The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-05-19
A Fair Rival Of the Gen.
trail Park.
The Drives, Walks, Meadows, Lakes,
Shelters and Attractions of the
Place-Boulevards To Be
Constructed
BROOKLYN'S BEST LUNG

begins to look down from Prospect Park, the great
point of ventilation in question, upon mighty
Gotham, and has even the audacity to boldly nsinu
ate that this new park is fair rival OF the mag
nincent metropolitan Central Park. Though it is
conceded, generously, that in point OF artificial en-
bellishment OF surface and general appointment OF
detail in design the latter place OF public recreation
is far ahead Of her sister city of pious ame yet it is
justly claimed that for natural advantages such as
elevated position, rolling ground, forest trees and
extent Of scenery Prospect Park may carry of the
palm with the unbiased visitor. When 1t is con-
sdered that the work Of laying out Brooklyn Park
was not commenced until the month Of June, 1866
the progress made is really surprising The ground
was purchased for the Park at an outlay Of about
four millions OF dollars, and as much more has been
expended up to this period Two years hence, If
one million dollars additional be appropriated for
the purpose, the Commissioners are of the opinion
that the work will be complete, thus making the
total cost Of the Park 100000.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE.
1t is a task OF more than ordinary difficulty to
realize in the course OF days soourn at the Park
and contemplation the vast amount Of labor already
expended in bringing forth the now rapidly develop
ing beauties OF this attractive place. while much re-
mains yet to be DONE The area Of ground embraced
within Its limits covers $40 acres, and is bounded by
Flatbush and Ninth avenues, Coney Island road and
Franklin avenue. The principal entrance, on Flat.
bush avenue, known as the Plaza, is paved with
Belgian pavement, is ornamented in the centre
with fine fountain, statue of the late President
Lincoln, and bordered by grassy mounds decorated
with shrubbery. There are five lines of cars run
ming to the Park from various parts of Brooklyn,
and other routes are in contemplation. There is
also an entrance on Ninth avenue from Third street.
a "a n m natr Zpu
by visitors in vehicles because Of the excellent
dition of the pavement of that thoroughfare. The
other entrances are the intersection OF Fifteenth
street and Ninth avenue, Coney Island road and
Franklin avenue, and the "Willink," Flatbush ave-
nue-making five entrances in all.
'The drives" extending over a distance OF eight
miles, are known respectively as the East and West
drive. These are well laid macadamized roads, and
the scenery through which they wind around the
Park with the never:failing breeze from the ocean,
is truly delightful, and promotive Of health and
and animal spirits. Hence it is that vehicles,
freghted with health seekers and pleasursts, are
ever observable while the sun shines travelling to
and fro. Besides the drives there is already finished
three and half miles of bride roads. The path
ways and rambles for pedestrians are lined with
trees, and are amply supplied with drinking foun-
tains, shelters, arbors and urinas. The long
meadow, environed by "westwood" and enid
wood" is finished, and the fifty which 1t en-
braces form an emerald gem Of real beauty
to the eye, and now that the long grass
is being. moved and exposed to the
streng thening fiery shafts Of "old. SOL"
gives forth a most refreshing OdOr Of 'neW-
mown hay" far surprising the choicest extracts Of
the Partisan pernmer in his futile efforts to convey
which show the pedestrians path near the main
entrance, and over which rumbes the vehicles on
1.-THE drives" afford cool and pleasant resting
In I'm hnffn dove nf rrYpT
THE FORCE AT WORK.
There are at present 1000 labOrers and mechanics
this year Is only when IS
adequate to the requirements Of the Park at
this stage Of the enterprise: The Engineerin-
is assisted by an able corps OF engineers,
viz Thomas Strat1ord, John B. Ducklee and
ing the westerly side of the lake, which covers an
area of sixty-one acres-ffty-four OF which were
allotted for skating last winter They are also
working on the walks, the great slopes Of Lookout
Hill, the Music Plaza and 'Cleftridge Span,n in
Nethermead Circuit. This span which is built Of
very ornate mould, is twenty feet wide and seventy
feet long, and cost $4,000, being constructed by
contract.
The lake. over arms OF which it is designed four
bridges will cross and which is already spanned by
three has recently taken to its bosom several
swans and boats and canoes are to be hired at
Central Park rates.
THE WATER SUPPLY
for the lake is obtained chiefly from the great well
in the eastery section OF the Park, at the base OF
Lookout Hill.n This well, which Is sunk seventy
feet to depth with the tide water level Of the
rom which Is inexhausti6le It is fifty feet tp IN
diameter at the bottom and forty feet at the top
and $50 feet In circumference. II is regarded as
scientific piece of work, the mode OF its construc-
ton being somewhat peculiar owing to the depth
and sandy nature of the earth. spiral stairway
leads the lower platform in the well where steam
pumping engine is kept going night and day, and
forces up to the pool or reservoir 100000 gallons of
water in the twenty-four hours. From this source
atnpr lnlyn Tad
tersection OF Breeze Hill and Lookout drives. on
the lake border, the Refectory, a superior struc-
tute, WIN pc puo meM. year as WI a,so Terrace
Park, crossing "Full Water" This section Of the
work s decidedly crude as yet and one has to OBJ
serve it in the minds eye" in order to appreciate
it. Up to the present date twenty-four miles Of
drain pipes and six miles Of water pipes have been
laid under the supervision of the Engineer CORPS
THE HIGHEST POINT,
Lookout Carriage Concourse, seven-eighths of an
acre In area is 1856 feet above the ocean level and
the view obtained from its summit on clear day Is
unsurpassed. Then can be seen the Highlands Of
Navesink, Staten Island, the XIII Won Kull, Orange
erected next year on the highest point just above
the Concourse This building, which Is to be OF
brick and stone, will be 35 feet in width, so feet in
AZ the southerly side of the Park is forty-acre
parade ground, set apart for the Kings county mi
lita. II is furnished with spacious and ornate
frame building, suitable for the accommodation of
the officers Of regiments on parade and spectators
who may desire shady seat.
Inc fark ponce CoIPs, ConsIs,ine VI my men, Is
a neatly uniformed and picked body OF men, who
have little to do and considerable time to do 1t in.
They are fat, however, and speak volumes to the
emaciated invalid for the superexcelence OF the
salubrity of the atmosphere in which they most do
move and have their being.
THE DAIRY,
a soid-lookng, gray stone building situate in
Eastwood, is approached from the Plaza by briole
path leading from the east drive, and is decidedly
one of the most charming features OF the place for
weary pilgrims to the Park. Refreshments, such as
milk bread, butter, cheese, sandwiches, &C., are TO
be had at city rates.
COTTAGE Hill.
The Park Commission invites the attention OF in
valds, weakly persons, convaescents and mothers
of young children to the elevated ground east OF
the long meadow, near the dairy cottage, and
known as Cottage HILL
1t Is within ten minutes walk OF the Flatbush,
Ninth avenue and Coney Island cars: Is high, dry
and airy; at the greatest distance OF any point IN
the Park from al, disturbing and communicating