REPORT.

Topographical Suggestions

A general survey of the ground allotted to the park, 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 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 Upper Park

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 contemplated. As this character is 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 possible. Formal planting and architectural effects, unless on a very grand scale, must be avoided; and as nearly all the ground between the Reservoir and 106th Street (west of the Boston road) is seen in connection, from any point within itself, a unity of character should be studiously preserved in all the gardening details.

The Lower Park

The lower park is far more heterogeneous in its character, and will require a much more varied treatment. The most important feature in its 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 important 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 boundaries of the park in its vicinity as inconspicuous as possible. The central and western portion of the lower park is an irregular table-land; the eastern is composed of a series of graceful undulations, suggesting lawn or gardenesque treatment. In the extreme south we find some flat alluvial meadow; but the general character of the ground is rugged and there are several bold, rocky bluffs, that help to give individuality to this part of the composition.

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Such being the general suggestions that our survey has afforded, it becomes necessary to consider how the requirements of the Commissioners, as given in their instructions, may be met with the least sacrifice of the characteristic excellencies of the ground.

Preliminary Considerations

Up to this time, in planning public works for the city of New York, in no instance has adequate allowance been made for its increasing population and business; not even in the 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 present Post-Office, expensively fitted up 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 permanence 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 calculation is mainly given with the fact, that at every census since that of 1800, the city’s rate of increase has been found to be overunning the rate previously established.

A wise forecast of the future gave the proposed park the name of Central. Our present chief magistrate, who can himself remember market-gardens below Canal street, and a post-and-rail fence on the north side of City-Hall park, warned his coadjutors, in his inaugural message, to expect a great and rapid movement of population 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 movements to transfer the steamboat-landings and railroad stations, although as yet unsuccessful, indicate changes we are soon to expect.

The 17,000 lots withdrawn from use for building 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 design will 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; steamboat and ferry landings, railroad stations, hotels, theatres, factories, will be on all sides of it and above it: all [of] which our park must be made to fit.

The demolition of Columbia College, and the removal of the cloistral elms which so long enshadowed it; the pertinacious demand for a division of Trinity churchyard; the numerous instances in which our old graveyards have actually been broken up; the indirect concession of the most important space in[121] the City-Hall park for the purposes of a thoroughfare and the further contraction it is now likely to suffer; together with the constant enormous expenditure of the city, and sacrifices of the citizens, in the straightening and widening of streets, are all familiar facts, 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.

The Transverse Roads

Our instructions call for four transverse roads. Each of these will be the single line of communication between one side of the town and the other, for a distance equal to that between Chambers street and Canal street. If we suppose but one crossing of Broadway to be possible in this interval, we shall realize what these transverse roads are destined to become. Inevitably they will be crowded thoroughfares, having nothing in common with the park proper, but every thing at variance with those agreeable sentiments which we should wish the park to inspire. It will not be possible to enforce the ordinary police regulations of public parks upon them. They must be constantly open to all the legitimate traffic of the city, to coal carts and butchers’ carts, dust carts and dung carts; engine companies will use them, those on one side [of] the park rushing their machines across it, with frantic zeal at every alarm from the other; ladies and invalids will need special police escort for crossing them, as they do in lower Broadway. Eight times in a single circuit of the park will they oblige a pleasure drive or stroll to encounter a turbid stream of coarse traffic, constantly moving at right angles to the line of the park itself.

The transverse roads will also have to be kept open, while the park proper will be useless for any good purpose after dusk; for experience has shown that even in London, with its admirable police arrangements, the public cannot be secured safe transit through large open spaces of ground after nightfall.

Foreign Examples

These public thoroughfares will then require to be well lighted at the sides, and, to restrain marauders pursued by the police from escaping into the obscurity of the park, strong fences or walls, six or eight feet high, will be necessary. One such street passes through the Regent’s Park of London, at the Zoological Gardens. It has the objection that the fence, with its necessary gates at every crossing of the park drives, roads or paths, is not only a great inconvenience, but a disagreeable object in the landscape.

To avoid a similar disfigurement, an important street, crossing 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 peculiar in respect to this difficulty, and such that precedent in dealing with it is rather to be sought in the[122] long and narrow Boulevards of some of the old Continental cities of Europe, than in the broad parks with which, from its area in acres, we are most naturally led to compare it. The Boulevards referred to are, however, generally used only as promenades, not as drives or places of ceremony. In frequent instances, in order not to interrupt the alleys, the streets crossing them are made in the form of causeways, and carried over on high arches. This, of course, prevents all landscape gardening, since it puts an abrupt limit to the view. Some expedient is needed for the Central Park, by which the convenience of the arrangement may be retained, while the objection is as far as possible avoided.

The Present Design

In the plan herewith offered to the Commission, each of the transverse roads is intended to be sunk so far below the general surface, that the park drives may, at every necessary point of intersection, be carried entirely over it, without any obvious elevation or divergence from their most attractive routes. The banks on each side will be walled up to the height of about seven feet, thus forming the protective barrier required by police 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 moving in them, from the view of those walking or driving in the park.

If the position which has just been taken with regard to the necessity for permanently open transverse thoroughfares is found to be correct, it follows necessarily that the 700 acres allowed to the new park must, in the first instance, be subdivided definitely, although it is to be hoped to some extent invisibly, into five separate and distinct 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 the lines indicated on the plan. If so, the problem to be solved is narrowed in its dimensions, and the efforts of the landscape gardener can be no longer directed to arranging a design that shall agreeably use up the space of 700 acres allotted, but [instead] to making some plan that shall have unity of effect as a whole, and yet avoid all collision in its detailed features with the intersecting lines thus suggested. It is on this basis that the present plan has, in the first instance, been founded. If the sunken transverse roads were omitted, the design would not be less complete in character; but it is, on the other hand, so laid out that the transverse thoroughfares do not interfere materially with its general or detailed effect.

Surface Transverse Roads

After having planned the park drives agreeably to these views, we observed that three additional, moderately direct, transverse roads had occurred.[123] These will afford facilities for crossing the park to all vehicles of classes which it will be proper to admit upon them, such as hackney coaches and all private carriages; and thus seven transverse roads will be really provided to be used during daylight. Four roads will probably be amply adequate for the night traffic needing to cross the park; but it might be questionable if this number would be sufficient during the day.

The Exterior

As it is not proposed that the park proper shall be lighted at night, 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 night.

Fifth Avenue

The ordinance that regulates the width of Fifth avenue, allows a space of fifteen feet on each side, exclusive of the sidewalks and the roadway; consequently, a space thirty feet in width, for promenade, is already on this side of the park for its whole length.

Eighth Avenue Railroad

On the Eighth avenue, a similar arrangement may probably be effected, and as there would be no occasion to back up carts against the park side of the avenue, it is feasible to carry the railway tracks close to the edge of the promenade, thus leaving a clear space for carriages on the building side, and making the access to the park side more clean and convenient.

Fifty-Ninth and One Hundred and Sixth Streets

On the southern boundary it is not desirable to reduce the already moderate width of the carriage way. It is, on the other hand, a question whether, as the streets and the park 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, therefore, 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 management a more stately character than could otherwise be obtained will be secured to the outer boundaries of the park, it will be cheaply purchased at the sacrifice of a few feet, at the south end, off its present length of two and 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 would be a matter of regret, that the source of effect so [124]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 would be the only portion having a direct communication from the Sixth and Seventh avenues.

Treatment of Boundary Lines

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 proposed, as will be seen in the plan, to 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 entrances, this line of trees along Fifty-Ninth street will come prominently into view, and have a handsome effect if the street is widened; but if Fifty-Ninth street is allowed to remain as a narrow street, it is feared that it will be difficult to prevent this boundary line of the park from having a contracted and somewhat mean appearance. Hence, we have thought it proper in our plan to assume the advantage and practicability of this arrangement to be conceded; but, if this should not be the case, it will be readily perceived that it forms no essential part of our design.

On the space originally provided for a sidewalk on the park side of the streets and avenues, there will, in any case, be room for such a line of trees as we have proposed. The continuous exterior mall should by no means be given up, even though it cannot be made in all parts as wide as we have proposed. At many points, 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 parapet-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.

Fifth Avenue Entrance

The handsomest approach from the city is certain to be along the Fifth avenue, and it has been thought necessary to view with special care the 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 been established so high, that considerable filling-in would be required to avoid a rapid descent; but directly this single difficulty is overcome, the ground beyond has great advantages for the purpose of a dignified entrance to the park. A massive rock [T] that will be found in connection with this requisite made-ground offers a sufficiently large natural feature to occupy the attention, and will at once reduce the artificial feature to a [125]position of minor importance. If, next, we stand upon that portion of the rock which (a little north of the large cherry-tree) is at grade-height, we find that there is another rocky hillock [U] within a short distance, in the direction a visitor to the park would most naturally pursue—that is to say, towards the centre of the park. This can be easily reached by slightly raising the intermediate ground; by then sweeping to the right, the natural conformation of the surface offers an easy ascent (by the existing cart-way over Sixty-Third street) to a plateau (two rods west of the powder-house), directly connected with the extensive table-land which occupies the centre of the lower half of the park.

From this plateau (now occupied mainly by the nursery) a view is had of nearly all the park up to the Reservoir, in a northerly direction; and on looking to the south and west, we perceive that there are natural approaches from these directions, which suggest that we have arrived at a suitable point of concentration for all approaches which may be made from the lower part of the city to the interior of the park.

The Avenue

Vista Rock [P], the most prominent point in the landscape of the lower park, here first comes distinctly into view, and fortunately in a direction diagonal to the boundary lines, from which it is desirable to withdraw attention in every possible way. We therefore accept this line of view as affording an all-sufficient motive to our further procedure. 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, spacious, and thoroughly shaded. This result can in no other way be so completely arrived at, as by an avenue; which in itself, even exclusive of its adaptability for this purpose, contains so many elements of grandeur and magnificence, that it should be recognized as an essential feature in the arrangement of any large park. The objection to which it is liable is that it divides the landscape into two parts, and it is therefore desirable to decide at what point this necessity can be submitted to with the least sacrifice to the general effect. The whole topographical character of the park is so varied, so suggestive of natural treatment, so picturesque, so individual in its 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 present configuration of the ground, and we have therefore thought that it should, so far as possible, be complete in itself, and not become a portion of any of the leading drives. There is no dignity of effect to be produced by driving through an avenue a quarter of a mile long, unless it leads to, and becomes an accessory of, some grand architectural structure, which itself, and not the avenue, is the ultimatum of interest. An avenue for driving in should be two or three miles long, or it will be petite and [126]disappointing. We have therefore thought it most desirable to identify the idea of the avenue with the promenade, for which purpose a quarter of a mile is not insufficient, 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.

The Promenade

In giving it this prominent position, we look at it in the light of an artificial structure on a scale of magnitude commensurate with the size of the park, 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 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 architectural 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 uppermost in the mind of the beholder. Holding this general principle to be of considerable importance, we have preferred to place the avenue where it can be terminated appropriately at one end with a landscape attraction of considerable extent, and to relieve the south entrance with only so much architectural treatment as may give the idea that due regard has been paid to the adornment of this principal promenade, without interfering with its real character.

This avenue may be considered the central feature in our plan for laying out the lower park, and the other details of arrangement are more or less designed in connection with it.

Parade Ground

To the west is the parade ground [D], containing about 25 acres, that may, at a moderate expense, be levelled and made suitable for its purpose; and also some eight or ten acres of broken ground, that will be more or less available for military exercises. Such a broad open plane of well-kept grass would be a refreshing and agreeable feature in the general design, and would bear to be of much greater extent than is here shown, if the lot were of a different shape; 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 expense, cut through [127]the rock at this point, and offers a suggestion for a picturesque approach, with a portcullis gate, and with the main park drive carried over it at a higher level.

Playground

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 street; in 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 10 acres in extent, is located, as indicated on the plan [C]. We have thought it very desirable to have a cricket ground of this size near the southern boundary of the park, and not far from the Sixth and Eighth avenue railroads, which offer the most rapid means of access from the lower part of the city.

In this playground, sites are suggested for two buildings of moderate dimensions: one for visitors to view the games, which would be appropriately located on a large rock [V] that overlooks the ground; and the other [W] for the players, at the entrance from the transverse road, by which an exit could be obtained from the playground after the other gates were closed. Only one mass of rock of any considerable magnitude would require to be blasted out for the purpose of adapting this ground to its intended purpose; its position is indicated on the plan by a red cross, and the object of its removal will be seen on examination. This part of the design is illustrated in study number 2. The ground at the south-west corner of the park it is proposed to fill in sufficiently to make, on the plan indicated, an agreeable Eighth avenue entrance.

The Lower Lake

To the south-east of the promenade, and between the Fifth and Sixth avenue entrances, it is proposed to form a lake of irregular shape, and with an area of 8 or 9 acres [A]. This arrangement has been suggested by the present nature of the ground, which is low, and somewhat swampy. It is conceived that, by introducing such an ornamental sheet of water into the composition at this point, 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 rendered 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 entrance, is indicated on study number 1.

The Arsenal

To the south-east of the promenade will be found that portion of the park in which the present Arsenal [L] is situated. This ground is undulating and [128]agreeable in its character, and will offer pleasant opportunities for shady walks. The arsenal itself, although at present a very unattractive structure, and only tolerably built, contains a great deal of room in a form that adapts it very well to the purposes of a museum. It is proposed, therefore, to improve its 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 entrance, and is, therefore, likely to occupy too considerable a share of attention if left exposed to view from the south, it is intended, as early as possible, to plant in its vicinity forest-trees calculated to become handsome specimens of large size, and that will, after a few years, prevent the museum from attracting an undue share of attention in the general landscape.

Music-Hall

To the east of the promenade, there will be a half-mile stretch of lawn and trees extending from the vicinity of Fifty-Ninth street to Seventy-Second street, and this will be the dress ground of the park; and in a prominent position on this ground, and immediately connected with the grand mall, the site for a music-hall, called for in our instructions, has been set apart [N]; and we have suggested that a palm-house and large conservatory should be added to this music-hall whenever it is built.

This site is recommended because it is conspicuous, without being obtrusive, and is easy of access from the 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 [O]; and this we consider a decided advantage, as the most attractive view of a flower-garden is from some point above it that will enable the visitor to take in at a glance a general idea of the effect aimed at.

The Flower Garden

The garden is located in low ground to the north-east of the promenade, and is designed close to Fifth avenue, the grade of which at the centre line of the garden is about twenty feet above the present level of the ground; this, for the reasons above stated, we consider a desideratum, and have suggested that over the arcade or veranda that we propose should be built against the east wall of the park in connection with the garden, a structure should be erected, with an entrance on a level with the avenue, so as to give an opportunity for a view of the garden, both from this level and from another story above it. This idea is not, of course, necessary to the design, and the sketch submitted is merely a suggestion, to show what may be done at some future time.

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The plan of the flower-garden itself is geometrical; and it is surrounded by an irregular and less formal plantation of shrubs that will serve to connect it with the park proper. In the centre it is proposed to construct a large basin for a fountain, with a high jet; other smaller jets are prepared for, as indicated; and, in connection with the north wall, which will be somewhat below the surface of the ground below, it is proposed to arrange some such wall foundation as the celebrated one of Trevi. The water for this fountain will, in the present case, be supplied from the overflow from the skating pond, and also from the Reservoir, and will fall into a semi-circular marble basin, with a paved floor. Such a fountain is out of place unless it can be furnished with an ample supply of water; but, in the position assigned to it on our plan, there will be no difficulty in procuring all the water that can be required for the purpose; and it seems desirable, therefore, to take advantage of the opportunity offered, for the effect of a sculptured fountain of this sort is quite distinct from that produced by a jet d’eau.

A colored plan of this part of the design is illustrated to an enlarged scale on study number 11.

To the north-west of the promenade is a slope, offering an appropriate site for a summer-house [X] that in such a situation should have some architectural pretension; and further to the west, near Eighth avenue, is a stretch of table-land, terminated by an abrupt rocky descent, that suggests itself as well suited for a Casino or refreshment house.

From the upper end of the promenade the rocky hill-side to the north, surmounted by Vista Rock at its highest point, comes into full view; and on this rock [P] it will be generally conceded a tower should be erected—but by no means a large one, or the whole scale of the view will be destroyed. To the north and north-west of the promenade, a tract of low ground is proposed to be converted into the skating pond called for in our instructions; and the picturesque scenery between Vista Rock and the promenade will thus be heightened in effect, when seen from the south side of this lake, of about 14 acres [B]. A terrace approach [Y], as shown on the plan and on study number 3, is proposed, from the avenue to the water. This feature, although by no means absolutely necessary, would add much to the general effect, and could be introduced at any future time, if it is preferred at present to treat the ground occupied by it in a less artificial style.

Immediately in the vicinity of Vista Rock is the south wall of the present reservoir. This wall occupies the whole of the middle of the park, and is a blank, uninteresting object that can in no way be made particularly attractive. We have, therefore, thought it necessary to bear this in mind in arranging the general plan, and have given a direction to the lines of drive leading this way from the lower part of the park that will enable them to avoid the wall of the reservoir altogether. The necessity for doing this has induced us to commence diverting the lines of drive at the south end of the grand promenade, which seems to offer a sufficient reason for so doing, and to lead them afterwards on their northerly course in such [130]a way that they may pass naturally to the east and west of the reservoir. If any drive proceeded in the direction of the line of avenue, and at once crossed the ground proposed to be occupied by the lake, the reservoir would inevitably become the terminal feature of the lower part of the park, and this would be disagreeable. The skating pond will offer a sufficiently natural barrier to this direct mode of proceeding, and will furnish a reason for locating the promenade in its proposed position, and also for terminating it where suggested; and by carrying a road along the edge of the water, an 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 beyond, which is well adapted for pic-nic parties and pleasant strolls. Even if the reservoir did not occur in its present position, the conformation of the ground is such that the roads would naturally take, to a considerable extent, the direction indicated, leaving the centre of the park undivided by a drive.

The management of the ground between the skating pond and Vista Rock appears to be indicated by its form and the character of its present growth. It is well sheltered, and large masses of rock occur at intervals. The soil is moist, and altogether remarkably well adapted to what is called in Europe an American garden—that is, a ground for the special cultivation of hardy plants of the natural order Ericaceae, consisting of rhododendrons, andromedas, azaleas, kalmias, rhodoras, &c. The present growth, consisting of sweet-gum, spice-bush, tulip-tree, sassafras, red-maple, black-oak, azalea, andromeda, &c., is exceedingly intricate and interesting. The ground is at present too much encumbered with stone, and with various indifferent plants. By clearing these away, and carefully leaving what is valuable—by making suitable paths, planting abundantly, as above suggested, and introducing fastigiate shrubs and evergreens occasionally, to prevent a monotony of bushes—the place may be made very charming. Where the hill-side 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.

Playground

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 as that to the east of the promenade, and can be treated in a similar manner. The whole space is intended to be occupied with stretches of well-kept turf, with fine groups and single trees, so planted that they may appear to advantage, and not crowd each other. That portion which is immediately east of the reservoir is set apart for one of the playgrounds; and in the strip of land between the main drive and the reservoir wall, a reserved garden is provided for, with gardener’s house attached; this will be needed in connection with the flower-garden already described. On the west side of the reservoir, the ground is of an irregular character, [131]which continues 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 by the reservoir walls and embankments, that extended landscape effects are out of the question.

Winter Drive

It is intended, therefore, as the soil and situation are adapted to the purpose, to arrange in this locality a winter drive about a mile and a half in length, and to plant somewhat thickly with evergreens, introducing deciduous trees and shrubs occasionally, 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 drive through a thick forest, crowded with tall spindling trees, as through a richly wooded country, in which the single trees and copses have had plenty of space for developing their distinctive characteristics to advantage.

Berceau Walks

Immediately south and west of the present reservoir, terraces have been already formed, and these can readily be converted into continuous arbors, or berceau walks. Access will thus be provided to all the gates of the reservoir, and the wall will itself be planted out. The effect of these closely shaded walks will also, it is conceived, offer an agreeable contrast to the views obtainable from Vista Rock, in the immediate vicinity.

Police Station

In the northern section of this locality, and in connection with one of the transverse roads, will be found the house of the Superintendent, the office of the Commission, the police station [Z], and other necessary buildings, such as stables, &c. 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 proposed, as will be seen on the plan, to make short connections from the park roads to the transverse thoroughfare north of the present reservoir, so as to admit of visitors shortening the drive in this way if preferred.

Reservoir Ride

The new reservoir, with its high banks, will take up a great deal of room in the park, and although it will offer a large sheet of water to the view, it will be [132]at too high a level to become a landscape attraction from the ordinary drives and walks. It is suggested, therefore, that all round it a ride shall be constructed, and carefully prepared for this purpose only; and although this feature may be somewhat costly in the first instance, 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, commanding 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 agreeable effect in this part of the design, unless some architectural character is given to it. It is not recommended, however, to attempt any such effect immediately, or out of the funds of the Commission, but to accept the high bank of the reservoir as a barrier to the west, for a few years; because it is thought that as soon as this part of the city is built up to any considerable extent, it will not be difficult to obtain an enriched architectural effect, appropriate to the purpose, 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 remainder of the ground being filled in; and it is thought that as this arcade may be lighted from the rear, and will face a fashionable thoroughfare, it will offer, at not distant period, very valuable lots for stores, or other purposes; and as it is a third of a mile in extent, it may be a source of revenue, in rent, to the park fund, instead of a burden on it.

Tower on Bogardus Hill

The north-westerly portion of the park, above the new reservoir, is planned very simply, in accordance with what we conceive to be the suggestion of the ground. 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 below the bridge; and this road then winds gradually to the top of the hill, which offers an available site for some monument of public importance, that may also be used as an observatory tower. If, as is not improbable, the transatlantic telegraph is brought to a favorable issue while the park is in an early stage of construction, many reasons could, we think, be urged for commemorating the event by some such monument as the one suggested on the plan, and in study number 9. The picturesque effect of a spring of clear water, that already exists in this vicinity, may be heightened, as suggested in study number 10.

The central portion of the upper section of the park is left as open as possible, and can be levelled so far as may be required for the purposes of the playgrounds indicated on the plan, and on study number 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 Arboretum

The north-east section of the upper park is shown as an arboretum of American trees, so that every one who wishes to do so may become acquainted with the trees and shrubs that will flourish in the open air in the northern and middle sections of our country.

This arboretum is not intended to be formally arranged, but to be so planned that it may present all the most beautiful features of lawn 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 difficulty. 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 the park as little as possible. The spot chosen is in some measure separated from the rest of the grounds, by a ridge of land between Fifth and Sixth avenues, and includes the buildings on Mount St. Vincent. The wooden structures would be removed, and the brick chapel converted into a museum and library of botany, similar to that at Kew, but with more specific regard to landscape and decorative gardening. In the park itself there will be numerous specimens of all the trees, native or foreign, that are likely to thrive; but it is proposed to limit this particular collection to American trees, because the space necessary for a complete arboretum would occupy several hundred acres, and also because it will afford an opportunity to show the great advantage that America possesses in this respect. No other extra-tropical country could furnish one-quarter the material for such a collection. In the whole of Great Britain, for example, there are less than twenty trees, native to the island, that grow to be over 30 feet in height; while in America we have from five to six times that number. There are, indeed, already over forty species of the largest native trees standing in the park, which is nearly equivalent to the number to be found in all Europe.

It is proposed to plant from one to three examples of each species of tree on open lawn, and with sufficient space about each to allow it to attain its fullest size with unrestricted expanse of branches; the effect of each tree is also to be exhibited in masses, so as to illustrate its qualities for grouping. Space is provided to admit of at least three specimens of every native tree which is known to flourish in the United States north of North Carolina; also for several specimens of every shrub; these latter, however, except in particular instances, are not expected to be planted singly, but in thickets, and as underwood to the coppice masses—as may best accord with their natural habits and be most agreeable to the eye. Further details of this part of the design will be found in the explanatory guide to the arboretum, submitted with the plan, in which the proposed arrangement of all the trees is set forth in order.

The leading features of the plan have now, it is thought, been referred to. It has not been considered necessary to especially particularize the different trees proposed to be used in the various parts of the park. For the purposes of the [151]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-tropical trees, and it is intended to treat that portion of the park in the manner suggested in study number [5]. 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 preferred to collect the ornamental water in large sheets, and to carry off through underground drains the water that at present runs through the park in shallow brooks.

As a general rule, we propose to run footpaths close to the carriage roads, which are intended to be 60 feet wide, allowing a space of four feet of turf as a barrier between the drive and the path. Other more private footpaths are introduced, but it is hardly thought that any plan would be popular in New York that did not allow of a continuous promenade along the line of the drives, so that pedestrians may have ample opportunity to look at the equipages and their inmates.

It will be perceived that no long straight drive has been provided on the plan; this feature has been studiously avoided, because it would offer opportunities for trotting matches. The popular idea of the park is a beautiful open green space, in which quiet drives, rides, and strolls may be had. This cannot be preserved if a race-course, or a road that can readily be used as a race-course, is made one of its leading attractions.

Order of Construction

Drainage should be at once commenced, and ought to be completed as soon as possible, because the wetness of the ground which the drainage is to remedy, and the trenches that will necessarily be open during the construction of the drains, will hinder other operations.

The excavations for ponds and all heavier grading, should be done at the same time with the draining.

The excavation for the drives and walks should also be carried on at the same time; [but] not their complete construction, because the stone which will be brought to the surface in grading, draining and trenching, will need to be selected to furnish, in part, the material for their construction.

The process of deepening and enriching the soil should follow close upon the drainage; because the narrow trenches formed in draining give facilities for the general trenching of the ground, and the last action in the drainage work can be made the first of the trenching work.

After the present season, tree-planting may be prosecuted at some portions of the park at any time when the season will permit.

Drainage

Thorough drainage often costs twice as much as it should do, from an inconsiderate arrangement of drains, and the use of improper tools, and unnecessarily expensive materials. It is a scientific operation, and can only be properly carried on after a special study of the ground has been made for the purpose. As no experimental drainage survey has yet been made, it would be premature to offer a detailed plan for this part of the work, but it is recommended that tubular tile should be used, with collars for the most part, and that these should be placed not less than three feet below the surface, and rarely more than four. The direction of the drainage lines should be, as far as practicable, at right angles to the bases of the slopes. The first series of drains will not require pipes of larger calibre than 1¼ inches, and the trenches necessary for pipes of this size being narrower than for the 2 inch pipes ordinarily used, a saving in this particular, as well as in first cost, will be effected. The soil in all parts of the park not reserved for ponds, and not furnished with natural drainage, as for instance, by subjacent sloping rocks, should be underlaid with these pipes, not more than forty feet apart; omitting such rocky ground as will not require to be drained by small pipes, there will be little less than 500 acres through which the parallels should be extended.

[153]

The annexed estimate of the cost of drainage has been made, after comparing the character of the park land with other sites of which we have had experience, and allows a fair margin for the uncertainty of the subterranean conditions.

Draining 500 acres at $60 per acre—$30,000.

Improvement of the Soil

Much of the land in the lower part of the park has been occupied by market gardeners and dealers in offal, and has in consequence been already enriched to some extent. In many places the surface is even now covered with a rich deposit of organic matter, as yet but partially incorporated with the soil. Such is the case on a portion of the slope south of the Reservoir, at the head of which, apparently, some large establishment has been in operation, from which streams of fertilizing matter have escaped. The same is the case on some parts of the slopes between Sixth and Seventh avenues in the extreme south of the park.

The adjoining low grounds which we have proposed to excavate for ponds contain rich soil, and this, when drawn out and properly distributed where most needed on the slopes referred to, will sufficiently enrich them. Fifty acres may probably be thus provided for. The rest of the ground in the lower park is, on the whole, not in especially bad condition, but most of the soil on the upper park is quite poor. The deepening of the soil in all parts of the park is highly necessary, and the sub-soil must be loosened and fertilizing materials mingled with it.

An experience in bringing land of a similar character to that of the park to a condition in which trees and shrubs are found to develop rapidly and thrive perfectly, leads to the opinion that an outlay of $150 per acre may possibly be required, exclusive of the cost of drainage, to make such a garden soil upon the park as would be desirable.

If we assume 50 acres to be already provided for, as above mentioned, 100 acres for roads, ponds, building sites, &c., 50 acres of rock, and 150 acres for the reservoirs, we have 400 acres left to be improved, and this at $150 per acre amounts to $60,000.

Trees and Shrubs

It will be observed that our plan makes at once available the greater part of the trees and shrubs at present growing on the park site. In the upper park this is no inconsiderable advantage, for these trees, although valueless for transplanting—being, for the most part, grown from old stools—are, nevertheless, calculated to be healthy, and in every way satisfactory, if allowed to continue in connection with their parent roots until they have attained full size.

The avenues of the promenade, as already stated, are proposed to be formed of the American Elm, a tree of distinct character, remarkably well[154] adapted for the purpose, and peculiar to this part of the world. It has the vigor and vitality of a young tree until it has grown to be of large size, and will, therefore, bear to be successfully transplanted for immediate effect.

An avenue of considerable dignity may thus be formed with the American elm, sooner, we believe, than with any other tree.

The trees on the map are shown, for the sake of distinctness and accuracy, merely in plan, and may thus, in some instances, appear to stand openly and scattered. They would, however, in any natural horizontal view, compose in masses more or less dense.

The planting generally is designed to give from the greatest number of points of view, within the park, the broadest effects of light and shade which can be obtained upon the ground, and to produce the impression of great space and freedom, while at the same time the visitor may keep in dense shade if he prefer it. We have thought it necessary to pay particular attention to this point, having observed that townspeople appear to find, in broad spaces of green sward, over which they are allowed unrestricted movement, the most exhilarating contrast to the walled-in floors or pavements to which they are ordinarily confined by their business.

Planting

In any calculation for expenditure in planting, it will evidently be necessary to include a far greater number of trees than will ultimately remain in the park, or than ought to be shown on any plan made to illustrate a completed result. We allow:—

Drives and Walks

It is proposed that the principal driveways shall be sixty feet in width. This is the width of the grand drive in the Prater of Vienna, and of the most frequented drives of the Bois de Boulogne. It admits of six lines of carriages being driven at moderate speed, side by side. Much wider roads, however fine in themselves, are incompatible with a rural character of landscape.

After a long continuance of rainy weather, the best road is found to be one composed of small broken stone, packed firmly as a rock, and the deeper the better. Such a road is, however, far less agreeable under all ordinary circumstances, than even a common earth road, if the latter is kept tolerably smooth, on account of the jar and noise which the solidity of the stone occasions. This will[155] be appreciated by anyone who is in the habit of driving out upon our macadamized avenues, and from them into the country roads. It is invariably the case, where a portion of a broad earth road is macadamized, that the earth track, except after bad weather, is much more driven upon than the stone. Such, it will be remembered, was the case with the old Third avenue road.

It would be undesirable to entirely forgo this advantage of earth roads in park drives, which are chiefly used in fine weather, even if stone roads were the only ones which could be depended upon to be tolerably good after heavy rains.

This, however, is by no means the case. After rain, clay roads, it is true, must be slimy, and even on the best gravel roads the traction will be slightly increased; but this is, really, no objection to gravel roads for pleasure carriages, to which the additional resistance would be inappreciable. Roads of binding gravel are always excellent—better for pleasure-driving than any other—so long as their foundation is firm and unyielding. Ordinarily, however, the earth below works up every Spring, and the whole road becomes soft and rutty. It is very commonly attempted on private grounds to provide against this by laying a stratum of stone under the gravel, which, if the road is much used, serves only to increase the evil, for the gravel stone sinking through the clay more readily than the larger stone, the latter, in obedience to a well-known law, work to the surface. There is one method of using large stones, however, which was first practised by Telford on the Holyhead road, and which supplies a perfectly unyielding road foundation. The stone should be from 8 to 12 inches in length, and from 6 to 8 in breadth; irregularly rhomboidal in form, and moderately soft, are better than extremely hard stone for the purpose. Stones of this description are found in great quantities upon the park. Several stacks of them gathered from the trenched ground of the middle nursery are now, or lately were, standing below Seventy-First street, midway between the Fifth and Sixth avenues. We observe them also on the recently trenched ground in the north part of the park. A quantity large enough to make all the roads of the park, and useless for any other purpose, will evidently be brought to the surface whenever the ground shall be ditched or trenched.

The proper method of employing these stones, having first prepared a suitable road bed, is to set them by hand on their broadest ends, closely, side by side; then to crowd or ram other smaller stone in the large interstices which will be left. This process being carried on over the whole roadbed, a rude pavement is formed, the stones of which, being wedged in their places, cannot work up, as stones laid flatwise constantly will, under the pressure of wheels.

Believing that a road of binding gravel laid upon a foundation of this kind, well drained, will be much more satisfactory for pleasure drives than any other, we have endeavored to ascertain whether a gravel of the right description can be procured for the present purpose, at a moderate cost. Large portions of the park are underlaid by a compact gravelly sub-soil, and there are within it some beds of tolerable gravel. One of these beds will, probably, be encountered by the[156] lower transverse road, and may possibly furnish a considerable quantity of fair quality. None, however, seems to be found in the park, or in the vicinity of New York city, as good as it is desirable to obtain. An excellent gravel, which was used in the construction of St. John’s Square, is brought from Philadelphia. The cost of this, however, puts it out of the question for our purpose. The slate-gravel of the palisades will not endure the action of wheels. We have, as yet, found none that would answer nearer than Kingston Creek, on the Hudson. This gravel (a specimen of which, taken at random from the bed, and not screened, is herewith submitted) is of good color, very even, and we have ascertained that it packs remarkably well. It can be loaded into sloops from the creek banks, and delivered on the North River wharves, at one dollar a cubic yard. It can thence be transported to any part of the park, by two-horse wagons, at 50 cents a yard. The surface of the drive is proposed to be made of this material, and to give it more complete solidity, a central portion is intended to be formed of road metal, six inches deep, for a width of twenty-four feet. The whole to rest on the foundation described, which is to be covered at the sides four inches deep, with such gravelly material as may be obtained in grading for the road-bed.

(The superintendent of the Harlem Railroad has proposed to supply any amount of good clean gravel that may be needed for the park, at a considerably less rate than is allowed in this estimate, but has failed to furnish a specimen in time to be submitted with the plan).

The necessary embankments for the drives will be furnished by the excavations, without additional cost, except in certain instances, where they may also be provided, without cost, from the adjoining transverse road excavations.

For the grading and construction of road-bed, an average expenditure is allowed, per mile, of	$3,840.00
Foundation to be laid by hand as described, including arrangements for the removal of surface water, per mile	7,000.00
(Where rock bottom is found, the artificial road foundation will be omitted; but as the cost of drainage, &, may, in these cases, be greater than usual, no deduction from the estimate for the foundation is made on this account.)
Centre, twenty-four feet of road metal, two inches size, six inches thick, per mile	6,101.33
The hardest stone which can be readily procured should be taken for this purpose; but there does not appear to be a large quantity of the Diorite, which is at present being broken on the park, remaining in its vicinity; and it is probable that resort will need to be had to some other rock, to furnish even the limited quantity of metal required by this plan. If, on trenching the ground, an unexpected amount of Diorite boulders should be exposed, this stone may be used exclusively for the purpose; but it must be broken more cheaply than by the present method. Consultation with a mining engineer shows us that a stamping-mill, such as is used in the gold-fields of North Carolina (and which, [157] with a five-horse power steam-engine, would cost less than $1,000) would break Diorite (first suitably sledged) to the requisite size, at a cost not probably exceeding one half the price of the work now done in stone breaking for the commission.
Probably, however, there will be no occasion to resort to this process, and either the gneiss rock broken on the park, or the debris of quarries, will be obtained at an equal reduction on the present cost of the Diorite metal.
We have, therefore, estimated the road metal, spread and rolled, at the rate of $2.60 per cubic yard.
Layer of the local gravel, or of gravelly sub-soil, four inches deep on the foundation, each side of the road metal, eighteen feet wide, per mile	355.28
(i.e. 2,368½ cubic yards, at 15 cents per yard).
Layer of good Kingston gravel, two inches over the road metal, four inches on the wings, per mile	4,725.75
(i.e. 3,150½ cubic yards, at $1.50 per yard).
Rolling and keeping in order for say three years, per mile	500.00
Making a total per mile, sixty feet wide, of	$22,522.36
On the plan, there are seven and a half miles of this width, which, at this price, will cost	$168,917.70
And 4,000 feet of roads, forty feet wide, at $15,015 per mile	11,386.65
Walks and footpaths are calculated at an average width of twelve feet.
Grading and draining, per mile $1,600 Bedding with unbroken stone, per mile 960 Covering with gravel, per mile 1,700 Rolling and keeping, three years per mile 150 Total cost per mile $4,410.00
Fifteen miles of walk at $4,410	$66,150.00
Making a total for roads and walks, of	$246,454.35

Transverse Roads

Nothing in the act defining the trust of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park, can be construed as requiring it to provide any public roads across the park. If they are furnished, it will be purely as a matter of convenience to the business of the city, and they should therefore be considered under an entirely different head from that of its parks or places of recreation. They will in no way subserve, but, on the contrary, rather interfere with, the purposes of the fund, which the commission is exclusively charged to expend. Although, therefore, from a proper foresight in regard to public convenience, competitors have been required by the commission to make provision for this contingency, and it will doubtless be willing to cede such portions of the park land as may be[158] necessary, it can hardly be supposed that it will consent to withdraw from its fund the sum necessary to be expended in their actual construction. The three lower roads should, however, for evident reasons of economy and convenience, be made at the same time with the park. The transverse road at Ninety-Seventh street may possibly be unneeded for many years, and only requires at present to be recognized in the general scheme of planting.

The cost of the transverse roads has been calculated as follows:

The embankments which have been unnecessarily made upon the park, for the extension of Seventh avenue and of Sixty-Third street, are intended to furnish most of the material for the needed elevation near the entrances at Fifty-Ninth street and Fifth avenue and at Sixtieth street and Eighth avenue. The soil and earth necessary at these points, however, is supposed in our estimates to be obtained from without the park, at a price of 25 cents a yard. At this price it may be carted from beyond Hamilton Square, near which there is much private land which must be removed to a depth of 15 feet before it can be built upon.

The earth required for the elevated ride around the new Reservoir, is supposed to be brought from between Avenue C and Second Avenue, south of Eighty-Sixth street, at which locality it has been ascertained that the requisite quantity can be had for the moving of it. The cost of this is calculated at 25 cents a yard. Tan bark for the Reservoir ride is supposed to be brought from the neighborhood of the Catskill Mountains at a cost of $7,600. It can, perhaps, be procured nearer and cheaper.

Some portion of the low ground, west of the new Reservoir, is intended to be raised. This is necessary in order to secure drainage, which must lead westwardly through an existing culvert under the aqueduct, the floor of which is above the present surface of the ground referred to. This will require about 16,667 cubic yards of filling, at 25 cents, $4,166.75.

In widening Fifty-Ninth street, near Fifth avenue, stone is supposed to be dumped in such a manner as to form a slope from 30° to 60°, and the same plan is to be followed wherever the established grade of the street is four or more feet above the natural surface of the land within the park. Earth is to be dumped together with the stone, and a sufficient quantity must be secured on the surface to permit a growth of small trees and shrubs. The expense of a regular retaining[159] wall will thus be saved, and the effect, in connection with the trees upon the exterior wall, will be to add much to the apparent extent of the park.

Exterior Wall

In these cases it is to be expected that, eventually, a parapet wall of somewhat enriched character will be made upon the edge of the [exterior] mall, as suggested when treating especially of that portion of the plan. For years to come, however, a wall, somewhat like the one which has already been built around the park, but less massive, and furnished with a coping of quarried stone, will be entirely appropriate and sufficient. The body of such a wall would be formed from a selection of the materials of the present one, which will require to be demolished, whenever the grading of the streets and avenues is perfected.

We should propose to build the wall seven feet high, wherever the surface of the park is more than that height above grade. The bank immediately within the wall to be sloped from the base of the wall on the inside, at an angle varying according to its material, from 20° to 50°, so as to prevent danger of land slides, and to admit of the growth of shrubs or creepers on the slope. Soil to be deposited within the angle of the slope and the wall, in which, as in a pot, or elevated border, choice shrubs should be planted.

It is supposed that the rock and earth which would be obtained in forming the slopes just described, together with the stone not otherwise appropriated, which will be brought to the surface in draining and trenching, and in excavating and tunnelling for the drives, walks, and transverse roads, would be sufficient to form the slopes which we have previously proposed to take the place of retaining walls.

Bridges

Two large bridges have been provided for in the estimates for transverse roads (one being the rock over a tunnel, the other of mason work in connection with a tunnel). Seven other bridges are required, which it is proposed to build of timber. These should be as inconspicuous as possible and it is designed that they should be plain truss bridges, supported in the centre. At a cost of $4,000 each, they will be perfectly substantial and enduring. A small, but handsome stone [160]arch, to cost say $500, will be wanted in McGowan’s pass, and two foot bridges, at $250 each,

Buildings

Buildings are scarcely a necessary part of a park; neither are flower-gardens, architectural terraces or fountains. They should, therefore, be constructed after dry walks and drives, greensward and shade, with other essentials, have been secured, and the expenditure for them should be made with entire reference to the surplus funds at the disposal of the commission after the park is constructed. If it were necessary to regard these features as of paramount importance, they might readily absorb two-thirds of the whole fund at the disposal of the commission: we consider them, however, as entirely subordinate to the main idea, and in our plan the music hall, Italian terrace, conservatory, flower garden and fountains, are but accessories of a composition in which the triple promenade avenue is the central and only important point. We merely indicate appropriate sites for these minor features, and suggest the style in which they may, when required, be constructed.

Similar remarks apply to fences and gates, lodges, dressing and refreshment houses, & The expenditure absolutely necessary for all this class of constructions need not exceed . . . . $50,000

Estimate

Draining	$30,000
Formation of ponds	21,000
Water conveyance	20,000
Improvement of soil	60,000
Trees and planting	219,000
Roads and walks	246,454
Widening 59th Street	10,000
Grading at entrances	20,000
Levelling and forming parade ground	12,000
Levelling and forming play grounds	5,000
Levelling and forming promenade and hall site	5,000
Formation of ride about New Reservoir	71,368
Filling west of New Reservoir	4,166
Exterior walls and slopes	29,930
[161]
Formation of turf	20,000
Bridges	29,000
Lodges and gates	50,000
Alteration of Arsenal and Fifth Avenue entrance to same	8,000
Alteration of Chapel and preparing Museum	5,000
Music platforms, arbors, and seats	5,000
Casino	6,000
Military entrance	3,000
Martello tower on Vista rock	1,500
Present expenditures	140,000
Salaries and running expenses	100,000
Total estimate for construction of Park	$1,121,418
Garden and fountains	20,000
Terrace and fountains	20,000
Superintendent’s house and offices	12,000
Fifth Avenue entrance lodge and gate (additional)	10,000
Gardener’s house, green house, and reserve garden	5,000
	$1,188,418
Surplus for extra buildings and contingencies (including transverse roads $204,575)	311,582
Total amount	$1,500,000