New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-18
THE CENTRAL PARK.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE SKATING

SEASON.
SLIDING DOWN HILT--woRK DONE THE LAST
SEASON, &C.
1t would be difficult 10 compute how many tens Of
thousands of people, especially the young and gay,
here in the metropolis are looking forward with
ioyous anticipations TO the time when old Winter
shall give notice that lis sway has commenced by
putting bis hand and seal TO lake and stream. How
many of these full of great expectations are getting
their skates and other accouiermens ready TO pay
their respects TO the Ice King in due aud ancient
form! The great point of attraction viii be the Cen
trail Park. As preparatory mcguire and proven
tive against accidents, the Lake has been drawn
down from the Summer level of seven feet 10 the
Winter level Of four feet. TIE skating surface VIII
be about 90 acres The lowering of the water leaves
high and dry a walk Of about five feet IN width
round the edge OF tie ice. The lookout for the Park
Keepers will be in the middle OF the Lake, where ten
or fifteen officers will be stationed. Five persons
are licensed to keep pavions for the sale 81 refresh
ments at rates prescribed by the Commissioners.
The sale OF intoxicating liquors il prohibited Two
persons are licensed TO hire and fell skates One Of
these il Nj. Walton. the woll-known dealer in War
rem street One man is also licensed to let lee chsrs
Of the ice. Tie persons licensed pay $3.50 each 10
tie Commissioners for the privilege OF vending anti
ces during the skating season Any infringement al
tie rates prescribed for the loan Of skates OF chs or
tie price of Refreshments will BE- punished by for
eiture of the license. Each Of the Icrsons above
named has cloak ROOM and IL bound TO take care Of
articles of wearing apparel lett with him, on the pay
nent Of from TO 10 cent?, according TO ils value,
giving check for it at the time and being refponti-
bic for its return There aso cottages put up by
the Par, authorities for the accommodation OF ladies
and children with stoves and convenencesior warm
ing II il proposed 20 erect the west tide OF the
Lake places for tie shelter Of spectators from the
wind Arrangements have been made for brilliantly
lighting the whole 20 acres, during certain nights OF
the week, with calcium ligbts. OF these there Will
be three one on the east on the south, and one
on tie northwest Of the Lake.
With a view Of giving much surface of ice as
possible the Pond at Fifty ninth street (which takes
the name of pond" in contradistnciion 10 "the
Lake" near Terrace Bird, ill al,obe thrown open
'o' 'ae decentralization Of skaters This Pond has an
area of about FIVE acres. The north arm OF this
sheet Of water ice y will be reserved for the curriers'
Of whom there are several clubs in the city. The
favorte Scotch game when played will be likely TO
draw large crowds Of spectators.
1t is popular notion that for pleasure in skating
great deal OF space is requisite. The poetry" and
..scence" Of skating however, best illustrated
nv orac eful evoulions in q small area.
Skaters VII be Interested in the following rules
and directions which have been determined upon for
the approaching season. Restrictions will also be
placed ON the use Of sharpened skates:
Do go the ice except by the paths provided o the
Zee the foot scraper. gang plank before stepping
the ice
Do drop any tobacco, cigar 'ump paper nutshes or
Avoid crowds Even thick ice is liable be cracked snd
Of persons crowd side & crack IN the ice
Il suddenly tips and endsnsers the lives Of sn upon IT.
Do not 20 ia the vicinity OF aboefs engaged IN cleaning the
Tho part keeper. provided with abundant mean' Of
Cautions or directions from Park Keeper should be iDme
Any W mt Of civil attention any charging the allowed
part Of the licensed Keeper Of any 81 tue tents or
reelment houses should be reported 70 the Para Keepers
ball viii be hois.ed TO the top Of the POLE mean tho bell
tower whenever tie ice is in fun condition ioI 'kins
The National Flag viii be kept boistcd tie Round
House IN the middle Of the main pond whouey tie Ice
be walked upon with safety and when persons can Aae vita
No one cs resi upon The ice with afety with proper
regId 20 the general interest m maintaining tls zee IL s'od
red Gag over the Round House Indicate either mat the ice
is very dangerous that being flooded for me pnfpSe OF
un new ice Is formed. red flag will not b. diphyed
es there absolute necessity that the pond should De
cleared 81, IL, .,.-.
,cou except such necessary for the prcs"Tvnon
Of t Ice in the best condition for the general enjoyment and
Ill bopcd hat they may Willingly observed by al that
The occasion to to other measures TO secure their OBJ
.sryarce viii never be required
Central Park, December, lB5l
We are pleased to state that arrangements have
been made for the old-iashioDed sport, of blessed
memory with all old boys, and ever glorious with
the Young ones of "sliding down hill" The hill IL
ue north of Seventy street. The slide runs
north and south. The principle of penon's wheel
ING himself in wheebarow, or lifting himself up
by bis pantaoous, will be illustrated, and the boys
will eat their cake and have it too'-this paradox
being effected by the shape of the ground-the boys
sidng first into valley, and the impetus given in
the descent sending them partially up bill opPo-
SITE The grades are SO arranged that all chances OF
collision are provided against.
While upon the Park, we may mention that two
fu-grown Trumpet Cranes standing about four
feet, without stockings, have been presented by o.
Granville White of Brooklyn. They quite tame
and familiar, aud pursue their search for angeworms
which constitute their chief food. with "a much free
dom as if they were at home in their native wilds.
There is also an American eagle, and contrary to all