a grand mall1 or open air hall of reception1 as we desire to have1 than the ground before us4#f #f ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,in execution1 this avenue has been planted with elms1 as suggested later in the report1 and is now called 8,the ,mall40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,promenade4 ,in giving it this prominent position1 we look at it in the light of an artificial structure on a scale of magnitude commensurate with the size of the park1 and intend in our design that it should occupy the same position of relative importance in the general arrangement of the plan that a mansion should occupy in a park prepared for private occupation4 ,the importance that is justly connected with the idea of the residence of the owner in even the most extensive private grounds1 finds no parallel in a public park1 however small1 and we feel that the interest of the visitor1 who1 in the best sense is the true owner in the latter case1 should concentrate on features of natural1 in preference to artificial1 beauty4 ,many elegant buildings may be appropriately erected for desirable purposes in a public park1 but we conceive that all such architectural structures should be confessedly subservient to the main idea1 and that nothing artificial should be obtruded on the view as an ultimatum of interest4 ,the idea of the park itself should always be uppermost in the mind of the beholder4 ,holding this general principle to be of considerable importance1 we have preferred to place the avenue where it can be terminated appropriately at one end with a landscape attraction of considerable extent1 and to relieve the south entrance with only so much architectural treatment as may give the idea that due regard has been paid to the adornment of this principal promenade1 without interfering with its real character4 ,this avenue may be considered the central feature in our plan for laying out the lower park1 and the other details of arrangement are more or less designed in connection with it4 ,sidenote3 ,parade ground4 ,to the west is the parade ground1 containing about #be acres1 that may1 at a moderate expense1 be levelled and made suitable for its purpose2#g and also some eight or ten acres of broken ground1 that will be more or less available for military exercises4 ,such a broad open plane of well-kept grass would be a refreshing and agreeable feature in the general design1 and would bear to be of much greater extent than is here shown1 if the lot were of a different shape2 but under the circumstances1 #be acres seems as much as can well be spared for the purpose4 ,a military entrance from ,eighth avenue is proposed to be made at ,sixty-,ninth street1 which has been already1 at considerable expense1 cut through the rock at this point1 and offers a suggestion for a picturesque approach1 with a portcullis gate1 and with the main park drive carried over it at a higher level4 #g ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,a ,parade ground was demanded by the schedule of instructions furnished to competitors4 ,in execution this open space under the name of 8,the ,green0 has been retained as a prominent feature of the design1 but has not been and is not intended to be used for military exercises4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,playground4 ,the natural southern boundary of the table-land occupied by the parade ground is a rapid slope that occurs about in the line of ,sixty-,sixth street2 in this slope it is proposed to sink one of the transverse roads2 and on a level plane below it1 stretching to the south1 a playground about ten acres in extent is located1 as indicated on the plan4 ,we have thought it very desirable to have a cricket ground of this size near the southern boundary of the park1 and not far from the ,sixth and ,eighth avenue railroads1 which offer the most rapid means of access from the lower part of the city4#h #h ,the playground has been arranged as here recommended4 ,in this playground sites are suggested for two buildings of moderate dimensions3 one for visitors to view the games1 which would be appropriately located on a large rock that overlooks the ground2 and the other for the players1 at the entrance from the transverse road1 by which an exit could be obtained from the playground after the other gates were closed4#i ,only one mass of rock of any considerable magnitude would require to be blasted out for the purpose of adapting this ground to its intended purpose2 its position is indicated on the plan by a red cross1 and the object of its removal will be seen on examination4 ,this part of the design is illustrated in study ,no4 #b4 ,the ground at the south-west corner of the park it is proposed to fill in sufficiently to make1 on the plan indicated1 an agreeable ,eighth avenue entrance4 #i ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the foundation for this building was laid during the last season4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,the lower lake4 ,to the south-east of the promenade1 and between the ,fifth and ,sixth avenue entrances1 it is proposed to form a lake of irregular shape1 and with an area of #h or #i acres4 ,this arrangement has been suggested by the present nature of the ground1 which is low and somewhat swampy4 ,it is conceived that1 by introducing such an ornamental sheet of water into the composition at this point1 the picturesque effect of the bold bluffs that will run down to its edge and overhang it1 must be much increased2#aj and that by means of such a natural boundary1 this rocky section of the park will be rendered more retired and attractive as a pleasant walk or lounge4 ,the proposed effect of this part of the design1 as it will appear from the ,fifth avenue entrance1 is indicated on study ,no4 #a4aa #aj ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,an improvement of the soil and of the skylines of this rocky section1 contemplated at the time the plan was made1 was last year carried into execution1 by means of earth filling on the more prominent summit levels4 #aa ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the original requirements of the ,commission in regard to boundary and expense necessitated1 in the first study1 a cramped and unsatisfactory arrangement of the entrances on ,fifty-ninth street4 ,we have since made studies for the amplification of each of the principal approaches1 and the necessary legislation in regard to the entrance at #hth ,avenue and #eith street having been obtained at the instance of the property owners in the neighborhood1 this improvement is shown on the map of the ,park1 dated #ahfh4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,arsenal4 ,to the south-east of the promenade will be found that portion of the park in which the present ,arsenal is situated4 ,this ground is undulating and agreeable in its character1 and will offer pleasant opportunities for shady walks4 ,the ,arsenal itself1 although at present a very unattractive structure1 and only tolerably built1 contains a great deal of room in a form that adapts it very well to the purposes of a museum4 ,it is proposed1 therefore1 to improve its external appearance so far as may be necessary1 without changing its shape or usefulness1 or going to any great expense2 and as it occurs rather near the ,fifth avenue entrance1 and is1 therefore1 likely to occupy too considerable a share of attention if left exposed to view from the south1 it is intended1 as early as possible1 to plant in its vicinity forest-trees1 calculated to become handsome specimens of large size1 and that will1 after a few years1 prevent the museum from attracting an undue share of attention in the general landscape4 99 99 99 99 99 ,sidenote3 ,music-,hall4 ,to the east of the promenade1 there will be a half-mile stretch of lawn and trees extending from the vicinity of ,fifty-,ninth street to ,seventy-,second street1 and this will be the dress ground of the park2 and in a prominent position on this ground1 and immediately connected with the grand mall1 the site for a music-hall1 called for in our instructions1 has been set apart2 and we have suggested that a palm-house and large conservatory should be added to this music-hall whenever it is built4#ab #ab ,,note1 #ahfh4--,this site is now occupied by a building which we designed for a ,ladies' ,restaurant1 sites on a somewhat larger scale being reserved for a music-hall and conservatory1 which yet remain to be erected4 ,this site is recommended because it is conspicuous without being obtrusive1 and is easy of access from the promenade and from one of the leading avenue entrances2 while1 to the north1 it commands from its terraces and verandas the finest views that are to be obtained in the lower part of the park4 ,it also overlooks the site which we have selected as most appropriate for the flower-garden called for in our instructions2 and this we consider a decided advantage1 as the most attractive view of a flower-garden is from some point above it1 that will enable the visitor to take in at a glance a general idea of the effect aimed at4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,flower ,garden4 ,the garden is located in low ground to the north-east of the promenade1 and close upon the line of ,fifth avenue1 the grade of which opposite the centre of the garden is about twenty feet above the present level of the ground2 this1 for the reasons above stated1 we consider a desideratum1 and have suggested that over the arcade or veranda that we propose should be built against the east wall of the park in connection with the garden1 a structure should be erected1 with an entrance on a level with the avenue1 so as to give an opportunity for a view of the garden1 both from this level and from another story above it4 ,this idea is not1 of course1 necessary to the design1 and the sketch submitted is merely a suggestion to show what may be done at some future time4#ac #ac ,,note1 #ahfh4--,while the construction of the park was in progress ,messrs ,parsons ,co41 who held a contract granted by the ,commissioners1 employed us to develop this general idea in the form of a two-story glass building1 of which the upper section is the conservatory proper and the lower portion is proposed to be used for the exhibition and sale of flowers1 but the design has not yet been executed4 ,the plan of the flower-garden itself is geometrical2 and it is surrounded by an irregular and less formal plantation of shrubs1 that will serve to connect it with the park proper4 ,in the centre it is proposed to construct a large basin for a fountain1 with a high jet2 other smaller jets are prepared for1 as indicated2 and1 in connection with the north wall1 which will be somewhat below the surface of the ground beyond1 it is proposed to arrange some such wall fountain as the celebrated one of ,trevi4 ,the water for this fountain will1 in the present case1 be supplied from the skating pond and also from the ,reservoir1 and will fall into a semi-circular marble basin1 with a paved floor4 ,such a fountain is out of place unless it can be furnished with an ample supply of water2 but1 in the position assigned to it on our plan1 there will be no difficulty in procuring all the water that can be required for the purpose2 and it seems desirable1 therefore1 to take advantage of the opportunity offered1 for the effect of a sculptured fountain of this sort is quite distinct from that produced by a jet d'eau4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a colored plan of this part of the design is illustrated to an enlarged scale on study ,no4 #aa4 99 99 99 99 99 ,to the north-west of the promenade is a slope1 offering an appropriate site for a summer-house1 that in such a situation should have some architectural pretension2 and further to the west1 near ,eighth avenue1 is a stretch of table-land1 terminated by an abrupt rocky descent1 that suggests itself as well suited for a ,casino or refreshment house4#ad #ad ,,note1 #ahfh4--,this ground still remains unimproved1 it being the intention to develop the idea referred to in the report1 although the plans for the structure are not yet finally decided on4 99 99 99 99 99 ,from the upper end of the promenade the rocky hill-side to the north1 surmounted by ,vista ,rock at its highest point1 comes in full view2 and on this rock it will be generally conceded a tower should be erected--but by no means a large one1 or the whole scale of the view will be destroyed4#ae ,to the north and north-west of the promenade1 a tract of low ground is proposed to be converted into the skating pond called for in our instructions2 and the picturesque scenery between ,vista ,rock and the promenade will thus be heightened in effect1 when seen from the south side of this lake1 of about #ad acres4 ,a terrace approach1 as shown on the plan1 and on study ,no4 #c1 is proposed1 from the avenue to the water4#af ,this feature1 although by no means absolutely necessary1 would add much to the general effect1 and could be introduced at any future time1 if it is preferred at present to treat the ground occupied by it in a less artificial style4 #ae ,,note1 #ahfh4--,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 lines1 but which has lately been added to the park territory1 in accordance with our suggestion4 #af ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the architectural treatment of the terrace approach has been developed in detail during the progress of the work1 but much of the intended effect still remains to be realized4 ,immediately in the vicinity of ,vista ,rock is the south wall of the present reservoir4 ,this wall occupies the whole of the middle of the park1 and is a blank1 uninteresting object1 that can in no way be made particularly attractive4 ,we have therefore1 thought it necessary to bear this in mind in arranging the general plan1 and have given a direction to the lines of drive leading this way from the lower part of the park1 that will enable them to avoid the wall of the reservoir altogether4#ag ,the necessity for doing this has induced us to commence diverting the lines of drive at the south end of the grand promenade1 which seems to offer a sufficient reason for so doing1 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 reservoir4 ,if any drive proceeded in the direction of the line of avenue1 and at once crossed the ground proposed to be occupied by the lake1 the reservoir would inevitably become the terminal feature of the lower part of the park1 and this would be disagreeable4 ,the skating pond will offer a sufficiently natural barrier to this direct mode of proceeding1 and will furnish a reason for locating the promenade in its proposed position1 and also for terminating it where suggested2 and by carrying a road along the edge of the water1 an opportunity will be given to lengthen out the drive commanding the principal views in this vicinity2 the lake will also help to give a retired and agreeable character to the hill-side beyond1 which is well adapted for pic-nic parties and pleasant strolls4 ,even if the reservoir did not occur in its present position1 the conformation of the ground is such that the roads would naturally take1 to a considerable extent1 the direction indicated1 leaving the centre of the park undivided by a drive4 #ag ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,in execution1 the lines have been carried out as here indicated1 and as the trees grow up the old square reservoir is less and less thought of as an obstruction in the composition4 ,the management of the ground between the skating pond and ,vista ,rock#ah appears to be indicated by its form and the character of its present growth4 ,it is well sheltered1 and large masses of rock occur at intervals4 ,the soil is moist1 and altogether remarkably well adapted to what is called in ,europe an ,american garden1 that is1 a ground for the special cultivation of hardy plants of the natural order ,ericaci1 consisting of rhododendrons1 andromedas1 azaleas1 kalmias1 rhodoras1 c4#ai ,the present growth1 consisting of sweet-gum1 spice-bush1 tulip-tree1 sassafras1 red-maple1 black-oak1 azalea1 andromeda1 c41 is exceedingly intricate and interesting4 ,the ground is at present too much encumbered with stone1 and with various indifferent plants4#bj ,by clearing these away1 and carefully leaving what is valuable2 by making suitable paths1 planting abundantly1 as above suggested1 and introducing fastigiate shrubs and evergreens occasionally1 to prevent a monotony of bushes1 the place may be made very charming4 ,where the hill-side approaches the lake1 sufficient openings are proposed to be left for occasional glimpses1 or more open views1 of the water2 and glades of fine turf are intended to occur at favorable intervals1 so as to offer pleasant spots for rest and recreation4 #ah ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the ground here referred to is now called 8,the ,ramble40 #ai ,,note1 #ahfh4--,this suggestion has been partially realized but yet remains to be fully developed4 #bj ,,note1 #ahfh4--,many of these which we have marked for removal1 have hitherto1 for various reasons1 been allowed to remain4 ,sidenote3 ,playground4 ,sidenote3 ,winter drive4 ,sidenote3 ,berceau walks4 ,sidenote3 ,police station4 ,to the east and south-east of the present reservoir1 the general conformation of the surface continues to be of the same easy1 undulating character as that to the east of the promenade1 and can be treated in a similar manner4 ,the whole space is intended to be occupied with stretches of well-kept turf1 with fine groups and single trees1 so planted that they may appear to advantage1 and not crowd each other4 ,that portion which is immediately east of the reservoir is set apart for one of the playgrounds2#ba and in the strip of land between the main drive and the reservoir wall1 a reserved garden is provided for1 with gardener's house attached2 this will be needed in connection with the flower-garden already described4 ,on the west side of the reservoir the ground is of an irregular character1 which continues past the old and new reservoirs to the upper end of the site4 ,the spaces remaining for park use will1 however1 be so much contracted by the reservoir walls and embankments1 that extended landscape effects are out of the question4 ,it is intended1 therefore1 as the soil and situation are adapted to the purpose1 to arrange in this locality a winter drive about a mile and a half in length1 and to plant somewhat thickly with evergreens1 introducing deciduous trees and shrubs occasionally1 to relieve the monotony of effect that otherwise might occur4 ,large open glades of grass are introduced among these plantations of evergreens1 as the effect aimed at is not so much that of a drive through a thick forest1 crowded with tall spindling trees1 as through a richly wooded country1 in which the single trees and copses have had plenty of space for developing their distinctive characteristics to advantage4#bb ,immediately south and west of the present reservoir1 terraces have been already formed1 and these can readily be converted into continuous arbors1 or berceau walks4 ,access will thus be provided to all the gates of the reservoir1 and the wall will itself be planted out4 ,the effect of these closely shaded walks will also1 it is conceived1 offer an agreeable contrast to the views obtainable from ,vista ,rock1 in the immediate vicinity4#bc ,in the northern section of this locality1 and in connection with one of the transverse roads1 will be found the house of the ,superintendent1 the office of the ,commission1 the police station1 and other necessary buildings1 such as stables1 c4 ,the site is not far from the one at present occupied by the police1 and is thought to be well suited for its purpose4 ,by making a private entrance along the wall of the reservoir1 the whole establishment can be immediately connected1 by means of the transverse road1 with the city streets1 and at the same time be central and elevated without being unpleasantly prominent4 ,it is proposed1 as will be seen on the plan1 to make short connections from the park roads to the transverse thoroughfare north of the present reservoir1 so as to admit of visitors shortening the drive in this way if preferred4 #ba ,,note1 #ahfh4--,this tract of ground is now recommended as the site for the formal flower-garden in connection with a group of architectural structures that will include music-hall1 art galleries1 horticultural and other museums1 and refreshment rooms on a liberal scale2 the intention of allowing military exercises on the park having been abandoned1 and the ,green serving the purpose of the playground above proposed4 #bb ,,note1 #ahfh1--,these plantations have been made as designed4 #bc ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the idea of the berceau walk has been carried out in execution on the south side of the reservoir4 ,sidenote3 ,reservoir ride4 ,the new reservoir1 with its high banks1 will take up a great deal of room in the park1 and although it will offer a large sheet of water to the view1 it will be at too high a level to become a landscape attraction from the ordinary drives and walks4 ,it is suggested1 therefore1 that all round it a ride shall be constructed1 and carefully prepared for this purpose only2 and although this feature may be somewhat costly in the first instance1 it is conceived that the result would be worth the outlay1 for the sake of its advantages as a ride over a mile and a half in length1 commanding the view of the reservoir1 and uninterfered with by the regular drives1 although in connection with them at different points4#bd #bd ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,in execution the design of this separate bridle road has been much amplified4 ,on the east of the new reservoir1 the park is diminished to a mere passage-way for connection1 and it will be difficult to obtain an agreeable effect in this part of the design1 unless some architectural character is given to it4 ,it is not recommended1 however1 to attempt any such effect immediately1 or out of the funds of the ,commission1 but to accept the high bank of the reservoir as a barrier to the west1 for a few years2 because it is thought that as soon as this part of the city is built up to any considerable extent1 it will not be difficult to obtain an enriched architectural effect1 appropriate to the purpose1 without expense to the ,commission4 ,an arcade1 #ajj feet deep1 could be substantially built1 and the drive could be carried above this arcade on a level with the reservoir1 and overlooking ,fifth avenue1 the remainder of the ground being filled in2 and it is thought that as this arcade may be lighted from the rear1 and will face a fashionable thoroughfare1 it will offer1 at no distant period1 very valuable lots for stores1 or other purposes2 and as it is a third of a mile in extent1 it may be a source of revenue1 in rent1 to the park fund1 instead of a burden on it4#be #be ,,note1 #ahfh4--;,in execution the simpler plan above suggested was adopted1 and the arrangement will probably remain intact for a number of years4 ,sidenote3 ,tower on ,bogardus ,hill4 ,the north-westerly portion of the park1 above the new reservoir1 is planned very simply1 in accordance with what we conceive to be the suggestion of the ground4 ,the evergreen drive is continued nearly to the foot of ,bogardus ,hill1 and then somewhat changing its character1 turns to the east4 ,at this point a branch road crosses a brook1 that is made to expand into a pool a little below the bridge2 and this road then winds gradually to the top of the hill1 which offers an available site for some monument of public importance1 that may also be used as an observatory tower4 ,if as is not improbable1 the transatlantic telegraph is brought to a favorable issue1 while the park is in an early stage of construction1 many reasons could1 we think1 be urged for commemorating the event by some such monument as the one suggested on the plan1 and in study ,no4 #i4 ,the picturesque effect of a spring of clear water1 that already exists in this vicinity1 may be heightened1 as suggested in study ,no4 #aj4 ,the central portion of the upper section of the park is left as open as possible1 and can be levelled so far as may be required for the purposes of the playgrounds indicated on the plan1 and on study ,no4 #g4 ,at present1 it is hardly thought that it would be necessary to make the ,sixth avenue entrance to the north2 but its position is indicated4#bf #bf ,,note1 #ahfh4--,the postponement of operations in this quarter was recommended because we found that the #ajfth street boundary of the park required a revision1 which could not1 with propriety be urged when the competition plan was made4 ,the northern limit of the park was1 subsequently to the date of this report1 extended from #ajfth to #aajth sts41 and so much of the original plan as applied to the ground to the northward of that here described1 was afterwards modified in order to connect satisfactorily with our design for laying out the additional territory which was approved by the commission in ,april1 #ahfc4 ,the north-east section of the upper park is shown as an arboretum of ,american trees1 so that every one who wishes to do so may become acquainted with the trees and shrubs that will flourish in the open air in the northern and middle sections of our country4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,arboretum4 ,this arboretum is not intended to be formally arranged1 but to be so planned that it may present all the most beautiful features of lawn and wood-land landscape1 and at the same time preserve the natural order of families1 so far as may be practicable4 ,the botanical student will thus be able to find any tree or shrub without difficulty4 ,we have selected this tract1 of about #dj acres1 in the upper angle of the site1 so as to interfere with the more special requirements of the park as little as possible4 ,the spot chosen is in some measure separated from the rest of the grounds1 by a ridge of land between ,fifth and ,sixth avenues1 and includes the buildings on ,mount ,st4 ,vincent4 ,the wooden structures would be removed1 and the brick chapel converted into a museum and library of botany1 similar to that at ,kew1 but with more specific regard to landscape and decorative gardening4 ,in the park itself there will be numerous specimens of all the trees1 native or foreign1 that are likely to thrive2 but it is proposed to limit this particular collection to ,american trees1 because the space necessary for a complete arboretum would occupy several hundred acres1 and also because it will afford an opportunity to show the great advantage that ,america possesses in this respect4 ,no other extra-tropical country could furnish one quarter the material for such a collection4 ,in the whole of ,great ,britain1 for example1 there are less than twenty trees1 native to the island1 that grow to be over #cj feet in height2 while in ,america we have from five to six times that number4 ,there are1 indeed1 already over forty species of the largest native trees standing in the park1 which is nearly equivalent to the number to be found in all ,europe4 ,it is proposed to plant from one to three examples of each species of tree on open lawn1 and with sufficient space about each to allow it to attain its fullest size with unrestricted expanse of branches2 the effect of each tree is also to be exhibited in masses1 so as to illustrate its qualities for grouping4 ,space is provided to admit of at least three specimens of every native which is known to flourish in the ,united ,states north of ,north ,carolina2 also for several specimens of every shrub2 these latter1 however1 except in particular instances1 are not expected to be planted singly1 but in thickets1 and as underwood to the coppice masses2 as may best accord with their natural habits1 and be most agreeable to the eye4 ,further details of this part of the design will be found in the explanatory guide to the arboretum1 submitted with the plan1 in which the proposed arrangement of all the trees is set forth in order4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the leading features of the plan have now1 it is thought1 been referred to4 ,it has not been considered necessary to especially particularize the different trees proposed to be used in the various parts of the park4 ,for the purposes of the avenue1 the ,american elm naturally suggests itself at once as the tree to be used2 and it is to be hoped that the fine effect this produces1 when planted in regular lines1 may in a few years be realized in the ,central ,park4 ,there is no other part of the plan in which the planting calls for particular mention1 except to the south of the skating pond2 an opportunity is there offered for an exhibition of semi-tropical trees1 and it is intended to treat that portion of the park in the manner suggested in the study4 ,a list of the trees to be used is appended to the explanation of the arboretum4 ,the plan does not show any brooks1 except a small one in connection with the pool at the foot of ,bogardus ,hill1 which can always be kept full by the waste of water from the ,new ,reservoir4 ,mere rivulets are uninteresting1 and we have preferred to collect the ornamental water in large sheets1 and to carry off through underground drains the water that at present runs through the park in shallow brooks4 ,as a general rule1 we propose to run footpaths close to the carriage roads1 which are intended to be #fj feet wide1 allowing a space of four feet of turf as a barrier between the drive and the path4 ,other more private footpaths are introduced1 but it is hardly thought that any plan would be popular in ,new ,york1 that did not allow of a continuous promenade along the line of the drives1 so that pedestrians may have ample opportunity to look at the equipages and their inmates4 ,it will be perceived that no long straight drive has been provided on the plan2 this feature has been studiously avoided1 because it would offer opportunities for trotting matches4 ,the popular idea of the park is a beautiful open space1 in which quiet drives1 rides1 and strolls may be had4 ,this cannot be preserved if a race-course1 or a road that can readily be used as a race-course1 is made one of its leading attractions4 ,illustration3 ,,first ,,study ,,of ,,design ,,for ,,the ,,central ,,park4 ,from a ,wood-cut made in #aheh4 ,illustration3 ,,map ,,of ,,the ,,central ,,park1 #ahfh4 ,,transcriber',s ,,note ,obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within the text and consultation of external sources4 ,some hyphens in words have been silently removed1 some added1 when a predominant preference was found in the original book4 ,except for those changes noted below1 misspellings in the text1 and inconsistent or archaic usage1 have been retained4 ,pg #bb3 8chararacter0 replaced by 8character04