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NINTH ANNUAL REPORT

PmPOGCkLYN PARK

COMMISSIONERS.

PAN WARY, 1869.

BEV OOK EYeN:
DAILY UNION PRINT, COR, FULTON AND FRONT STREETS.

HRS ORO).

een) i OA FD

OF

BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSIONERS.

JAMES 8S. T. STRANAHAN., | ABIEL A. LOW,

WALTER 8S. GRIFFITH, SEYMOUR L. HUSTED,

JOHN H. PRENTICE, | ABRAHAM B. BAYLIS,

EDWARDS W. FISKE, | STEPHEN HAYNES,

WILLIAM MARSHALL, ISAAC VAN ANDEN,
MARTIN KALBFLEISCH.

President,
ieee tis. Ls oS PRA IN ASHE AUNG

Secretary,
Weel ohh See G te nee se

Comptroller and Counsel,
SOREN Ne ARYA TiOskve

Landscape Architects and Superintendents,

Fwemorr be VAUX & Co.

Assistant Architect,

Be Wire eek Oi, eM dae ehh Re:

Fingineer in Charge.

Wali an yep cm MEA EN)

Assistant Engineers in Charge,
JOHN BOGART, VO N We CU Y Ek

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD,

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

JOHN H. PRENTICH, WALTER S. GRIFFITH,
SEYMOUR L. HUSTED, STEPHEN HAYNES.
ISAAC VAN ANDEN, EDWARDS W. FISKE.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

ABRAHAM B. BAYLIS, aan ABIEL A. LOW,
MARTIN KALBFLIESCH, WILLIAM MARSHALL.

AUDITING COMMITTEE.

WALTER S. GRIFFITH. | JOHN H. PRENTICE,
ISAAC VAN ANDEN.

REPORT

OF THE

BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSIONERS.

To the Honorable, the Mayor and Common Council of
the City of Brooklyn:

The Brooklyn Park Commissioners, in conformity to
the requirements of the law which appointed them to
office, and which prescribes and regulates their duties,
herewith present to the Honorable, the Mayor and
Common Council of the City, a report of their proceed-
ings for the year 1868, together with a statement of their
receipts and expenditures during the same period.

Since the last Annual Report, the Commission, with
its official staff, has remained essentially unchanged,
except that Messrs. William Marshall and Isaac Van
-Anden have been appointed Commissioners, to supply
vacancies which have occurred in the Board—the latter
to occupy the place made vacant by the death of our
late associate, Cornelius J. Sprague, Esq. By the decease
of this gentleman, park enterprise has lost one of its
earliest and firmest advocates, and the city a faithful
guardian of its interests. A wise Providence had pre-
viously deprived us of the valuable services of Dr.
Richard L. Thompson, a former secretary of the Board, and
of Ex-Mayor Thomas G. Talmadge, a zealous coadjutor in

6

many a plan of city improvement; so that there now
remain but three members of the Board of Commis
sioners who were originally selected to organize and
earry forward the important work in which we are
engaged. By a recent act of the Legislature, also, the
Mayor of the city, as a suitable representative of the
city’s interest in the operations of the Board, was made,
ex-officio, a Park Commissioner, and we have now, there
fore, the honor of inscribing his name upon the roll of
our members.

A copy of the act referred to is annexed to this report,
and will be found to contain some provisions of interest
to our tax-payers, particularly that portion of it, which
distributes the current expenses of maintaining the parks,
after construction, over the whole city, without confining
the burden, as was originally intended, to the Western
District. The substantial justice of this provision was
apparent after the passage of the law which put all the
parks of the city under one general management, and
was the more obvious, when it came to be seen that the
interest taken in our parks, and the benefits to be derived
from them, are not confined to any particular locality, but
that all participate in their advantages, and feel an equal
pride in the successful development of their several plans
of improvement.

The Commissioners were authorized by this law to call
upon the Joint Board of Common Council and Super-
visors for such an amount, not exceeding one hundred —
thousand dollars in any one year, as they should, by
resolution, determine to be necessary for the support and
proper maintenance of the parks, and that amount, so
determined, is directed to be levied in the same manner as
other taxes are levied in our city. We have not deemed
it necessary to require more than sixty-eight thousand

i

four hundred dollars to be raised for the coming year;
but it is probable that as the work draws to its comple-
tion, the amount required for this purpose will, at no
time, be much less than the full sum authorized to be
expended. The subject of defraying these expenses will
necessarily engage the attention of the Commissioners
as the work passes on from construction to maintenance;
and they will endeavor, from time to time, to develop
such sources of revenue as may be found incidental to
the parks themselves. Licenses for the sale of mineral
waters and other refreshments; for hght and convenient
carriages to run upon the drives for hire; for perambu-
lators on the walks, and for boats on the lakes, and the
like, may all be made conducive to the interest of the
city, by relieving it of a portion of the cost of mainten-
ance, without infringing, to any extent, upon the privi-
leges of the public in the use of the parks.

The same act embraces a revision of the powers and
duties of the Commission, which are extended, in some
respects, beyond the scope of the original law under
which they have heretofore acted, and, in connection with
the other act just referred to, has much increased their
duties and responsibilities. Among other things, it
confers upon the Board authority to perfect the. boundar-
ies of Prospect Park along the Ninth Avenue, which had
an unsightly extension jutting out into the avenue,
opposite the park, near the main entrance; and also along
Fifteenth street, which was laid down in a curve line, to
correspond with the park boundary, until it reached the
Coney Island road, and which required adjustment.
These two operations seemed necessarily connected with
the improvement of this park; and the Board was
therefore, directed to institute the legal proceedings
required for their accomplishment. The Commissioners
of Estimate and Assessment, who were appointed by

8

the Court for the purpose, have completed their task to
the satisfaction of the Board, at a very moderate expense
to the parties interested.

The Commissioners regret to say that the bill which
was introduced into the Legislature last spring for the
laying out of streets and avenues throughout the county
of Kings, beyond the city of Brooklyn, failed to become
a law. Their views on this important subject; the ad-
vantages—municipal, financial, and sanitary—of properly
adjusting and connecting the streets and avenues of
this rapidly growing suburb of the city, with our own
thoroughfares; and the great inconvenience, loss and
confusion which must arise from a neglect of this
work, were stated in a former report, and need not here
be repeated. They take this occasion, however, to
add, that the evils of delay are becoming every day more
apparent, in consequence of the large amount of property
in the country towns which is being mapped out into
city lots, and sold for purposes of improvement. Every
proprietor who brings his lots into market, and cuts up
his farm for sale, seems to lay out his streets and avenues,
and arrange his property according to his own fancy or
supposed advantage, without reference to the public con-
venience, and without knowing, in fact, what the public
requirements really are. The Board has always, even at
the risk of sometimes appearing to step beyond the exact
line of its duty, been solicitous to point out difficulties
arising from the loss of valuable improvements, which
are too frequently destroyed in the progress of subse-
quent advances of the city, and which a more prudent
foresight might easily have prevented. The Board can
do nothing further at this time than to call the attention
of the parties more immediately interested to the subject,
and to express the hope that it will receive from the

9

Legislature that decided action which its importance
manifestly demands.

The propriety, if not the absolute necessity, of an ex-
tension of Prospect Park at its western angle, so as to allow
the principal drive in that direction to be carried out
according to the original design, has been repeatedly urged
in former reports of the Board, and the Legislature was
on more than one occasion applied to for permission
to make the desired acquisition; but without success.
The Commissioners have now, however, the pleasure
of stating that an act was passed at the last session,
authorizing this extension, and directing the Board to
apply to the Supreme Court for the appointment of
Commissioners to estimate the value of the land so
taken. Messrs. Teunis G. Bergen, Henry W. Slocum,
Crawford C. Smith, Henry C. Murphy, Jr., and Edwin
K. Scranton, well known citizens of Brooklyn, were
selected by the Court to perform this duty; and it is
understood that their report is nearly ready for publi-
cation. The land in question consists of twelve blocks of
ground, lying between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, and
Third and Fifteenth streets, and might, when its annexa-
tion was first suggested by the Board, have been obtained
for a comparatively small price. Its present value, how.
ever, has been much increased within the last two years
from various causes, especially by its vicinity to the Park,
and its acquisition must now necessarily be somewhat
costly to the City, but the Board indulge the hope that
the forthcoming report of these Commissioners will be of
such a character, as to justify the Board in asking the
Court to ratify and confirm the same. When these pro-
ceedings shall have been completed, Prospect Park will
extend over the whole area embraced within its original
design, and any further extension of its boundaries, would,
in the judgment of the Commissioners, not only tend

10

to mar the symmetry of its present fine proportions, but
would entail an unnecessary expense upon our al-
ready heavily-burdened city. When the future wants
of our teeming population shall require more extended
Park accommodations, as no doubt they will, the
Commissioners believe the public convenience will
be better served by opening other Parks in different
and more remote sections of the city, than by adding
to the present ample dimensions of Prospect Park.

In this connection, the Commissioners would add, that
the question of the best disposition to be made of the
land lying east of Flatbush Avenue, still remains unde-
termined. Subsequent reflection, aided by suggestions
contained in the more recent study which has been given
to the subject by our landscape architects, (their report
thereon being hereto appended) has confirmed the opinion
expressed by them three years since, when the present
Board first took up the consideration of the subject, that
the division of the Park by the broad thoroughfare which
connects the city with the large agricultural country
beyond it, would seriously interfere with those impres-
sions of amplitude and continuous extent, which are
necessary to landscape effect ; and that this objection
cannot be obviated by any reasonable amount of bridging,
which could be introduced for the purpose of connecting
the two portions together. The reservoir grounds also
encroach so largely upon the eastern section, that they m
effect, subdivide its: two parts into very insignificant
dimensions for Park purposes. The formation of the
ground moreover, as was suggested in a former report of
our landscape architects on the subject, is of a character
that renders its improvement very expensive; and when
the best thing possible shall have been done, it must
always present a cramped, confined, and unsatisfactory
appearance. In addition to this, the full development of

iL

the great Southeastern Parkway through the heart of the
Ninth Ward, which is now in the hands of Commis-
sioners of Estimate and Assessment, and about to be
opened up to the public, will require this splendid im-
provement to be carried through to the Plaza east of the
reservoir, and will still further lessen the capabilities of
this portion of the Park.

The reservoir hill, with its magnificent prospect, will
always form one of the most attractive features of this
charming locality; and should in connection with general
park improvement, aided by a light foot bridge thrown
across the Avenue, bé embellished in the highest style of
art. The land north and south of this hill, running along
the Avenue to the depth of perhaps two hundred and
sixty feet, embracing in the whole, an extent of about
twenty-five acres, can be retained by the city, and used to
good advantage for various municipal purposes; but we
believe the time is not far distant, when a generous public
sentiment will require, that considerable portions of this.
land shall be devoted to still more liberal uses.

Upon the basis of carefully collected statistics, showing
the actual progress of the last forty years, the steady
advance of Brooklyn, will, within the next fifteen years,
carry the aggregate of its population beyond a million of
inhabitants. A community of this magnitude, second to
none in wealth, intelligence, or enterprise, must not only
occupy a large territorial extent, but will in its expan-
sion, require great educational, social, and artistic facilities.
Our young and aspiring Historical, Botanical, and other
kindred Societies, already demand ampler space for their
development, while our men of letters and of science are
preparing to seize the splendid opportunity here presented
of establishing a University which shall be metropolitan
in character, as well asin position. The location we refer

12
to, will soon become the geographical center of a great
religious and intellectual people, which, with its Park
surroundings, will afford opportunities for mental culture,
as well as for artistic and athletic training, such as can
probably be no where else found, in equal measure, upon
our continent. A wise forecast therefore seems to demand
that these advantages shall be secured for the genera-
tions who are to follow us, and who are to advance the
moral and mental progress of our race.

After making this reservation, there will still remain
east of the Avenue, a high plateau of land of about one
hundred acres, remarkably well adapted for building pur-
poses, whose value has been recently much increased by
surrounding improvements. And the Commissioners
respectfully submit for the consideration of their constitu-
ents, whether in view of what has been suggested, as well
as of the financial considerations about to be presented, it
may not be judicious to adopt the proposal of some of
our wisest and most practical citizens, to allow this land
to return to its former domestic uses, and thereby dimin-
ish the city debt and increase one of its great sources of
revenue. The plot in question, contains about twelve
hundred ordinary sized city lots of land, and would pro-
bably realize, if properly laid out, and sold, with suit-
able building covenants, at least two thousand dollars a
lot, or a total of say two-and-a-half millions of dollars,
to be applied in liquidation of the Park debt. And if we
increase this valuation by the probable value of the
buildings which we may reasonably expect to see erected
thereon, say five and a half millions of dollars, we shall
add independantly of the immense stimulus thereby
given to the surrounding property, eight millions
of dollars to the taxable property of the city, and
enlarge her revenue two hundred and _ fifty thousand
dollars per annum. At the same time, we make a

13

direct saving to the city of at least a million and a half
of dollars, which is the probable cost of improving this
property, if retamed as a Park; and of about twenty-five
thousand dollars a year for the cost of its maintenance,
with interest on both sums.

The Commissioners also in a former Report, submitted
for public consideration, the subject of putting the City
Park (which it will be remembered is opposite the Navy
Yard -vall) to some other use than that to which it is now
subjected. Without reference to its natural defects as a
pleasure ground, which were stated in that Report, the
immediate vicinity of- Washington Park, with its superior
attractions of air, prospect, and salubrity, rendering it a
much more agreeable place of resort than the City Park,
the question is unavoidably presented, whether, under
these circumstances, it is at all desirable, or even proper
to devote that very considerable amount of expense and
labor to its improvement, which would be necessary to
make it suitable for the purposes for which it was
originally designed ; while its central position, its capacious
and convenient sewerage, its nearness to the Hast River,
and its consequent easy communication with all parts of
the surrounding country, point to this spot as possessing
peculiar advantages for a general market. These sugges-
tions have since received further consideration from the
Board, and have also obtained as they are pleased to find,
the assent of many of our more experienced and sagacious
citizens; and in fact, the Board think they are fully war-
ranted in the statement, that public opinion is now deci-
dedly in favor of the change which they have suggested.

Brooklyn has long felt the want of a public market,
where its retail trade can be furnished with those supplies
of provisions for which it is now largely dependant upon
the City of New York. The statistics of 1865, show that

14

in addition to the large amount of cereals raised upon our
island during that year, there was sent to market from
the same source of supply, over three millions of dollars
worth of the various products of the garden; together with
large quantities of Milk, Eggs, Poultry, and other articles
equally necessary for our daily sustenance, valued in the
whole, at something over six millions of dollars. The
amount has since been largely increased by the greater
facilities for transportation afforded by the two addition-
al railroads which have since been opened on the north’
and south sides of the island, leading directly to the city
And the great bulk of this produce may be said to be
daily passing over our ferries to New York, mainly
because it finds no suitable place in our city on this side
of the East River where it can be received and held for
distribution among our people.

Our city seems to be the natural depot for the sale of
this large and valuable product of the island; and its
already large population, could probably dispose of it all
with proper management; and yet it goes over to our
sister city, passing by the very doors of those for whom
it is really designed, and who are obliged to follow, and
there purchase it at a largely increased price, and in a
very deteriorated condition. Our citizens at the same
time lose the benefits of the trade which would naturally
result, if the farmers had an opportunity of spending the
money received from the sales of this produce among them ;
while the value of property in the neighborhood contin-
ues in a very depressed condition, and the city is deprived
of the advantages which would necessarily follow upon
the large increase of taxable property resulting from the
proposed improvement. Tor these reasons, we hope soon
to see our corporate authorities resume their control of
the City Park, and after properly regulating the ground,
proceed to the erection of a substantial general market,
upon so liberal and enlarged a scale, as shall secure to our

15

citizens a cheap and full supply of all the prime necessaries
of life. While, at the same time, our city will establish
a credit for corporate enterprise, and open to itself new
and abundantly fertile sources of revenue.

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Pruning LADDER USED ON THE PARK.

16

The financial statement of the Board for the current
year will be found appended to this Report, showing the
receipts and expenditures on account of each of the
Parks under their charge, as well as on account of the
Parade Ground. The amount received from the city for
the improvement of Prospect Park, was eight hundred and
forty thousand dollars, being the proceeds of sales of
seven per cent. City Bonds. From the rents of houses
still standing on the Park, with sales of old material,
grass, and. fire-wood, together with pound receipts and
interest on bank balances, there has also been realized
the sum of fourteen thousand six hundred and _ sixty-six
dollars.

The statement further exhibits the entire expenditure
of the Commission since its organization upon each of the
Parks, and the particular fund chargeable therewith.
The total expenditure on occount of Prospect Park forthe
year, was one million and seventy-eight thousand six
hundred and forty-five dollars; and on account of the
other City Parks, ninety-two thousand two hundred and
sixty-two dollars. The largest disbursement was of course
for labor, amounting to six hundred and seventy-five
thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine dollars, a-sum,
which, when compared with the number of men employed,
shows that there has a3 yet, been no reduction in the price
of labor. The materials of construction have required an
outlay of one hundred and ninety-two thousand one
hundred and nineteen dollars; a large proportion of
which, was for stone, brick, lime, and cement, used in the
construction of bridges, and the laying of drainage and
water pipe. An expenditure of nineteen thousand nine
hundred and eighty-seven dollars for trees and shrubs,
has much increased the very fine and varied stock of our
already extensive Nursery. Fifteen thousand and _fifty-
five dollars were spent for drain pipe; and the Belgian and

Eel

other pavements have cost seventy-one thousand three
hundred and eighteen dollars.

The Commissioners respectfully refer to the Reports of
the Engineer in charge of the work, and his Assistants,
for a further and more detailed statement of the several
objects of these expenditures, than can well be presented
in the limited pages of this Report. The vouchers appli-
cable to each item of the account, will be found at the
office of the Board, regularly filed and numbered for
greater convenience.

Operations on the Park have steadily progressed since
the opening of the Spring, and as many men as could be
employed to advantage, have been kept at work. In
addition to the Engineering Corps in the service of the
Commission, a statement of the laboring force employed,
will be found in the annexed report of an Assistant
Engineer, from which it will appear that the main part of
the force has been employed two hundred and ninety-
seven days during this year. The largest number of men
working at any one time, was in the month of April, and
consisted of thirteen hundred and ninety-two men, while
the greatest number during the preceding year was
eighteen hundred and forty.

The results accomplished by this force will better ap-
pear from the reports of our Engineers, to which refer.
ence has already been made, but in general it may he
stated that much of the easterly portion of Prospect Park
is now complete, and has, during the latter part of the
year, been in constant use by the public; and that the
improvement of the residue of this park, except in the
extreme western district, where, for reasons before re-
ferred to, nothing has been done, is in a very satisfactory
state of progress.

18

The extent of ground which has been under treatment
during the year is over two hundred acres; the whole area
finished being one hundred and forty acres, exclusive of
roads, walks and waters; of which area one hundred
and nine are slopes and meadows, and thirty-one wood-
land. The finished drives now amount to nearly three
miles and a quarter, being a little more than two miles
in excess of that which we were able to report last year.
Of bridle paths, we have nearly a mile and a half fin-
ished or well progressed; and of walks three miles and
three quarters are completed, and nearly five additional
miles in progress. The very large and continually increas-
ing number of delighted visitors show how thoroughly
these walks and drives are appreciated by them. A fine
specimen of rustic work has been erected near the main
entrance to the Park for a Summer house; and a vine-
covered trellis work, with seats overlooking the children’s
play ground, commands a beautiful sea and island view,
and when covered with the foliage and flowers of climbing
plants, will afford grateful shelter to all such as may be
disposed to linger in its shade.

Rustic TRELLIS.

1K)

The somewhat comprehensive system of drainage and
water works required for use in this Park, has been well
advanced, and nearly four and a half miles of drain pipe,
with two and a quarter miles of iron and cement pipe
for water distribution, have been laid.

The grading, paving, and planting of the interior of
the Plazza is mainly complete, and in the course of the
ensuing year, it 1s intended to construct the large fountain
basin which is to occupy the center of this important
feature of the Park design. Two archways, which were
in progress at the alae of the last Report, have been
finished, one of them for the passage of the walk under
the main circuit drive near the entrance, and the other,
the east road arch near the head of the lake... Two others
are in progress; large quantities of stone having been
dressed and prepared for the purpose of carrying on the
work early in the Spring. About twelve acres of the
lake have been completed, and the Assistant Engineers’
Report will show to what extent the ice formed thereon
during the season, has been enjoyed by throngs of merry
skaters, male and female. Early in the coming season the
lake will have been increased in its dimensions to the
extent of about twenty acres and filled with water, adding
a new and beautiful feature to the interesting scenery of
this neighborhood.

In their last report, the Commissioners directed the
attention of the Common Council to the fact that a large
amount of taxable property had been added to the City
since the commencement of active operations on this
‘Park, and showed from the records of the Board of
Assessors, that the increase in the three Wards immedi-
ately contiguous thereto, to wit: the Eighth, Ninth and
Twentieth Wards, amounted to seven million, four hundred
and eighty-two thousand six hundred and ninety-two

20

dollars. They observe from a recent examination of the
same records, that the increased valuation of real estate
within the same territorial limits for the year 1868, is
three millions four hundred and ninety-three thousand
one hundred and fourteen dollars, and has amounted in
the whole, to ten millions nine hundred and seventy-four
thousand eight hundred and six dollars since work com-
menced on this Park. An increase, which, during the
same year, has added to the revenue of the Citv, from
these three Wards alone, full ninety thousand dollars more
than the annual interest on the whole Park debt. |

The Commissioners are pleased to find also, that the ad-
vantages of the Park to surrounding property have not been
confined to the three Wards we have specified, but have
been productive of still greater benefit to our neighbors
of Flatbush, where the value of real estate has more than
doubled during the year; the assessed value of that town
in 1867 being two millions five hundred and nineteen
thousand nine hundred and fifteen dollars ; while in 1868,
at a period of the year when property had not yet realized
the great advance it has since attained,it amounted to
five millions and thirtythousand nine hundred and seventy
dollars.

The proposed modification of Carrol Park is nearly
complete. After an entire revision of its drainage and
of its grassy slopes, the walks were laid with pine tar
concrete, and finished with fine gravel well rolled in, pro-
ducing a perfectly firm and smooth surface for the ease
and comfort of visitors. Some additional trees and
plants, with an ornamental flag staff,and a play ground for
children, were also introduced, and the improvements
made seem to be fully appreciated by our eitizens.

The revision of the ground at Washington Park—or
old Fort Green, as the older residents of our city still

21

delight to call it—in pursuance of the plan which was
laid down in the Special Report of our landscape archi.
tects, and appended to the last Annual Report of the
Board, is now so far advanced that is 1t expected to be |
opened for public use early next Summer.

In concluding this statement of their operations for the
year eighteen hundred and sixty-eight, the Park Commis-
sioners take occasion to congratulate their fellow citizens
upon the fact, that we at length have a Park worthy of
the name, and in some degree commensurate with the
magnitude and the requirements of a great city ; where our
eyes may be refreshed by resting upon something else
than mere interminable rows of brick and mortar; and
where refining meditative influences will ever teach us
that trade is not the wholeend and aim of life. That we
have a Park richly garnished with natural beauty, whose
quiet repose, luxuriant foliage and fragrant ocean breeze
may tempt us from those engrossing mercenary pursuits
by which we are too apt to be absorbed, and lead us to
better things. A broad precinct—free of access; permanent
in duration; guarded well from rude intrusion—where
- genius may bring its offerings, and nature and art blend
together to work out images of serene and placid beauty :
open equally to rich and to poor; and contributing alike
to the pleasure and improvement of the sick and the well;
the man of business and the man of work.

Dated January 28, 1869.

J. 8. T. STRANAHAN,

PRESIDENT.

W.S. GRIFFITH,
SECRETARY.

JOHN N. TAYLOR,

COMPTROLLER.

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AN ABSTRACT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

OF THE

BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSION,

FOR THE YHAR 1868.

The total receipts on account of PROSPECT
Park during the year 1868, were:
Balance of cash in Bank, Jauuary Ist...
rom reasurer of the city...2-.......
«< Rents of houses on the Park.....
Smee Salescot Old Wouwses-7f 2): =< cis.) :
“ Sales of wood, grass and old mate-
Taller | MOREE See ese ares APRS, Southgate coe
«¢ Interest on Bank balances.......
SMMMIVOSTHLOOLS AMR a «da doe ech atatew oss
BASES LOLSUOMCH «vce cadets Cows Sa
SPAT Kae OUMG 5 2. 6. aichola\ers) es sneha ts

4,965

The total expenditures for the same time were:

Paid Salaries, Comptroller, Superinten-
dent, Landscape Architect and

JOWOATISCTESS 4 pau o Taba Oe
« Surveyors, Draftsmen and As-
GIS HAINES IY cr ear ehe ie aie feos She era
«Laborers, Keepers, Mechanics,
MNOKESes vaANG CATS). 5 ace woes:
«Materials of construction, Tools
amd instruments ssa jee eric ao ce
« Stationery, printing and drawing
MMA LOTVANS ohare cstevt Whe eee gies os
« — Fitting up offices, rent and repairs
« Jrees, plants and shrubs........

«Manure and other fertilizers......
«< Water pipe and hydrants........
SA ATINVA CC PUC oc shores yee <se15 sei one
« Belgian and other pavements... ..

Balance to the credit of Prospect Park,
Wecember aly USGS se oe wise ce cue o2

26,833
55,350
675,889
192,119

5,192
2,850

$264,202 28

09
43
73
50
90 854,666 64

$1,118,868 90

30

17
63 1,078,645 12

40,223 78
$1,118,868 90

24

The total receipts on account of WASH-
INGTON, CARROL, City HatL and
City PARKS were:

Balance of cash in bank Jan. Ist, 1868..

Brom: City Treasurer .....545 40.2364 6a s
«« Interest on bank balances.......

The total expenditures for the same pe-
riod were on:

Washineton Park. .i2).cc.c4% ae oe

Warsr Ol AAG oo sia le/s o's ale ace} Se ent ote

Guty, Elall Parks tnt. Ghee. coe tece ee ee

aby: (Park: ws eee ae acre sty 2 4

Balance to the credit of the same Parks,
December ole USGRe cineca eae ers

$66,435 65
$72,000 00

800 00 72.800 00

$139,236 55

73,835 09
16,716 98
3401.03

367 98 92,263 08

46,973 47

$139,236 55

THE EXPENDITURES ON WASHINGTON PARK WERE:

Paid Surveyors and Assistants..........
“ Materials of construction and tools
ee Oiice MEMS 6, th ack es Aone

Bee LAAT EG sense o Stbaeser cis ease. aa eee ete
F DIraIMage IPE. sats. s se ere teeny

** Laborers, mechanics, horses and
CALS has weuars eras wre deere -

» Stationery, printing and drawing
misberial se. sccm es sateen

« Trees, plants and shrubs..........
So Patent. aVeMleniis : cls, mcrae cei ee
AL Oba pes no, 0 Rachonesecey Scbelaes

ON CARROL
Paid Surveyors and Assistants.........
“ Materials of construction...........

oe Mamie ad ac Palace eae ore eae

“ Mechanics, laborers, horses and

CATS sk. hie sue asl aveysins tw cieapabsy sane
« 'Trees, plants and shrubs......:..
“ Water pipe and drainage pipe.....
<< Patent PaVeMents:. in 2 4. ste ae.

$2,906 82
12,335 10
50 58
401 12
1,293 15

46,225 40
313 98

207 37
10,103 57

$73,835 09

PARK :

$598 89
1,162 31
45 00

12,444 26
250 50
274 28

1,941 74

$16,716 98

25

ON THE CITY HALL PARK.
Paid laborers, horses and carts........ $1,343 03

ON THE CITY PARK:

aid laborers and repairs........:.--.. $367 98

PARADE GROUND.

The total receipts on account of the
PARADE GRoUND during the year 1868

were: ;

From the County Treasurer........... $13,000 00
Saemsales otvoldi material) \o. 63580 c 139 00 |
«Interest on bank balances....... 310 00 $13,449 00

The total expenditures for the same time

were :
Paid Surveyors and Assistants......... $182 83
“ Materials of construction......... 2,456 37
“ Mechanics, laborers and teams.... 6,078 O1
RMAC en ee enone iay of etc, slaeiel aim cen mao ane 55 68
amended 186700... ke eee ee eae 250 68 9,023 57
Balance to the credit of the Parade
Ground December 31, 1868.......... 4,425 43
$13,449 00

This balance will be reduced by the proportion of the expense
of paving and improving Franklin avenue, chargeable to the Pa-
rade Ground, and of which returns have not yet been made to this
office. It should be stated also that in the Prospect Park account,
eight thousand seven hundred and ninety dollars ($8,790) of the
item charged to engineering, properly belongs to the labor depart-
ment.

26

RECAPITULATION.
Balance of cash Ist January, 1868...... $330,638 83
Received on account of Prospect Park.. $854,666 62
« A “other City Parks 72,800 00

5 ss ‘Parade Ground. 13,449 00+ 940,915 62

Expended on account of Prospect Park. 1,078,645 12

z sf “ other City Parks — 92,263 08
as (3 “ Parade Ground. 9,023 5% 1,179,931 77
Balance of cash, Dec. 31, 1861.......... 91,622 68

$1,271,554 45

TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF THE BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSION.

1865. 1866. 1867. = 1868. Total.

Prospect Park. .|$17,780 90 $195,701 10 $973,908 60 $1,078,645 121$2,266,030 72
Washington “ | "1,851 86) 73,885 09} 75,686 95
Carrol “ 1,810 56 16,716 98| 18,527 54
City Hall“ 1,848.03) 1,848 08
City “ 558 44 367 98 926 42
Parade Ground. 25068} 8,772 89] 9,028 57

$17,780 90 $195,701 10 $978,375 14 $1,179,681 09/$2,371,588 28

JOHN N. TA YOR:

Comptroller.

AN ACT,

TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE
Puspiic PARKS OF THE CITY oF BROOKLYN. PASSED May
Ist, 1868.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follows :

Section 1. The Commissioners of Prospect Park, in the City of
Brooklyn, shall have full and exclusive power to lay out, regulate,
improve and maintain, the Public Parks of the City of Brooklyn,
and to govern, manage and direct the same, and the public use
thereof; to make ordinances, rules and regulations for their proper
management and government; to appoint such engineers, survey-
ors, clerks and other officers, and such police force as they may
deem expedient, and to prescribe and define their respective duties
and authority ; to fix and regulate the compensation to be paid to
the several persons so to be employed by them ; to open, widen and
grade the northerly side of Ninth Avenue, between Montgomery
and Union street, and so much of Fifteenth street as was extended
to meet the Coney Island Road, and laid down on the City Map, by
an act entitled “An act to extend the boundaries of Prospect Park,
in the City of Brooklyn,” passed April 30th, 1866; to locate, erect
and maintain fountains on the said Parks, or either of them, as
well as upon the streets and avenues, which form the boundaries
thereof, or intersect the same; to erect and maintain iron and other
fences around the said Parks; to flag and reflag the sidewalks of
said streets, roads or avenues, on the side which is adjacent to the
said Parks; to increase the width thereof, and to set and reset curb
and gutter stones, shade trees and lamp posts thereon; and to de-
termine the particular location of any railroad track which is now
or may be hereafter placed upon such road, street or avenue.

They may also in the name of the City, or of the said Board of
Commissioners, at their option, bring any action which they may
deem proper, to recover damages for the breach of any agreement,

28
express or implied, relating to or growing out of the management
or improvement of the said Parks; for penalties for the violation
of any ordinance; or for injuries to personal or real property ap-
pertaining to the said Parks; or to recover the possession of any
such property.

The land taken (and set apart for a parade ground for the
County of Kings), shall be the property of said County, as and for
a Parade Ground; and shall be under the exclusive charge and
management of the Commissioners of Prospect Park, in the City
of Brooklyn, for the purposes of police and improvement as such
parade ground.—An Act to provide a Parade Ground for the
County of Kings, passed April 27, 1866. Sec. 7.

The several pieces and parcels of ground, parks and squares in
the City of Brooklyn, and the sidewalks, fences and trees adjacent
thereto and being between any part of the same hereinafter men-
tioned, shall hereafter be under the care, management and control
of the Commissioners of Prospect Park, as fully and completely as
Prospect Park is or may hereafter be under their control, care and
management.—An Act in relation to Parks in the City of Brooklyn,
passed May 9th, 1867. Sec. 1.

The Parks and Squares aforesaid, are Washington Park, City
Park, City Hall Park and Carrol Park.—Same Act. Sec. 2.

The joint board of Aldermen and Supervisors of the City of
Brooklyn shall annually cause to be levied and raised the requisite
amount of moneys for carrying this act into effect and for the pur-
poses thereof; and such money shall be promptly and regularly
paid over to the said Park Commissioners for said purposes.—
Same Act. Sec. 5.

The Brooklyn Park Commissioners are hereby authorized to
seize and impound any cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, geese, or
other animals found running at large upon any of the Public Parks
in the City of Brooklyn; to impose a penalty of not exceeding five
dollars, with reasonable expenses, upon each animal so seized; and
to enforce payment thereof in such manner as they shall by ordi-
nance direct.—Act of May 6th, 1868.

§ 2. Whenever the Board of Commissioners shall by resolution
direct the streets or avenues specified in the. preceeding section of
this act to be opened or widened, they shall fix a district of assess-
ment beyond which the assessment for such opening or widening
shall not extend. They shall then apply to the Supreme Court, at

29

a special term thereof, to be held in the second judicial district,
upon a notice to be published for ten days successively in the cor-
poration newspapers, for the appointment of three Commissioners
to estimate the expense thereof, and the amount of damages to be
sustained by the owners of property, or other persons to be affected
thereby, and to apportion and assess the same as hereinafter des-
eribed, and the Court shall thereupon proceed to make such ap-
pointment.

§ 3. The Commissioners so to be appointed, shall, after having
been duly sworn, proceed to estimate such expenses and damages;
and after their report thereon shall have been confirmed by the
said Court, they shall apportion and assess the same, upon the lands
and premises benefitted by the said improvements within the dis-
trict of assessment, to be fixed by the Park Commissioners, in the
same manner as the Board.of Assessors of the said city are by law di-
rected to make similar assessments. And all laws now in force re-
lative to the opening and widening of streets or avenues in the City
of Brooklyn, subsequent to the appointment of Commissioners of
estimate and the proceedings thereon, and the duties of the several
persons to be employed therein, substituting the said Park Com-
missioners in place of the Common Council and Street Commis-
sioner of said city, and substituting also the Commissioners of Es-
_ timate and Assessment in place of the Board of Assessors of the
said city, and including the levy and collection of the assessments
for such improvements and the lien thereof so far as they are not
inconsistent with the provisions of this act, shall apply to and regu-
late all duties arising out of, or proceedings that may be had or
taken under this act. But such proceedings shall continue to be
under the direction of the said Park Commissioners, who shall act
when required as the Common Council and Street Commissioner of
said city would be required to act in relation thereto, and who shall
employ an attorney and counsel and all such surveyors, clerks, ap-
praisers, and other agents as may be required for the purpose of the
said proceedings.

§ 4. The Commissioners of Prospect Park now in office shall
continue to hold office for four years after the expiration of their
present term of office, and until others are appointed in their
places, and from and after the passage of this Act, the Mayor of
Brooklyn shall be ex-officio a Commissioner of Prospect Park.
They shall together constitute a Board of Commissioners to be here-
after known as “The Brooklyn Park Commissioners,” a majority of
whom, for the time being, shall constitute a quorum for the trans-
action of business. If any of the said Commissioners shall not re-

30

side in the City of Brooklyn, or shall neglect to attend the meetings
of the Board, for three monthly meetings, consecutively, after having
been duly notified of the time and place of meeting, his office shall
be deemed to have been vacated ; and after the present number of
Commissioners shall for any reason have been reduced to eight, each
succeeding vacancy shall be filled for the residue of the term then
vacant, by a majority of the ballots of the remaining members of
the Board; and upon such ballotings it shall be no objection to a
vandidate that he has once been a member of the Board.

§ 5. The said Board shall, in the month of January, of every
year, make and render to the Common Council of said City, a full
report of their proceedings during the preceeding year, with a de-
tailed statement of their receipts and expenditures. And all ordi-
nances or rules which they shall at any time adopt for the regula-
tion, use and management of the said Parks, shall immediately
thereafter be published for at least ten days, in two daily newspa-
pers printed in said City. No member of the said Board shall re-
ceive any compensation for his services; and it shall be a misde-
meanor punishable by fine and imprisonment, for any Commission-
er to be in any way, directly or indirectly, interested in any contract
for services to be rendered, or materials to be furnished for or on
account of the said Parks, or either of them.

None of the said Commissioners, nor any person, whether in the.

employ of said Commissioners or otherwise, shall have power to
create any debt, obligation or lability, for or on account of the said
Board, or the moneys or property under its control, except by the
express authority of the Board, conferred at a meeting thereof, duly
convened.—Act of May 2d, 1861. See. 24.

§ 6. For the purpose of providing the means of laying out, con-
structing and improving Prospect Park, the Mayor, Comptroller,
and City Clerk of the said City, are hereby authorized and required
to create and issue, at such times and in such amounts as the said
Commissioners shall, by resolution direct, the Bonds of the said
City, payable within fifty years from the date thereof, and bearing
an interest not exceeding seven per cent. per annum, payable semi-
annually. The Bonds so to be issued shall not exceed three millions
of dollars in amount, including the Bonds already issued for such
purposes; and shall be sold by or under the direction of the
said Comptroller, at not less than par, either at public or private
sale ; and the moneys to arise therefrom shall be called the Brook-
lyn Park Improvement Fund. All Bonds heretofore issued for the
improvement of Prospect Park, shall constitute a portion of the
same Fund; and all the provisions of the Act passed May second,

31

eighteen hundred and sixty-one, entitled “ An Act to lay out a pub-
lic Park and Parade Ground for the City of Brooklyn, and to alter
the Commissioners’ Map of said City, passed April seventeenth,
eighteen hundred and sixty-one,” which relates to the redemption
of Bonds, and payment of awards, and improvements, and the crea-
tion and management of a Sinking Fund applicable thereto, shall
apply to and regulate all Bonds that may be issued for the purposes
of the said Improvement Fund; and for the payment of all such
Bonds, issued and to be issued, with the interest to accrue thereon,
all lands within the boundaries of the said Park, are hereby specifi-
cally pledged.

§ 7. In case the said Commissioners shall at any time require
money for immediate use, before it can be realized by a sale of
Bonds, the said Comptroller, on the request of the said Commission-
ers, may pledge such Bonds for a temporary loan of money thereon.
All money to be realized from sales or pledges of Bonds, shall be
immediately deposited with the Treasurer of the said City, to the
eredit of the said Improvement Fund, and shall be held and used
for the construction, Improvement and maintenance of the said
Park, and the adornment thereof. The said Board of Commission-
ers, through their President and Secretary, shall, from time to time,
make drafts upon the said Comptroller for such amounts as may be
required for the prosecution of the Park business, after the same
shall have been authorized by the Board; each of such drafts shall
specify the object for which it is drawn, and the Treasurer shall pay
the same, on the order of the Comptroller, countersigned by the
Mayor and City Clerk.

§ 8. In order to provide for the maintenance and general im-
provement of the said Parks, there shall be added to the general tax
to be levied in said City, in each and every year, such sum of money,
not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars, in any one year, as the
said Board of Commissioners shall, from time to time, by resolution
determine to be necessary for the proper maintenance, improvement
and ornamentation of the said Parks. The Joint Board of Super-
visors and Common Council of the City of Brooklyn, shall annually
- cause the amount so determined by the said Commissioners, to be
raised and levied in like manner as other taxes are raised and levied
in said City, and the same shall be promptly paid over to the said
Park Commissioners for the purposes aforesaid.

§ 9. Real or personal property may be granted, conveyed, de-
vised or bequeathed to the said City, for the improvement or orna-
mentation of the said Parks, or either of them, or for the establish-
ment or maintenance within their limits, of museums, zoological or

32

other gardens, collections of natural history, observatories or works
of art, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed wpon by
and between the grantors or donors thereof and the said Board of
Commissioners. But all property so to be granted, conyeyed, de-
vised or bequeathed, and the rents, issues and profits thereof, must
be subject to the management and control of the said Board, and
may be improved and added to in its discretion, and shall be pro-
tected, preserved and arranged by the said Board, for public use and
enjoyment, under such rules and regulations as the said Board sha |
from time to time prescribe. Admissions to said gardens and mu-
seums may be either free to the public, or upon the payment of such
sums of money as the Board may determine; and all income to be
derived from such admissions, shall be applied to the improvement
and maintenance of such gardens and museums, or of the said
Parks. 'The Board may also agree for the management or main-
tenance of any of the said gardens or other institutions, with any
society, incorporated or to be incorporated, under any law of this
State ; but such gardens or other institutions shall always remain
subject to the control of the said Park Commissioners.

$10. This Act shall take effect immediately.

Hayward, States & Kou, 74 rear! SEN.

ENDALE ARCH

; - —— vi) ‘4 A ty ee. Py : °
e 4 r) ‘ A . - “er a 7 4 * r
¢ wh New a S < a e ‘ + .
J i « . : - = a * - o =
5 . . a : A : 4 ‘ =
. ft 4 ‘as be >
, 4 : J ; be * 4 j
. [ . F vo Me < ‘> Peed . Coals * ‘ a ee
= * , , a
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4 .
:
| :

BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSION.

REPORT

OF

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND SUPERINTENDENTS,

“____ @ @ oe ——_
To the Brooklyn Park Commission :

GENTLEMEN :—We lay before you our customary Annual Report
upon matters of Design, Construction and Superintendence.

DESIGN.

No material modifications have been made in the primary study of the
plan of the Park, during the past year, but in the elaboration of that part
covering the district between Franklin Avenue and the water adjoining,
the original lines have been somewhat changed, the drive and ride widen-
ed, and a return branch of the drive has been introduced on the west
shore; the object of the whole variation being to give a more decided
promenade character to this long southerly stretch of shore road,
and to bring it into more close connection with the principal car-
riage concourse at the east end of the lake.

The remoyal of a large deposit of sand, needed in road construc-
tion, which was found just below the original surface near the mid-
dle of the Park, south of the old line of Third Street, has made it
practicable to broaden the dale effects, originally designed to be se-
eured in the vicinity, and to carry the east dale walk in a more di-
rect course than was originally proposed—both results being very
desirable.

As the city can not expect to secure due returns for its
expenditures without employing every economical means of ex-
tending the influence of the Park by increasing its general
accessibility, we feel compelled again to call attention to the

36

views which governed the selection of the one and those which led to
the selection of the other were so different, that the first taken ean
not now be realized without a sacrifice of the advantages secured with
the last.

We consider therefore that all plans for using the grounds north and
south of the Reservoir as a garden or park must involve a weak and
wasteful compromise and should be persistently resisted. That our
meaning may be fully understood it may be desirable to recall the cir-
cumstances which have led to the acquisition by the city of the two
bodies of land in question.

In the year 1858 a project was bruited about for establishing a series
of public pleasure grounds in and about the city, each of which was
intended to be located and laid out with reference to the accommoda-
tion, not of the population at large, but for the special benefit
of that portion of the population which should live nearer to it than
to either of the others.

To advance this project a Commission was formed by an act of the
Legislature of 1859 which the following year reported a plan whereby
the city would have had to maintain eight considerable public
grounds. Three of these were to be of large size and were intended
for the benefit respectively of the Eastern, Central and Southern dis-
tricts of the city, while five others, more nearly of the class of Fort
Greene, were designed still more especially for local resort. Of the larger
grounds one was to be connected with each of the great city reservoirs.
the third was to be at Bay Ridge.

Although the land recommended to be taken at one of these points
was soon afterwards acquired by the city, no measures looking to con-
struction were adopted, and the eight-park-scheme as it stood at the
time this ground was selected, soon came to be considered an unwieldy
and impracticable one, and in effect was abandoned.

Nothing more was done toward supplying the city with pleasure
grounds until after a period of eight years from the origin of the
first project.

In the meantime an experiment of the sort of local pleasure grounds
which, on account of the expense involved, were alone practicable
under this eight-park-scheme had been tried at Fort Greene and found
to result in an injury rather than a benefit to property in the neigh-
borhood, while New York had fairly established the superior advanta-
ges of a concentration of capital in the production of a comprehensive,

dT

well equipped, and well kept park, adapted to draw together all classes
of the community from every part of a great city. It had also begun
to be realized that so long as Brooklyn offered nothing of the charac-
ter of the New York park, it must expect to fall rapidly into the
back-ground as a competitor in providing attractive sites for the resi-
dence of a large tax-paying class of citizens.

In the light of this experience, it had become generally evident in
1865, when our relations with your Commission commenced, that ef-
fective discussion centered upon a very different idea from that which
had led to the acquisition of the two pieces of ground on Flatbush
avenue.

Instead of a scheme for establishing severa} public grounds, each
designed for the special benefit of a district, ward or locality, the pressing
demand now was for one strikingly fine Park, adapted to be resorted
to from all quarters, which would retrieve the prestige which had been
lost to the city by the construction of the Central Park.

The duty of developing a practicable scheme for this purpose having
fallen naturally, though not perhaps by distinct previous legal enactment,
upon your Commission, an examination of the neighborhood within
which lay the property under your control, showed that it occupied a po-
sition with reference to the distant parts of the city highly important to
be considered in the solution of the new problem, although no weight
had been attached to it in the original selection of the ground as a site
for one of eight district pleasure grounds.

To understand its consequence, it needs to be remembered that the
present City of Brooklyn has been mainly formed by the gradual filling
up of the space between several original centres of settlement, and that
within the last thirty-five years there have been several eras of specu-
lation, during which large isolated estates have been divided for sale
in lots, by which additional local street systems have been inaugurated.
The present city therefore includes many quite distinct systems, laid
out independently, and having no convenient relation one with an-
other. In consequence of this fact few points in the city, and especially
in the suburbs, are accessible from more than two sides by direct lines
of communication over a mile in length. A certain locality, however.
which adjoined, though it was not included within the property of the
city in the Highth and Ninth Wards, constituted what was practically
a converging point on the city map of several systems of communica-
tion, as will appear by the accompanying diagram, and the following

38

table showing the distance from the several points named, to the lo-
ality in question respectively, by a straight line, and by streets already
laid out:

By Straight Line. By Streets.
From South Seventh street, Eastern District, 2 40-100 miles. 2 50-100

From Hudson avenue, East River.......... 210-100 “ 2 12-100
From Hamilton Avenue, East River....... . 2 2-100, 4 2 3-100
From Greenwood Cemetery............- cots’ LBLELO0 EE 1 31-100
From the Hunter Fly Road, City Line...... 248-100 “ = 2 48-100
From Matbush"Chureh’...22 0.) 20. eg gk: 1 72-1008 1 78-100

The locality in question is an average distance of two miles in a
straight line from the several points named ; and it will be seen that
by existing streets the deviation is so slight that it would make no
appreciable difference in an ordinary carriage drive.

Under these circumstances it was thought advisable first of all to
take measures to secure possession to the city of so much ground as
was necessary to be controlled in order to turn this advantage of the
locality to proper account. This having been done by the acquisition
of the site of what is now called the Plaza, there could be no question
that any park intended to be formed in the vicinity for the use of the
people of all parts of the city should, if possible, be so located as not in
the least to neutralize this advantage. If placed entirely within the two
converging lines of Flatbush and Ninth Avenues, no street leading
toward the locality would be in the least interfered with, while, with
hardly any change of-the lines as they then stood on the city map,
twelve streets and avenues would open on a spacious public place laid
out in front of the natural entrance to the park on the city side.

It happened also that by pushing out a little into the country within
these two converging lines, there was found what was most wanted in
order to secure a suitable proportion and good general relation one to
another of the several chief topographical elements of park scenery, in
hill and dale, meadow, wood and water. It moreover became evident
that even if it had been found really desirable on account of greater
convenience of access, these topographical desiderata could not have
been nearly as well secured in any other direction. Accordingly, in
forming the new plan for a park, it was assumed, that a certain piece
of land on Ninth avenue, and another on Franklin avenue, both with-
in the before-mentioned converging lines, would be added to that
already in possession, and that a certain other piece of land which had

39

been secured entirely with reference to the abandoned local-pleasure-
ground scheme, and which was wholly undesirable to be regarded in
the new plan, would be disposed of in such a way as would most bene-
fit the city.

The object in view in the whole arrangement being simply to secure
the best park possible under the circumstances, and at the same time
to guard in every way against the unnecessary obstruction of import-
ant lines of communication through the city, it was evident that
the acquisition of the ground on Ninth and Franklin Avenues and the
abundonment of a large part of the ground on the east side of Flatbush
avenue, were alike logical and essential measures for the accomplish-
ment of this end.

It was, however thought necessary to reserve so much of the ground on
the east side of Flatbush avenue as was required to prevent the erection
of private dwellings within two hundred and fifty feet of the basin of the
Reservoir, together with ample sites for any public institutions which
it might be desirable in the future to place in the vicinity of the Park,
care being taken that the latter should not stand in the way of the
most convenient possible street arrangements. The ground around
the Reservoir was designed to be laid out as a public garden; not be-
cause it was wanted as an appendage to the Park, but because it was
a convenient way to protect the Reservoir from a too close apparent
proximity to possible private constructions which might suggest to vis-
itors the possibility of a pollution of its contents. By a foot bridge
over Flatbush Avenue, however, the garden was planned to serve the
purpose of a pleasant approach to the Park from Washington Avenue.
All this could be done without encroaching upon any desirable lines
of street communication.

Tt will be observed that the advantages of the plan, as thus set forth,
are mainly found in conditions, the value of which will be palpable to
all, upon an examination of maps. The superior landscape capabili-
ties which we have claimed for the ground west of Flatbush Avenue,
may, however, be considered a matter of opinion. We shall therefore
attempt to briefly indicate a few of the main particulars in which the
Park, as now designed, appears to us to possess advantages in the
promise of scenery appropriate to its purpose, over any that would be
available in a park planned to be situated either wholly or in part on
the east side of the avenue.

From many points of the drives, rides and walks, the eye will range

40

over a meadow-like expanse, wherein the first definite obstruction or
break in the turfy surface will be at least half a mile away, sometimes
considerably more than that, and in which tree tops will be seen in
rising perspective, fully a mile away. These views will not offer
merely peeps, but will comprehend quite broad and well-balanced pas-
toral landscapes, free from any object which will suggest the vicinity
of the city, from which it is the primary purpose of the Park to give
the means of a ready escape. Views will be had over water surface of
equal breadth and distance. The visitor will feel the sense of freedom
und repose suggested by scenes of this character, and be impressed by
their breadth of light and shadow, all the more because they will be
enjoyed in alternation and contrast with the obscurity of the thick
woods already established, through the seclusion which he will be oc-
casionally led. There is hardly a rood of ground in the Park, which
besides serving its own local purpose, will not contribute to general
landscape effects, so that every part, whatever its special value, will be
associated in such manner with other parts as from some points of
view to seem designed to be auxiliary to them, and from others to be
supported by them.

We are unable to see how the ground on the east side of Flatbush
Avenue could be laid out in such a way as to obtain these almost inyal-
uable conditions for a great town park, in anything like a similar de-
gree. Nor do we see how it would be possible to secure any distinct
unity or valuable landscape relationship between the Park and the
land in question. The sunken traffic roads in the Central Park are
sometimes referred to as offering a parallel to the division formed by
Flatbush Avenue, but for the greater portion of its length along the
line in question Flatbush Avenue is a causeway, and constitutes a bar-
rier thirty feet high to all views between one piece of ground and the
other. Elsewhere, for a short distance, it is true that it lies below the
level of the adjoining ground, but it occupies a space one hundred feet
wide, and divides a hill. The sunken roads in the Central Park, where
the eye ranges over them, are little more than a third of the width, and
were laid out with the utmost care to avoid any perceptible break of
the surface of the ground where it would be visible to visitors. Where
they cross aline of view, it is usually at a distance of more than a
quarter of a mile from the observer. There is, on the other hand, no
point more than a hundred yards distant from Flatbush Avenue where
the eye could range across both the sites in question.

The pieces of ground on the north and south side of the Reservoir
must be regarded as practically distinct from one another, as well as

41

from the ground on the opposite side of the avenue, and if to be im-
proved as proposed, could hardly be treated in any other than in a
comparatively small house-garden-like way.

It has been thought that the distant prospect over the city to the
harbor from the grounds on the east side of Flatbush Avenue, was a
point of superiority ; that part of it, however, which is proposed to be
retained within the Reservoir garden commands this view much better
than any other, so that this advantage is under any circumstances in-
tended to be secured to the city. Inno other part of the ground, in
fact, is the distant view a consideration of any consequence, because
from no other part of the ground can the control of it be long retained,
As soon as the ground east of Flatbush Avenue, now being graded
for building, shall have been occupied, the present view will be quite
eut off. The distant outlooks from points now included in the Park
by the extension of the boundaries on the west side of Flatbush Ave-
nue are not only in our estimation far more valuable and suggestive as
accessories of the Park, but they are not in a position ever to be cut
off, or eyen seriously injured by the inevitable march of city
improvement.

It has been proposed that the ground east of the Plaza, if not thought
desirable to be incorporated in the Park, should be laid out as a
parade ground, or as an Arboretum, or as a Botanic garden, or as a
Zoological garden, but the site possesses no evident natural fitness for
either one of these purposes. Even if it so happened that it offered
some advantages for either, and it should be thought best to associate
such a ground with the Park, a site should clearly be preferred which
promised incidental benefit to the Park scenery, which this would not.
To show how such sites might be selected, we may refer to any of the
special districts which are not, strictly speaking, territorially a part of
the public park as now planned, but which, nevertheless, besides
serving a special purpose, constitute a real addition to its attractions.

The ground assigned for a childrens’ garden is, for instance, so
placed that no visitor will enter it except by special intention. Yet,
following the main park drive or walk on the East side, every visitor
in approaching its border will, almost immediately after passing the
entrance, be made to feel that he has plenty of room, all at once, on
both sides of him. The trees on the opposite border of the childrens’
ground being so placed as to shut out all inharmonious exterior ob-
jects, and yet so that no distinct limit to the rural country on the left
will be discernable.

49

Again, the enclosure set off for the pasturage of deer is so arranged
that while the visitor cannot enter it, he will not notice any artificial
obstruction. It will appear a bright, sunny little meadow, with spark-
ling water, lost in the distance under trees, and this will come at a
turn of the road between two stretches which will be all in shadow,
and where the view will have been for a time closely confined by
dense underwood.

Again, the Kings County Parade Ground, while entirely outside the
Park boundary, is so placed that. it serves a very important, and, in-
deed, almost invaluable landscape purpose when seen from the
high grounds within the Park; and so of every other special ground
which is now intended to be connected with it.

There is no object to be accomplished by appropriating the ground
in question to any form of garden, which would not be much _ better
served by establishing it in some other part of the city, where it would
incidentally give the advantage of an airing ground to persons living
at too great a distance from the Park, to habitually resort to it with
ease and frequency. The residents of the Ninth and ‘Twentieth
Wards can hardly claim to be in this condition, and the supposition
is a mistaken one that they would experience any serious additional
difficulty in reaching a pleasure ground, if the site which the Commis-
sion proposes to discard is laid out with a view to an improvement of
the general approaches to the Park, instead of to any purpose which
would inyolve its enclosure. The additional distance to be traveled
over from all the house lots in the Ninth Ward to the entrances of the
present Park and to those which were planned under the old scheme :
east of Flatbush Avenue, will be crossed by a carriage driven at the
rate of six miles an hour, in seventy-five seconds. The difference to
those approaching on foot, considering the Reservoir grounds as a
part of the Park, will be less than that. From all the house lots of
the Twentieth Ward the present Park will, on an average, be entered
sooner than the Park as formerly planned, east of Flatbush Avenue,
could have been.

The principal reasons which have led to the preference of other grouud
for the Park over that east of the Plaza have now been given, and we
may add in a few words the reason for the arrangement recommended
for the laying out of the discarded ground. As the street lines had
been originally established, those on the east side appeared to approach
the Park less advantageously than those on the west. In the plans

43

which we have from time to time submitted for your consideration, our
main object has been to counteract this apparent misfortune of the
east side.

No one who has examined the plan before the Board can have failed
to recognize, we think, that under it an approach to the Park through
either of the confluents of the Plaza is calculated to produce a decided
effect of dignity, stateliness and fitness of position. An expenditure of
millions could not be made to give the same especial advantage to the
New York park. According to our plans there are six approaches
of this character opening upon the l’laza from the West, and six from
the Hast, which is a fair and equitable arrangement, as well as an ar-
tistically complete and well-balanced one; but if the ground North of
the Reservoir should be appropriated to a garden, it is evident that
while the six approaches on the West side would remain intact there
would be but two on the East side, neither of which would lead fairly
toward the Eastern part of the city.

We have considered it an object to secure not only fine approaches»
but to so arrange the vacant ground in the immediate vicinity of this
principal entrance that, after a few years, strangers visiting the Park
would be sure to receive a vivid impression of the Metropolitan advan-
tages offered by Brooklyn as a place of residence. For this purpose
the ground belonging to the city, and undesirable to be included in
the Park, is proposed to be laid out in such a way that it can be dis-
posed of in lots of unusual size, and otherwise well adapted for urban
residences of the very finest character. Such an impression produced
at one point, would undoubtedly have a favorable influence upon all
the neighborhood, and upon the reputation of the whole city.

We argued the advantages of this general element, in the motive of
our design at length, in our Annual Report of last year, and only refer
to the subject now that it may be better seen why we attach import-
ance to an arrangement which tends to bring all strangers to the Park
im such a way as to establish the strongest favorable impression upon
their minds, rather than by such indirect or subordinate and compara-
tively insignificant approacltes as would be necessary on the East side,
if our plans in this respect should be overruled.

From all that we have said, we trust it will be seen that the design
as it now stands, is intended to develop the previous natural and acci-
dental advantages of the site of the Plaza, as a centre, or radiating and
converging point, of a great residence quarter of the Metropolis, and

44

that this design, to which a large expenditure has already been di-
rected, is impossible to be reconciled with the closing of the streets on
the Kast side of it by a public garden.

CONSTRUCTION AND SUPERINTENDENCE.

Statements in detailare appended, made up from their respective re-
cords by the engineer in charge and his principal assistants, which show
the constructive character and extent of the works which have been ecar-
ried on during the year, together with statistics of the force employed,
organization, discipline, supplies and public resort.

We shall briefly call your attention to the more significant facts in
these respects of the year’s history of the Park.

A winter of extraordinary, if not of unprecedented severity, was
followed by a season equally remarkable for the frequency with which
storms occurred, and the amount of rain which fell. During several
months, work was almost daily interrupted, or prosecuted under diffi-
culties, and a great deal of labor was expended in opening channels
and repairing damages upon ground under construction. These con-
ditions were also unfavorable to the public use of the Park.

The Park has nevertheless served the ends for which it was designed
to an extent which could hardly have been expected in the existing
stage of its construction, and upon which the Commission is to be
congratulated, those resorting to it for health and pleasure often num-
bering, on fine days, twenty to thirty thousand, and sometimes forty
to fifty thousand. The influence of the Park is perceptible in the
rapidly increasing number of horses and carriages kept for pleasure
driving and riding in the city, and in the number of men who have
adopted the practice of taking a daily drive or ride with their families.
It is observed that these often bring guests with them, and it is evident
that the Park is already regarded with some degree of pride, though
this must be for the most part rather in what it promises than in
what it is.

The real economy of the large expenditure which the city is making
on the Park will eventually be tested chiefly by the degree in which
it shall have come to be regarded as a convenient adjunct of the
household property of all the citizens, and in which its advantages for
the preservation and restoration of health shall be familiarly recognized

45

and set down on the credit of family accounts. A satisfactory indica-
tion of what may be expected in the future, was therefore afforded by
the frequency with which in the latter part of the summer it was to be
observed that families had come to the Park, not merely for a drive or
stroll, but to pass some hours, or a full holiday, or half holiday, re-
freshments, and sometimes musical instruments being brought with
them. Women often came alone, or with their little ones, to stay for
some hours, bringing their needle-work ; and a number of invalids,
aged people and convalescents were to be seen every fine day enjoying
the air and the quiet which they found in the groves of the Park.

Numerous schools and bodies of children connected with charitable
establishments, also spent a day or half day on the Park during the
summery some returning several times, teachers, parents and friends
coming with them. When these parties were large, special ground
was assigned them, and they were protected from disagreeable intru-
sion. Swings, scups, seats, tables and fresh water were supplied to all
without charge, as was the use of dressing and retiring rooms, with
proper attendance. An arrangement was also made by which ice, ice-
cream, biscuit, and lemonade could be provided on the ground, at fixed
moderate charges. Seventy-five considerable excursion or pic-nic
parties were reported by the keepers to have received their special
attention.

As the part of the Park best adapted to this class of visits has not
yet been improved, and its advantages are known to comparatively
few, and as a much larger number of suitable places will eventually be
available for the purpose, it may be expected that the number of holi-
day parties will increase, and ultimately form a very agreeable and in-
teresting feature of the Park. No artist could imagine prettier or
happier groups than were to be frequently seen among the trunks of
the East and West woods on nearly every fine day last summer.

The complete absence of a disposition to disorderly or unbecoming
conduct, and the general good nature, civility, and decorum which
prevailed, was also most encouraging.

Although the acquisition of the Western district of the ground re-
quired for the Park was last winter authorized by the Legislature, it
has not yet come into the possession of the Commission ; the lack of
this territory has therefore continued to embarrass operations through-
out the year, and active work has of necessity been confined mainly

46

to the Eastern side of the Park. A full statement of the progress
made will be found in the Reports subjoined.

It will be observed that the East drive has been completed ; also,
most of the bridle road on the east side, and three miles of walk.
The Northern arm of the Lake is complete, including about twelve
acres of water surface, and a large part of the remaimder has been ex-
cavated. Breeze Hill concourse is finished. So much of the Parade
Ground as will be used for parades, has been finished and enclosed by
a strong paling. The turf is well established, and was used with satis-
faction in several regimental and brigade parades during the summer.
A munber of structures of masonry and substantial rustic work have
been completed, and others are well advanced. The development in
detail of this department of the work has been for the most part under
the charge of Mr. E. C. Miller, who was fulfilling the duties of Assist-
ant Architect at the date of our last Report, and whose appointment
to the position was subsequently confirmed by your Board. Seventy
acres of open ground have been laid down to turf, and thirty acres of
wood and coppice land finished. The great well has been sunk nearly
to the depth of permanent water flow, and an account of this work is
furnished by Mr. Martin, who prepared the plans in accordance with
which it has been executed. Fair progress has been made in planting
and improving the original growth of the Park. The Commission has
been fortunate in obtaining a considerable number of trees originally
planted in private grounds, of much larger size than can be had from
nurseries. Of these, several of fine character, were presented by Mr.
S. R. Trowbridge. For the removal of trees of this class, two ma-
chines have been invented and constructed on the Park, and it is de-
sirable that it should be generally known that the Commission is pre-
pared to transplant to the Park any thrifty low-branched tree, the
weight of which with its ball of roots will not exceed fifteen tons.
There are many such in private grounds, which, as they stand, serve
no good purpose, and others which must necessarily fall if not soon re-
moved, to make way for new streets or buildings. The public is in-
debted to Mr. M. 8. Beach for a present of six hundred shrubs taken
from his country place on the Hudson, and to Commissioner Husted
for some fine trees for the replanting of Fort Greene.

The plan of managing the keeper’s force and the gardening work-
men in such a way that each would at times help the other, has been
gradually coming under trial, and with the advantage of a most dis-
creet and assiduous oversight on the part of the Park Inspector and
his assistants, seems to be working well. All the regular daily work

soa pecinll, oa

—.

47

required to keep in tidy order the walks, steps, seats, shelters, arches,
bridges and other constructions with which visitors have to come di-
rectly in contact, is now done by the keeper’s force early in the morn-
ing, before visitors ordinarily require their attention, while any insuffi-
ciency in the number of keepers arising from illness or from unexpect-
ed demands upon them, is at once made good by drafts from the
gardening hands. Both wings of this organization are advancing
satistactorily in a proper understanding of the duties that will be re-
quired of them, and in efficiency.

In pruning the old forest trees an extension ladder, invented for the
purpose by our general foreman of gardening work, has been found of
much yalue.

We have to lament the death of Mr. G. D. McMillan, who until-the
middle of the last planting season, had been charged especially with
the detail of arrangement and the planting of the greater part of the
shrubbery of the Park. He was a faithful and zealous public servant,
an intelligent and tasteful gardener, and a man of estimable
character.

The re-grading of Fort Greene is essentially complete, and about
two-thirds of the new ground has been finished and planted, in ac-
cordance with the design approved by the Board. The portion of the
ground intended as a place for public meeting was some time since
completly graded, and the greater part of it paved. It has been in use
for several months asa drill ground, and will be available for all its de-
signed purposes early next summer. One mile of the walks of the in-
terior pleasure ground has been graded, one half of which has been
completely laid with the Scrimshaw patent pavement, with gratings
and other suitable arrangements for efficient drainage.

The plan of Carrol Park as it originally existed, has been revised,

_ the length of walk being considerably reduced, the width increased,

and other changes made. The walks have been laid with the Fiske
patent pavement on a new plan, slightly dishing to the centre, so as
to avoid the necessity of side gutters. The plan is found to work
well, giving practically an increased accommodation, and causing ap-
parently no perceptible greater inconvenience. An open area in which

_ children can play without interrupting communication on the walks,

has been formed at one end, and in this paved space fixed swings and
see-saws were set up just before the close of the season. Two
small houses for the accommodation of visitors, with refreshment

48

stands, tool closets and water closets, have been erected. A decorated
flagstaff has also been lately set up.

None of these improvements were completed until the end of the
season, but the effect in increasing the value of the Park to the public
was evident during all the latter part of the summer and autumn in
an attendance fully twice as large as was observed the preyious year.

Respectfully,
OLMSTED, VAUX & CO.,

Landscape Architects and Superintendents.

BROOKLYN, January 1, 1869.

& Abate

Hayward, States & Koch, 171 Pearl Stil

NETHERMEAD ARCHES.

uehieden ©) ay

OF

C.C. MARTIN, ENGINEER-IN-CHARGE.,

Park ComMMISSION, Ciry OF BROOKLYN,

ENGINEER'S OFFICE, January Ist, 1869.

Messrs. OLMSTED, VAUX & Co.,

Landscape Architects and Superintendents.
GENTLEMEN:

During the past year the paving of the interior portion of the Plaza
with Belgian blocks has been completed. The interior curbing has
all, been set, and the corners properly placed. The foundations, steps,
and brick paving for the flagstaff areas have been completed. The
sewer, water, and gas pipe were laid before the paving was done. The
railroad track of the Flatbush Avenue line has been laid around the
side of the fountain with curves of two hundred feet radius as designed,
but it was found impossible, with the ordinary construction of road,
to keep the cars upon the track without elevating the outer rails on
the curves, and this having been done, seriously interferes with the
symmetry and harmony of the general grade of the Plaza. This can
only be rectified when the increase of traffic becomes sufficient to war-
rant the Railroad Company in making some improvement in the con-
struction of the cars to meet the serious difficulties that unavoidably
occur at this important point. At Manchester a central guide wheel
has been successfully used for several years, and this, or some similar
arrangement should, as soon as practicable, be experimented with on
the Plaza cars.

50

ROADS.

The Park roads made during the season do not differ materially in
construction from those described in my last Report; the principal
portion however having the Rubble foundation. The Rubble founda-
tion is much cheaper than the Telford; and so far as observations
have been made upon the Park roads during the year, there are no in-
dications in favor of the Telford. This result might not hold for
traffic roads, but for light driving on a park it is undoubtedly
true.

That portion of Franklin Avenue which bounds the Park on the
south, and divides it from the Kings County Parade Ground has been
remodeled and improved. Special effort has been made to secure
economy of construction, with the expectation of a reasonably good
and durable roadway. The width of the Avenue is now one hundred
feet, fifty feet of which is devoted to sidewalk—(thirty feet on the Park
side and twenty feet on the Parade Ground side)—and fifty feet to
roadway.

The excavation was made to a depth of fifteen inches below the
finished grade, over the entire roadway, and this depth was filled with
a coarse material, from our Lake excavation, which was composed en-
tirely of sand, gravel and stones varying in size from the finest sand to
stone of from six to eight inches in diameter. In making the fill, care
was taken to rake forward the stones and coarse gravel into the bot-
tom, thus leaving a surface of a firmer although porous material. Upon
the surface thus prepared a layer of about one-fourth of an inch of
loom was placed, and the whole thoroughly rolled with rollers varying
from three to seven tons in weight. The result is a drive not equal to
the Park drives in many respects, but still a very great improvement
upon the ordinary roads of the country. The curb and gutter is like
that generally used in the city, and is carefully laid, and the road for
a distance of five feet from either gutter is paved with cobble stones.

No experiments with new kind of roads have been made during the
season. ‘The sample laid by the Scrimshaw Patent Concrete Company
in October, 1867, has been in constant use since, and in addition to
the ordinary Park driving it has been subjected to the wear incident
to the transportation over it of several thousand yards of material, in
arts and wagons. It has constantly improved under this treatment,
and is at the present time in good condition. The sample laid by the
Fiske Pavement and Flagging Company has not answered so good a

51

purpose, the surface having to some extent disintegrated and worn
away. The circumstances under which this was tried were, however,
yery unfavorable to the pavement, as it was put into use within an
hour after it was laid, (at the time of opening the first Park drives),
and it should have had time to become hard before being used. I
_ think it would be well to try experiments with any style of roads that
promises to be an improvement upon gravel roads. Perhaps nothing
better than a gravel road, when in good condition, could be desired,
but a kind of road surface which will reduce the cost of maintainance
certainly is desirable. The expense of maintaining gravel roads is
very great. The gravel disintegrates under the action of horses feet
and carriage wheels, and if the roads are not constantly and thorough-
ly watered, this disintegrated material is blown away as dust during
the summer. If not blown away, at every heavy raina large propor-
tion of it is washed from the road into the silt basins. This not only
entails the loss of that amount of valuable material, but necessitates
the renewal of the road surface, and this in turn requires excessive
watering and expensive rolling, and incidentally the expensive cleaning
of silt basins and sewers, follow from the use of destructable road
surface.

Two improvements in the case of roads have been tried elsewhere
with marked success. One is the use of chloride of lime and the
chloride of sodium, neither of which are expensive, in the water used
for sprinkling the roads. ‘These unite with the fine material of the
road surface, and by cementing them together, prevent both dust and
the wash before mentioned. The other is in the use of steam rollers,
in place of those drawn by horses. A steam roller can be made much
heavier, can travel much more’ rapidly, and will do a much greater
amount of work, at a greatly reduced cost. The rolling upon drives
in use could be done at night, when there was no driving, and upon
new roads at any time.

ARCHWAYS AND BRIDGES.

Both of the arches mentioned in the last Report have been com-
pleted, with the exception of the wooden lining of that arch near the
main entrance to the Park, and this is nearly finished.

The foundations for the Meadowport arch have been laid during
the season, and the abutment walls carried up to the springing line.
The excavations for the foundations developed a stiff clay soil. The
foundation was prepared by laying oak timbers, {welve inches thick,

52

about twelve inches apart, and filling the spaces between them with
concrete ; upon this foundation the heavy stones of the abutments
were laid. The superstructure of this archway is to be of Ohio stone,
and of brick.

About the same progress has been made with the Nethemead arches,
The material upon which the piers rest is a sharp, clean sand. Con-
crete one foot in depth was laid, upon which the walls were built ;
when these had been carried up about three feet, a heavy storm filled
the pit im which the foundations were, with water to a depth of eleven
feet. There being no outlet, the water filtered away between and
around the piers and abutments in a few hours, but the stability of the
masonry was not in the least disturbed thereby.

The waterway under this bridge is paved with flagging covered
with one foot of concrete, to protect the foundations from any
possibility of being undermined in times of excessive storms, or of ac-
cidents to the pools, which will be located above it. The superstruc-
ture is to be of granite, and Ohio stone facings, with a brick arch.

RETAINING WALLS.

The retaining walls at the south end of Breeze Hill, which sustain
the walks passing between the abutments of the bridge and the lake,
have been built. They are of uncoursed Rubble masonry. The width
of waterway between these walls is forty feet, and the water alongside
the walls is to be one foot in depth, when the water in the lake is at
winter level, and four when at summer level. The top of the wall is
to be three feet above the summer level of the lake.

LULLWOOD BRIDGE.

‘This bridge carries the main walk over the Lullwater, and is to have
a clear span of about thirty feet, with two side spans of thirteen feet
each. The height from the surface of the water at summer level to
the under side of the bridge will be seven feet, to permit the free pas-
sage of boats in summer, and skaters in winter. The foundations for
the piers and abutments have been laid, and the walls completed with
the exception of the capstones.

DAIRY HOUSE.

A stone dairy house has been commenced, and the walls carried up

53

ready for the plates and roof. The outer walls are of broken Ashlar
masonry, formed of small sized stones obtained by breaking boulders
found on the Park. The trimmings are of mountain Graywacke and
Ohio stone. The interior walls are of brick, and are finished.

. WALKS.

The greater portion of the walks made during the year have been
surfaced with pine tar concrete, laid under a contract with the Fiske
Patent Pavement Flagging Company. The cost for preparing the
substructure for the tar walks has been materially reduced this season,
as the concrete was laid upon the natural soil, wherever it was of tol-
erably porous material. In sections where a clayey or retentive ma-
terial was found, this was removed toa depth of six inches and re-
placed with gravel or sand. All of the tar walks laid last year have
proved satisfactory in all respects. They have not been injuriously
effected either by heat or cold, and the expense of maintainance has
been very slight, for the surfaces have not required renewal, rolling, or
sprinkling. The heaviest rains have not damaged them in the

slightest degree.

The surface water as it flows from these walks into the silt basins,
carries no sediment with it, and this incidentally produces a great
saving of expense in the care of silt basins and sewerage systems, as so
much less material has to be removed from them. The walks made
last year which were surfaced with fine screenings from the McAdam
stone, did not prove satisfactory, as the smaller particles washed away,
leaving the larger and angular fragments on the surface, and these
were unpleasant to walk upon. The gravel walks laid this season were
surfaced with Roa Hook gravel ; in all other respects they were made
like the stone dust walks of last year.

THE LAKE.

Work upon the Lake has been vigorously prosecuted during the
season, and all of the portion above the great concourse, comprising
more than twelve acres of water surface, has been completed. The
bottom of the Lake, over almost the entire area excavated, is composed
of coarse sand or gravel, than which nothing could be more unsuitable
for retaining water. The drainings from the Park surface nearly all
tend towards the Lake, and at times, during the progress of the exca-
vation, the water from heavy storms accumulated to a depth of from
one to two feet, but owing to the exceeding porous nature of the bot-

54

tom, the entire quantity filtered away in a few hours. There being
no natural supply of water on the Park except surface drainage, it be-
came a matter of vital importance to make an artificial bottom to
the Lake, which should be as nearly impervious to water as possible.
This was done as follows: the excavation was carried to adepth of one
foot below the final bottom of the Lake, and a layer six inches in
thickness of stiff clayey loam was laid on evenly, and carted over and
otherwise worked, without special care; upon this was laid six inches
of blue clay of very fair quality, as it was found in the pit, without
other mixture with sand or gravel. This layer of clay was thoroughly wet
and carefully cut and worked over with shovels, care being taken to have
the water and working reach the lower layer of clayey loam. The
puddling on the slopes of the Lake was protected from the action of
the sun during the progress of the work, by a layer of gravel and
stone three inches thick. ‘These will also protect the slopes from the
action of the waves in summer. ‘The slopes of the main Lake are
made with an inclination of one foot vertical to five feet horizontal.
The puddling on the bottom of the Lake was covered with water as it
was laid, and thus protected from injury by the sun.

The clayey loam which was used for the lower layer of the puddle
was found in great abuudance, over nearly the entire area to be occu-
pied by the Lake, just beneath the surface soil. The blue clay
used was found in the Hart range, and is a remarkable deposit. A
search was made by borings on all portions of the Park where clay
was likely to be found, and at this point it was discovered about three
feet below the surface. This covering was removed, and the excava-
tion of the clay carried to a depth of twenty-three feet before the bot-
tom of the deposit was reached. Immediately below the clay is ¢
mass of boulders, which rest upon a bed of sand. Over seven thousand
yards of clay have been taken from this deposit, and the indications
are that a large quantity still remains.

A temporary dam, with proper weirs, was constructed at the lower
end of the completed Lake, and the drainage waters of the Park, from
the fall rains, soon filled the Lake to a depth of three feet. From
careful daily observations of the water level it has been ascertained
that the leakage is so slight as to indicate that the method of puddling
adopted is entirely successful.

Two of the Hart Beck pools have been completed, with proper ma-
sonry dams, which are covered with rock work. The puddling of

55)

these pools consists of but six inches of clay, as the bottoms were of a
clayey character. The slopes of tho pools are generally three feet
horizontal to one foot vertical.

AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE.

But little Agricultural drainage has been laid during the season.
That laid last year has, almost without exception, proved very effica-
cious, and is generally in good working order.

WATER SUPPLIES.

The water distribution system has been extended by continuing the
six inch main around the Lake toward Franklin Avenue, and the
- twelve inch main in the direction of - Fifteenth street. The patent ce-
~ ment pipe is still used, and that which was laid last year is in good
condition, and requires no repairs.

It is proposed to obtain a supply of water for the Park use, or at
least a partial supply, from a well. This well has been located on the
south side of Lookout Hill, near the Lake, and work was commenced
upon it late in the season. It is to be fifty feet inside diameter at the
bottom, and forty-five at the top. The walls are to be of brick, two
feet thick and bound together vertically by bolts extending from the
bottom to the top, at distances of about four feet apart, measured on
the circumferance of the circle. After a careful consideration of vari-
ous methods for sinking the well, 1t was decided to build the wall, and
then to excavate the material from within, trusting to the weight of
the wall to force it down. Sixteen feet in height of the wall was laid
securely bolted together, before the excavation was commenced. A
derrick with a boom fifty-five in length was set up near the well, so
that the sweep of the boom commanded the interior of it. Iron buck-
ets containing fourteen cubic feet each were obtained, and a six-horse
power hoisting engine purchased. With these appliances the excava-
tion was commenced, and carried on with slight interruption until the
work was suspended on account of the frost.

No difficulty was experienced in the lowering of the wall. All that
was necessary was to excavate the material from beneath it, and it was
carried down by its own weight. Great care was necessary in lowering
to keep the excavation under the walls at the same level, so that the
wall should settle uniformly. The wall was lowered forty-one feet be-
fore the work was suspended, and upon excavating in the center ten

56

feet deeper, water was reached, at an elevation of fourteen feet above
tide level, and fifty-one feet from the surface of the ground. Mr. L. Y.
Schermerhorn, Division Engineer, gave the work his careful attention,
and to his good judgment and intelligent supervision the success of the
work, thus far, 1s in a great measure due.

SKATING.

As before stated, the Lake was partially filled with water in Novem-
ber. Early in December, much earlier than usual, ice formed, and
up to the present time has been in good condition for skating. The
Union Pond Patent Ice Planers have been used for planing the ice, and
so far as my observation extends, these planers, with the accompanying
snow cleaners, are the most efficient implements for the care of ice that
have as yet been invented. Cuttings of any required depth can be
taken, limited only by the propelling power, and the surface is left
nearly as smooth as new frozen ice.

A temporary skating house has been erected one hundred and sixty-
eight feet long, and twenty-eight feetwide, with a platform in front six-
teen feet wide. This was was placed over the water, and is supported
by stone piers.

FORT GREENE.

The improvement of this Park having been authorized, work was
commenced in June, and was prosecuted with considerable energy un-
til it was suspended on account of frost. The following items are the
most important so far executed. The Gant has been graded and
paved with coal tar concrete. The Artillery Road has been graded
and paved nearly its entire length, and since both of these are liable to
be used for horses, the paving was made four inches in thickness.
The walks were paved with the same material, but like those on Pros-
pect Park, the material was laid only three inches thick. These walks
are made without side gutters. The depression is in the middle, and
the silt basins and gratings are also in the middle. The shaping of
the grounds and the re-arrangement of the trees has progressed as rap-
idly as possible, with the force employed. The work has been under
the immediate charge of Mr.'T. P. Kinsley, Division Engineer, who,
with his corps of able assistants, have performed their duties in a very
creditable manner.

Mr. F. Mollard has been General Superintendent of labor, and has
evinced good executive qualities.

Or
~~

I am happy to be able to state that the same interest in the work,
which existed last year, still continues undiminished, and the same
harmony of action throughout the Park organization remains unbroken.

Messrs. Culyer and Bogart still continue to be the same competent
and efficient aids as heretofore, and leave nothing to be desired in the
management of their respective departments.

Mr. John McGuire, as General Foreman of the Labor Department,
has discharged the duties of his responsible position with great credit
to himself, and to my entire satisfaction.

CC; MARTIN,

Engineer-in-Charge.

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OF

JOHN BOGERT,

MSStISTANT ENGINEER IN CHARGE.

PARK COMMISSION, CITY OF BROOKLYN,
ENGINEER'S OFFICE, January Ist, 1869.
C. C. Martin, Esq,

Hngineer in Charge.
SIR:
I submit herewith the following tables, showing the amount of work

done upon the Park during the past year, and also the total amount
done up to January Ist, 1869.

DRIVES.
Drives finished, 125 feet wide, (VER EWAN Hse eee Rerceate eG ree 2,167 lineal feet

Ht 60 es (lair ke\yiceenratect Sieusenees toner aust 379 Ss
s < 50 ef FEE ees Fe ae CREE Sy eRe Rt 1,657 i
e 46 & Ree Bhs Bee Act hee RSA Ch 1,100
me 40 a TE I oe ct Ore Ree 6,425 ss
“3 30 S Sted MP etre ies pe tien acinar 1,500
re 23 “s sl tae pastel rath tra ale orn iaitaau ss 1,550 of
3 50 * Franklin Avenue........ 5 ovoid) rs

Total length of drive finished................ 16,688 &

or 3 15-100 miles.

Drives'anipropress 60) feet wide:a....-2. 4 eee eee 75 lineal feet
5 50 RUMEN END: oie 'ageler aivanaletees ae ene 200 o
46 fo Ene lorattuotatarece trarscotsussepevehereverstene ‘1,400 m
: 40 Lil Neuiuestatete careers of Stet arch yetey steees 2,585 =
#8 20 se > Bralerrents wher chawistaicea enmentornars 115 ig
OED Seisea'acivic,« oro clens ciate aie aisle lel e ee epee 4,325 $

RIDES
Rides finisheds20 Meet swideys.. me nnmcrerseeiee sincere cere 1,575 lineal feet
ss 16 iMINS Rare eres Oo, one aco bS ¢ 625 ¥
‘ 15 ee Seer ES ORS Sc ave c 950 se
es 8 Oe maha da eho I aes lo tele ope er Se EES 600 es
Total. otic Soacws scene soe estes she meee ener 3,700 ‘s
or 0 71-100 miles.
Ridesin) progress;,2 0) feet widen. a. ri.) -tesioteelterl le 3,800 lineal feet.
or 0 72-100 miles.
WALKS
Walks: finished 129 feet; wide... =..-4044- cen ees e ener 181 lineal feet.
ee 20 LAT 0 tia yatonetc ae asthe oR Rae nee 408 4
f 16 SET dS Act psyot Mercer cieree | Sencha eran 8,345 oS
“ 14 EE On OR eon oer orc o.0'oc 400 -
12 wy eps De. areca a Reese sien eeere 4,803 te
10 $e OT state rapes nates) arousal oterst eee 580
3 8 SO" TW" MVE Shee alacaretoiacs bie spielen nen 275 a
: 360 - (Hort Greene) ice tteeeeieer 207 -
- 16 § SoTL | Beco ceepcin son eeepeters 570 -
“e 14 6 PND olantenceetede 1,700 vs
‘ 12 Sea Riche cc areroemree 277 ss
« 8 M (CarrolliPark) i.e rereiee 2,275 -

Walks in’ progress 129 feet .wide...-... 2.5.5.5. +s. ss scale 38 lineal feet
: 30 fo) Myierendvogtt Mae caine lateness 3,726 SY
: 25 HO” | eaieia ae a teeta Goer 1,055 S
« 20 ser py Wiz tauateye Rieicis sete calsliste eenokateeae 5,812 4
i 16 CE Aan SAS oe aa o iO oo.0 c 7,625 3
s 12 BP Monee ae Gon scon ..4,170 .
10 LEON ACR Ore Toe ITOo 775 o

——————EEE

61

Walks in progess 360 feet wide, (Fort Greene).......... 273 lineal feet.
ss 16 e Sn lei ese Nearer 150 =
e 14 <s oid IEP RE 2, Seek, Save 1,400 iy
es 12 rs PP) be ick makecreert pane 2 933 i
FRO tal peste eae cia si Series ei ninds, saieale sale 25,957 =

or 4 92-100 miles.

ae

DRAINAGE
During 1868. Total to Jan. 1, 1869.
isin. Vitrified Pipe laid, lineal ft.............:-. UsBissocacboanae 1,572
os << se GS Bie ete eal Peet eaten MP ODA ay cer eat: 6,279
oe ss Cor Rate a eRe = GiGNee eee 6,466
OW f Pe RE RI NR NS AD Gaerne terete 925
Sie < ee ee UWB aes ar coerce 2183 Oeste cerie 6 168
eens se G2) Sue See aaaeee SD sue Jao 305
Gres: ce Ca al ao one ae ee BESO Goi scores aye 10,235
omens s Se Tig eee sth SAN ee cea eae BOO BRAGS ees LL Tip?
Amy: ss ee REE SSM erie TPAARS oA eeetr ee 2,215
23 “ ik S71) ES AC tees tees ane a ob cccconace 675
Oo % : s (HorigiGreen) ae Sones oe 83
Se ce ce ‘c BAG Rasa 448
Gieie “ << TG BIE aera tcnen 1.63
Dae. sé x6 es Hee ye oleae 757
AN ss ‘ ‘ ee See SE OOGSe cae seeecets 1,066
Gas’ fs (Carroll Bark)s oes Ola a
Aa s ae ‘s ee ol O Acts sate ee Rese 310
6 “ Cement “s ce beNec. OM iNnicees Sys ae 142
SMostatl seems hyd: tenes Gee ee en JA17260" ~ 40,487
or 3 27-100 miles 7 67-100 m’ls
Tile Pipe laid—8 inch, lineal feet................ da leh aero oetere 16,869
os 24 * CE RIG SEN A | ROE BOE AO nar Varied Becta ee cn 25
re 4 O Se TSE EE ae Ske eee Salo Sees emcee 22,651
. eos LoS Rees Aen een TS S40 Re pcos oie 6,720
INOCAIS Ba Se A os rr 11,174 46,265
or 212-100 miles 8 76-100 m’ls_
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
Wrought Iron and Cement Pipe—16 inch.............. 3,023 lineal feet.
ns es se ABE Lead erste poe eee ORD 2.183 “
s se es Gin eee Rcst eta atere 4.586 ss
S ‘ *S A elt SAA ea wot otic 2,010 “
ENOL cies 9 executes Rene ERELE Aa RnR eS ees er een 11,802 s¢

or 2 24-100 miles.

Cast Iron Pipe—20 inch........ hoe, o a sanieremr Caras araers 547 lineal feet.
$ GY Ses. cree ea enee Resse net heuer eho eee 29 ss
+ 3 (oa EERE REL cA Ca RE Es 2A 180 :
ale * een Sa moree amir Cian bs: 43 ai
< 4 MR EMeroeh ceiactokcas oOo Cac oo aera ust - 1,427 cf
Ota ae 2. aioe eee eee Eee eee Lineker ee 2,026 fF

Blow-offs and Branches’, <.. 6555.00. s iw soi © « so else soles aCe ene 41
Stop-Cocks's << css. cis.c.c'enrevs sve craic aso 12 + sole costa iellele chcene) ene eee 24
PAF Oran te sara sscciots shavs,cge mine nea rovavclate rs elie MPR rs, ne seocs = 20
RGQUECEEE iro ao tore ancien dee oe BRCM Orisa jo cos enecnc. 3
2) 52): oe ae en ee eee ee an Seg Socanepouaes 2

AREA OF OPERATIONS UP TO JANUARY IST, 1869.

Area worked over up to January Ist, 1869...................- 302 acres.
‘ : 4 s¢ al iqpaksliteeta cetoancoadTn ooo 2 2054 *
Area of surface finished—meadows and slopes..............+-+: 109 acres.
ie < WOO land). 6... cc \aniieiststotels slerace etna lis
vs WaATEYSUTTACES: ¢.)s.- 1) sles sleet 124 “
iE roads and! walksi.-)0-.. --1s-i-iei eee 264 “

0) ny tn Pin Ae Sern OG NE ON cog a oc i ee
Arearvof-suriace! seeded .i)./s/5 is) rej etaciste eerereuoeiete sie tie acter oeete .. 128 acres
MASONRY.

Amount of “brick, MAaSOnry su cs.0 6" 4 eras oslo o'gerpe een 1,766 cubic yards.
9 Concrete tor COm. wyaiccysck cletacietic cnc aceite 67 a
“ StONE! MASONTY:.:.05 5065 ne scot. onc atssremischar 2,868 i
i concrete for! Goes ois ese estes ecemie em reese 593 a
a stone dressed for arches and buildings. ..... 974 ot
we c BLEPB ici. wine <taes centage tio 952 lineal feet.
es Curbystonedressedamine ee ceemieeeenie reer 21,269 Ue
i: $m IRIE 5 sarstere wcsrorp sneioeicins eo eyeees 45,556 e
ae Belgian pavement laid...........-:..... 293,562 sup. feet.
‘e Cobble oe Se, patie traits Laan aera 47,516 ef
AMOUNT OF STONE BROKEN.
McAdam stone by stone breaker.................2---- 8,848 cubic yards
Telford sf LEN es ER UNESCO Siac SUGC 6,627 =
Spall ss PCI SADA OG OOOO POS COD. 11,437 ie

63

MATERIAL MOVED.

During 1868. Total to January 1, 1869.
For grading and shaping drives, bridle-roads,

walks, meadows and slopes—cubic yards, 52,247.............. 271,526
For lakes, pools and streams.... e PURO). oao0000coc0ac 304,922
HOrmilaziaiessie sae sie iereielGieere es ss PUNO. sc cccoccca oo oll yPh aia
For sewers and drains.... ..... “f An OA aha nO ANE 53,164
Soil, 0 oie eecace aan oe Ren us GOBWooocnsuvscoees 330,012
IPGEibs sca ODEO RM Os rE net sf ACO Bilt Meesmeeticee coe 46,020
(Cleny Ape enial ole an valen emelo acres abso ob BU Steerer ici g aera 27 876
Manures and compost.......... MS TA GTS s ck celia dees 25,400
ISLOMO Re R stars ayer Sete wteicvic che. s DAVAO eieee eae soem esos 63,961
Giravelltand) Sandoa.-) .4s..see- Gs Doyo Oiciysteoeweeemeuate 60,220
Miscellaneous). . 3.45.56 c00- 50 - oi BOS enkete cpanel 14,624

Motalicubicnyardsanerrretcces eae AN 2020s crsiicscuctctaeicls 1,420,080

ENGINEER CORPS.

The general organization of the Engineer Corps remains as during
previous years. The Assistant Engineers, Mr. Wilson Crosby, Mr.
James C. Aldrich, and Mr. L. Y. Schermerhorn, with Mr. T. P. Kins-
ley at Fort Greene, during the progress of that work, have been con-
stantly and actively employed, and have given careful and valuable
service, and the Corps generally, has performed its duties with energy
and ability.

Accompanying this Report will be found a map showing the gen-
eral progress of the work ; a map showing the drainage system as ex-
~ ecuted, and a map showing the water distribution as far as completed.

~ Respectfully submitted,

JOHN BOGART,

Assistant Engineer in Charge.

To

. y = a Tea aay eT)

Rete POR rT

OF

JOHN Y. CULYER,

ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN CHARGE.

Park COMMISSION, CITY OF BROOKLYN,

ENGINEER’S OFFICE, January Ist, 1869.

C. C. MarTIN, Esq.,
Engineer in Charge.
SIR:

The following is a Report of means and materials employed in the
construction of the Park during the year ending December 31st,
1868, together with the usual statistics for the same period.

FORCE.

During the early part of the year the main body of the force was em-
ployed in the Lake district, a part was engaged in stone-breaking, and one
gang in taking out peat in the pigeon ground. This work having
been prepared with special reference to providing employment for the
winter, was carried on economically, and continued to the opening of
Spring, keeping at work during the severe months of January, Feb-
ruary aud March, an average of 755 men. On the disappearance of
frost, the area of operations being considerably enlarged, the force was
increased to 1,215 men during the month of April.

The following statement will show the average number of employed

66 ;
force during the several months of the year, together with a compara-

tive table for preceding corresponding years.*

STATEMENT SHOWING THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYED FORCE
FOR THE MONTHS AND YEARS NOTED.

Feb. May |June.| July.) Aug.| Sept.| Oct. | Nov.| Dec.

Year.! Jan. March| Apr.

~* Active operations commenced
1866 jon the Park in the latter part of | 800 | 325 | 450 | 550 | 620 | 700 | 725
the month of June, 1866.

1867 | 700 | 630 410 | 800

1000 |1150 (1200 |1525 |1750 |1825 |1800 |1100

1868 | 944 | 812 | 508 |1215

1047 |1189 |1095 |1090 |1116 |1118 |1167 | 912

There were two hundred and ninety-seven days, during which the
main part of the force was employed. The largest number of men em-
ployed at any one time was in the month of April, viz:—1,392 as
against 1,840 for the preceding year.

The statements of force are made up from observations of the

actual number of men at work daily, throughout the year, on the
Park.

The improvement of Fort Greene Park was begun June Ist, 1868,
with a force consisting of two gangs. About the Ist of August another
gang was added, and work continued thus till the close of the season,
giving employment to an average of 120 men. There were 175 work-
ing days from June Ist to December 31st.

ORGANIZATION.

The form of organization remains as previously reported. Changes
are of frequent occurrence, consequent upon the devolpment of inca-
pacity to discharge the duties required, on the part of men who have
sought employment either as foremen, assistants or laborers. It has
been made the duty of Engineers of Division and the General Fore-
men to establish, wherever classes of work admit of it, standards for
comparing day’s works with the view to derive the largest amount of
labor from men receiving a given amount of wages, and the standards
thus established have resulted profitably. The force of stone-cutters,

67

masons, brick layers, carpenters and blacksmlths was largely
augmented in consequence of the development and progress of arch-
ways and other constructions requiring mechanics’ labor.

DISCIPLINE.

The following abstract shows the promotions, suspensions and dis-
charges which have occurred during the year :

PROMOTIONS.
Promotions from laborers to Assistant Foremen.......... 1
Promotions from Assistant Foremen to Foremen......... 4

Promotions from Foremen to Assistant General Foremen. 1
Promotions from -Assis’t Gen’] Foremen to Gen’] Foremen. 1

There were five resignations of Foremen and Assistants, and
three deaths.

SUSPENSIONS.
Number of Foremen suspended for breach of discipline...... sou LG
Number of Assistant Foremen suspended for breach of discipline... 10
Number of laborers suspended for breach of discipline........... 145
DISCHARGES.

Number of Foremen discharged for disobedience of orders and

MECISee OHCMA7s cus Seeboocoseecenao dc oDeooUCOGE AES 3
Number of Foremen discharged for inefficiency.............. 3
Number of Assistant Foremen discharged for inefficiency...... 9
Number of Assistant Foremen discharged for other offences. .. 3
Number of laborers, &c., discharged for neglect of duty and

pie MNCIOMO Vaart etc sce ae hs ok P eirien ren one ee Peak 327
Number of men discharged for intoxication ...... seperti store ot 10

ACCIDENTS, &C.

During the year five men were injured by falling of banks of earth,

and in the severe heat of the summer season several sunstrokes oc-

curred, resulting fatally only in one case, owing to the fact that reme-
dies and proper attention were promptly provided by the foremen and
keepers, in accordance with printed instructions.

68

KEEPERS, AND THE PUBLIC USE OF THE PARKS.

This branch of the force has remained substantially the same as
noted in the Report for 1867. Several minor modifications in rank
have occurred, and the scope of duties has in some instances been en-
larged in accordance with the intentions of the scheme of organization,
and to meet the requirements incident to the growing use of the Park
by the pbulie.

An extended stretch of drive has come into use during the past sea-
son, together with walks, bridle-roads, and wood-land, the latter
having been particularly attractive to out-door gatherings, and these
have added much to the demand made upon the keepers’ force.

The several minor Parks throughout the city, under the charge of
the Commission, have each required a certain amount of surveillance.
In addition to what might be ordinarily considered the proper duties
of an organization of this nature, it must be remembered that a con-
siderable amount of labor is involved in the necessity existing of con-
stant vigilance and close observation over the property of the Com-
mission, scattered as it is, over all points on the work.

‘The force consists of—

Two Head Keepers, One Station Officer,
Six Wardens, Sixteen Range,
and Twenty-four Post Keepers.

As heretofore, in cases of absence of regular members, or in cases of
emergency requiring increased numbers, the force has been augmented
by detailed men from the gardening force, selected with special refer-
ence to their fitness to do the required duty.

Thirty-seven arrests were made during the year, of which the fol-
lowing is a summary account:

PROSPECT PARK.

For fast driving....... i Gite a wees oh be Oe oe)
Hor stealime: 5.5 actegec a sleitetenieine oer ota ene op 2
For insulting Visitors... << «<is.cis) +00. «ee ee 2
For interfere with, keepers: . ayes, 0; +: i ee
For disorderly, cond wet.ch2..1 «ssvamerasy «+ sc hee es
Imsanie PerBoms..\si\. oa. 662 ee dest sin. © opegete o1e eee
FORT GREENE.
Por ‘assaw@lt. 000.0000 RIT cll 5 eee
For ‘disorderly conduct: .\........0. 4). ss eee vee B— 4

TOG AT ss ione: dczid od o.@ bia 6 0 creteielalose wa tete Ole ean Ena aH

69

These cases have been in most instances promptly acted upon by
the several magistrates before whom they have been taken.

The trouble and annoyance heretofore attending the running at
large of animals of all kinds, belonging to persons living in the
neighborhood of the Park, has been almost entirely abated since the
establishment of a pound, under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
Two hundred and fifty animals, including horses, cows, goats, calves
and hogs have been impounded and redeemed by their owners, or sold
to pay expenses, during the year.

The number of visitors to the Park has been very largely increased.
The following tables of persons entering the Park have been made
up from daily records at the several entrances. The visitors generally
recognize the necessity for a close observance of the rules, and show a
desire to co-operate with the keepers in maintaining order.

STATEMENT SHOWING THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO PROSPECT PARK
DURING THE YEAR 1868.

1868. Vehicles. | Equestrians.| Pedestrians. | TotalVisitors

JRC CIN/ SUS See eee nee 11.440 1.301 62.012 *04.443
IDG ORTATATG a Gig EGO CenS Sa 16.476 510 42.504 90.982
AVIS C ARE =H) Socyie)c/= = eceisiets eieis's 16.085 3.304 27.281 75.938
SS\DIBIL, o: Cece qi cia gene a eae nara 19.089 5.287 25.942 88.502
INES 35.046 GEICO Oe Sere 38.871 7.623 69.478 194.457
JUNG: SEES Ce eee eee 65.485 8.825 102.544 508.988
TU 0 6 69 5.0.0 Serer 52.877 5.214 98.967 266.821
ATTICA 25 8S Ati ERR 51.1338 6.369 117.425 277.193
SSPLCMUDETA vote ieocveis sleraisteisrs 37.849 4.863 60.3822 177.242
Octobenadesnsas west os a0 49 684 8.329 72.3825 229 .942
INOVEMIDCT 6 3 5. ccis:s sore cis ss 44.909 10.113 . 44.027 188.247
WECEMMDET vs chicrs cnet scales 18.200 3.180 | 86.056 144.042

PRO ANS Harare cys Sera /syein suets | 421.598 | 64.918 | 808.893 | 2.136.342

* It is estimated that each vehicle will average three persons.

70

The largest number of visitors entermg the Park in any one day
was 51,201, on May 31st, 1868. 690,106 persons visited the Park on
Sundays. It is also noticeable that 64,918 equestrians haye made use
of the Park during the year.

In the month of May of this year, the west woods were thrown open
to the public, as a pic-nic ground, subject to established regulations
for their use. Scups and swings were placed about the woods, together
with tables and seats for the pleasure and convenience of these gather-
ings. A temporary waiting room was put up on the grounds for the
convenience of women and children.

A

During the ensuing season, over 75 pic-nic parties, numbering from
100 to'500 persons, under the auspices of Churches, Sunday Schools,
and other Societies, made use of these grounds.

SKATING.

The first skating season was inaugurated on Saturday, January 11th,
and with the exception of five days, January 21st, 22d, 23d, 24th, and
27th,) was uninterrupted till its close on Saturday, March 11th—44
days. The pond covered an area of between four and five acres, with
suitable accommodations for the public.

The second season commenced on Saturday, December 12th, and
with the exception of two days (December 17th and 21st), continued
until the 31st of December, as late a date as this Report is intended to
cover, giving a total of 62 skating days for the year.

The skating area has been enlarged from four and a half to twelve
_ acres, with increased accommodations for the public use. “During the
skating season of 1868, over 200,000 persons visited the Pond. ‘The
number of visitors to the Pond on Christmas day was 21,000.

(fii

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

A systematic course of Meteorological observations was begun in the
month of July, a summary of the records of which is herewith

appended.
OBSERVATORY.
Meatitudes. .2. 010 cs. SPR = SURI aON Rese tae 40 41 North.
BOM CAC arcs tcp oles apse ayes ws wei ekeuel ay wie Aieueps ordre mapas es 73 57 West.
Height of ground above the sea................... ° 117 feet.
Height of instrument above the ground. .............. 20

Height of instrument above the sea

eeee

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE, No. 1.

137

Table showing the observed heights of the Barometer, monthly, for the half

year ending December 31st, 1868.

Month, Mean at/Mean at|Mean at| Month | Maxi- | Mini- Diffr’nce
1868. 7 A.M.|2 P.M.|9 P.M.| Mean. | mum. | mum. | p07
ange.
Hilo oo cageooued 30.018 | 30.013 | 80.012 | 80.014 | 80.200 | 29.730 | 0.470
JVC SIC 30.050 | 30.049 | 30.045 | 80.048 | 30.280 | 29.740 0.540
September en 30.056 | 80.0438 | 30.088 | 30.046 | 30.350 | 29.840 | 0.510
Octobers see. +. 30.029 | 30.099 | 30.049 | 30.059 | 30.490 | 29.700 | 0.790
November.... ..| 29.937 | 29.881 | 29.970 | 29.929 | 30.400 | 29.160 1.240
December....... 29.887 |; 29.909 | 29.949 | 29.915 30.700 28.900 1.800
Semi-year mean, at 7 A. M. of 184 observations, 29.996
Semi year mean, at 2 P. M. of 184 observations, 29.999
Semi year mean, at 9 P. M. of 184 observations, 50.011

Semi-year mean of

i

552 observations,

30.002

Maximum for the half year........... . 80.700
Minimum for the half year............. 28.900

at 7 A. M. Dec: 26.
at 7 A. M. Dec. 12.

Difference or range.....-........ 1.800

72

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE, No. 2.

Table showing the state of the Thermometer, monthly, for the half year ending
December 31st, 1868.

| |
Month. FORENOON. AFTERNOON.

ee aks Month Mazi: | Meee Dif’tnce
o. of No. of or
1868. Obser- | Mean. | Obser-| Mean. | Mean, | ™um | mum./Range.
vations vations |
= : |
Ul Vis tacterisrestes« 31 73.05 62 | 79.41 | 76.58 | 97.00 | 62.00 | 35.00
PANTO UStiets eines 3l 69.50 61 74.91 | 72.20 | 90.00 | 57.00 | 33.00
September....... ' 30 61.37 59 66.28 | 68.83 | 87.50 | 48.00 | 44.50
Octobers-eeo eae 31 48.50 61 52.34 | 50.42 | 71.00 | 31.00 | 40.00
November....... 30 39.53 | 60 43.95 | 41.74 | 66.00 | 29.00 | 37.00
Decembe:..... .. 31 26.47 62 28.93 | 27.70 | 42.00 | 4.00 | 38.00
Semi-year mean in forenoon, of 184 observations.................. 538.19
Semi-year mean in afternoon, of 865 observations.................. 57.64
Semi-year mean of............ 549 observations....... .......... 55.41
Maximum durin the haliyeans. eee eee 97.00
Minimum during the half year... ....:..°).. <a 4.00
Difference*or range...) 46k oe eee 93.00

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE, No. 3.

Table showing the durations and depths of rain, monthly, during the half year
ending December 31st, 1868.

Bee q alas
Month CEs DURATION | .& Bg
ad Bl ene ea zs REMARKS.
wes. [8 28/2/8 2 | Fe | oe |

PAde WI fest i

| | he te
a yicys yaar ets oy sate 11 fl) Da LOD TO ad LO A number of light show-
Amprust. . 22/2). 12 17 | 50 | 2.53 |13.63 | ers cecurred during July,
September...... 9 22 | 15 |11.85 |25.48 | August, and the first part of
Octobersiiane nce 9 1 | 14 | 36 | 1.90 |27.88 | September, but not of such
November.... .. 6 1 | 12 | 08 | 4.20 |31.58 | a character as to warrant a
December....... 4 21 | 57 | 2.45 |84.03 | measurement.

Totals... / 51 6 | 21 | 56 |84.08

73

MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.

During the summer season two temporary places for refreshment
were provided on the Park. One of these was located in the Kast
Woods, and the other and larger one in the West Woods or pic-nic
grounds.

Twenty-four drinking stations were provided during the warm
weather, to which cool water was constantly supplied by water carts.
Temporary water closets were established in three localities. Nine
large swings and twenty-one small scups were placed about the East
and West woods, at convenient points for the use of the public.

During the year 103 Park seats of iron and wood, 7 feet long; 45
Park seats of iron and wood, 5 feet long, and 60 Park seats of iron and
wood, 4 feet long, have been placed about the Park; also 13 tables, 12
feet long by 3 feet wide, each, and 24 camp stools, for the use of pic-
nic gatherings. One rustic thatched roof summer house and one
vinery, 32 settees and 46 bird-houses have been made during the year.

CARROLL PARK.

Two Lodges have been erected. One ornamental flagstaff, a fixed
frame swing, fifty-two Park seats of iron and wood were placed at
convenient points about the Park. One hundred and fifty bird-
houses for the use of the sparrows were put up in the trees.

SUPPLIES.

The usual Annual statement herewith annexed, comprehends under
its different divisions, the receipts and issues of supplies, together with
the stock on hand. This statement shows the material, &c., received
each year, and the aggregate of each article to January Ist, 1869.

TOOLS, IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY,

At this season of the year, all tools, implements, &c., not needed for
use, are collected and stored under cover, and are overhauled and put
into serviceable condition for spring work. Derricks, gearing, trucks,
&e., are painted, impaired iron and wood work replaced and_ stored
under cover until needed,

TREES AND SHRUBS.

The following statement shows the number of deciduous trees,
shrubs, evergreens, &c., purchased during the year; also the stock of
the same in the nursery, together with quantites planted during the
year :

STATEMENT SHOWING ‘THE NUMBER OF TREES, SHRUBS, &e., RECEIVED

DURING THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER #31sr7, 1861.

Trees. ab Wee Shrubs. |Evergreens| Vines. | Ferns. a ae Rb o
I a eed OME SEE NL =. 458 r
9.637 Ah 56.385 20.718 | 2.256 | 1.900 | 291 | 15.252

3,500 to 4,000 creeping vines, (Periwinkle); about 5,000 wild trees
and shrubs were selected and removed from the commons west of
the office.

STOCK IN NURSERY, DECEMBER 3l1sr, 1868.

Deciduous

Deciduc :
Wecaeet Evergreens. Seabee Vines. Aggregate.
17.546 29.720 63.850 | 4.953 116.069

STATEMENT SHOWING THE NUMBER OF TREES, SHRUBS, &o C., PLANTED

DURING THE YEAR.

Deciduous
Shrubs

Deciduous
Trees.

baceou

Evergreens
P ants.

Ferns. Total.

Vines. ieee
|

2.881 | 2.184 | 16.558 | 3.498 3.264 1.5380 29.913

169)
FERTILIZING MATERIALS.

The following quantities of manure, night soil and fertilizing mate-
rials have been received and are on hand:

2,021 two horse loads of horse manure, (1,454 loads of this have been
received under contract, from the several City R. R. stables.)
753 loads of night soil, (used in composting.)
661 bbls. of fish offal.
21,427 lbs. of super phosphate of lime.
700 bushels of shell lime.
275 loads of lime, (mixed with peat.)

Quantities of compost on hand:

PROSPECT PARK.

/ Siaule manure, COmMpOst,.- +. 22s... oc 4.4. 4,480 cubic yards
Night soil, OS) NN are EN al i eer ae tier 3,220 <
Fish, SME heroin cea yrds 835 G
eerie ciulntTnes re des 15,570 f

FORT GREENE.

SeAMlesnranninres COMMPOSta su. 0+. sees 2% 875 cubic yards.

Of the large quantity of dimension stone ordered during the year,
the greater part is for bridge A and F, (incomplete at this time), and
is now on hand. Bridge A is to be built of Ohio sandstone, all of
which is on hand and in process of cutting. Bridge F is of Ohio
stone and Quincey granite. The Ohio stone is on hand, and cutting
nearly complete. The granite is mainly delivered and in process of
cutting. Suitable quantities of brick and cement were purchased be-
fore the close of the year, ready for early Spring work on these
structures.

JOHN Y. CULYER,

Assistant Engineer in Charge:

=~