The Placer herald., 1860-02-11
New York Central Park.

Ihe Central Park OF New Y Ork embraces
an area Of eight hundred and forty-three
acres, and is two and half miles long by
half mile wide. The most elevated por-
ton of it is now completed, and is called
the "Ranbe," romantic spot interspersed
with rocks and dells; and here the genius of
man has been skilfuly applied to assist ma
ture in developing her charms. From the
topmost rock on which is placed an obser-
vatory) the whole city, and its noble bay,
with the blue hills Of Staten Island in the
distance, are spread open to the view of the
spectator. Neat walks are laid out among
the grey gneiss rocks, and crystal springs
send forth their bubbIing waters like threads
of silver to wind down the hill sides; while
beds of flowers and clumps of shrubbery
afford evidence of a master mind in the whole
arrangement.
When completed, there will be within the
park, eight and half miles of carriage
drive, five miles of bride road for equestri-
ans, and thirty miles of footwalks. Several
miles of carriage roads are already opened
to the public; four additional miles having
been completed and carriages admitted to
it on Saturday last. The portion along the
carriage way now finished is called the
MALL" the road way of which is 35 feet
wide, and with the side grass bctings it is
2Os feet wide, forming most spIe did pro-
menade. As works of engineering, the road
is unequalled. They are all macadamized,
made hard as rock, and smooth as the
celebrated Boulevards of Paris Three arti
fetal lakes are being laid out, one of which
covers 20 acres, and forms the skating pond.
A large extent for helps and lawns are as
signed for the cvolutons of military com
panes, games Of ball, cricket, and other
athletic sports. For afternoon carriage drives,
pedestrian exercises, and other heathful re-
creations, the Central Park Is one of the
most beneficial undertakings in which the
city of New York has ever engaged, and its
benefits will be more fully appreciated years
hence than at the present day.
The engineering works now being carried
on are worth visit from India to witness
they are grand and comprehensive. Several
bridges are being erected, which, in point of
architectural beauty, have Tot their equal on
our continent, and are not surpassed by
others anywhere. The most complete sys-
tenn of draining is carried out, and several
miles of rock will have to be blasted to effect
this object The whole grounds are laid
out according to the designs of Messrs.
Olmsterd and Vaux, civil engineers and ar
cbitects: and no less than 5000 workmen
and 400 horses are engaged in the operations.
The scene is full of thrilling interest to visi-
tors. Scattered over the wide extent of
ground, the gangs of workmen appear like
hives of busy bees; glittering carriages are
seen driving along the Mall, and gaily dres-
sed pedestrians thropg the winding foot
walks. Of all the public works undertaken
by the city of New York, it appears to give
the greatest general satisfaction, by the rea-
sonabeness of the contracts, and the lnteg-
ritv with which they are being carried out.
The work was comenced in June, 1858, and
is expected to be finished in the fall of 1860.
1t is not easy to tell what the total cost will
be- but it is estimated by some engineers that
it will reach $lO,OOO,O00. The cost of the
work. when completed will of course de-
pend upon the style and expense OF the ar
chitecturaI structures yet to be adopted and
carried out by the Board The cost of land
purchased for this park according to the
Controllers report for the present year, IS
IS .4O6.l 80. OF the 100000, author
lied by the acts of 1853 for improvements,
etc.. ST. 100000 has been already expended.
From JApAN.-L news from Hong Kong
China, Gays: Commodore Tatnall has come
down in the Powhattan, and will return by
her to Yeddo in January, for the japanese
Commissioners. They are to be taken to
Panama, and thence across the lsthaus to
the United States, the Powhattan going
around Cape Horn.