The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-10

The Museum Of Art in Central Park and
the Museum Of Natural History
in Manhattan Square.
A Number Of Private Societies to Contribute to
Their Filling-Legislative Opposition to the
Project-What the Park Commissioners
Have Done in the Matter-The
Appropriation for Both Buildings,
100000, Not Yet Touched

100000, Not Yet Touched.
The Commissioners OF the Public Parks are at
present very much concerned Qeaving out the lit
tie matters at Albany about the new Manhattan
square and the Museum OF Natural History which,
like phoenix. Is to be raised on the ashes OF
uumber OF shanties In the upper portion OF
the CITY, This land was property belonging
to the city, which was made over to the Park
Commissioners in 1870 shortly after the new
charter was passed. 1t was at the time that the
Park Commission had determined to make such
radical change In the appearance of our parks.
This land, which then and is still In the most
savage state, was just adjoining Central Park and
offered asplendid site for an additional adjunct to
the grand Park.
AFTER OBTAINING IT.
however, the Park Commission was very much in
the position OF the man with the elephant-they
did not know what TO do with it. After thinking
and debating for some time 1t was determined to
make 1t the Geological Garden Of New York but,
after several surveys. &c, it was found to be too
small for such purpose and this idea was aban-
d0ned. At that time the question began to be
debated whether New York should not possess a
great museum of natural history and science, like
every other great city in the world, ana the Park
Commission seized upon the idea and resolved to
turn Manhattan square to this Plans were
made out by the architects for q large building,
and also for the grading and establishment OF the
Park but the matter did not go any further at the
time. The Commissioners found they had about
enough to do In embelshing and changing the
downtown parks before proceeding with an entirely
new work; there it rested. When the present
Commission came In however, the idea was again
brought up, and they succeeded so well that The
last Legislature voted half million dollars for the
purpose, and voted an
ADDITIONAL HALF MILLION
dollars for the construction of a museum OF art in
Central Park, near Seventy second street. Some
time last Summer the work was begun on both.
On the Manhattan Park enclosure it was pushed
forward very rapidly and was only broken off when
Winter came on. That of the art museum was not
80 actively pursued, and at present all that has
been done has been to remove the earth prepare
tory to laying the foundation. For the Museum OF
Natural History. however, not only the earth has
been all taken away, but besides that, the iounda
ti0ns have been laid to almost level with the
ground, though of course nothing has been done
for some two months.
In this connection the Manhattan square projecte
and that OF the two museums might be spoken of
as piece Of extravaganza, when the truth Is
that the money already spent on the matter has
been q very small sum, as 1t has been mainly
done by the men in the employ Of the Commits
sioners, and hardly anything in an extra sense,
though Of course this must follow. But as yet
hardly any portion Of the million dollars granted
for the two projects has been touched, and win not
be until the work begins in earnest. The Commits.
sOners empowered to raise the money by the
issue of special bonds to be called Manhattan
have been the causes why so little has been said
1'rnt project which will be of the utmost I'M
'' THE PLANT FOR THE MUSEUM.
The plans, as designed by Mr. Oiinstead OF the
new Museum Of Natural History are OF great
mately to construct will be OF immense proper
lions, stretching for several blocks. 1t Will be
stories hIgh and will be built OF granite most prob
ably The idea of the building viii be ar original
OF European museums. With the wants now ielt
1t is believed this will be more OF o success tnan IL it
simply followed on old ideas OF such buildings
This building is for subsequent days, and 1t will,
doubt, be many years before tue whole structure IL
completed. 1t is simply intended TO add one wing
to another as the wants show themselves ana on
one plan, instead OF additions as is often DONE
differing i'll idea and ensemble from what has
process of construction is to stretch from one
cross street to another about midway between the
tire block. Like the remainder 1t will be four
stories high, and so disposed inside ais to give the
very best elect to the superb collection which 1t
will hold. 1t Is not to be alone consecrated to
natural history, but just as much TO other depart
ments Of science as will be found useful and
Instructive. In this manner the museum will be
one OF general usefulness TO science and OF honor
to the city.
HOW 1T WILL DE FILLED.
At length, and 1t is known not without some
trouble IA collection OF natural history curiostics
was got together. This is now on exhibition ut the
Arsenal and VIII continue TO be until 1t is transferred
to the new building. But alone this would be but
meagre thing to I'LL an entire museum with, and 1t
20 the American Museum OF Natural History a
nourishing society, under the presidency OF John
i've collection, which would certainly receive more
attention In public institution OF the KIND than
where nobody can see II. The arrangement en-
rights over its own property. but contemplates the
opening by the city OF building which shall be in
charge OF the society and IN which the latter may
exhibit all they have without any annoyance or in
reference by officials or politicians.
WHEN WILL II BE FINISHED?
OF Parks states that the WORK on the building and
on the square will be begun early in the Spring
just as the frost goes, and that then It viii
be very vigorously pushed forward. He says in-
bu inS bena sbe we with e nS aoa OF
or at least closed in But yet 1t Is hardly possible
to anticipate such expedition in any building o. a
public character. Yet, the foundations having
been laid tie remainder OF the work Is compare
lively easy and quick. II is only to be feared that
is not enough, and that work Will have to be
stopped some time next Autumn Tor the want OF
which would. cost more than half million. and
yet, the interior decorations and furniture being
OF simple and inexpensive character, the price
noted. The only chance of resembling vote
would knock the thing altogether upon the head at
least for this year. But the Board stronO hopes
that the Legislature. will not interfere with the
project and all will go without delay at unfore-
seen trouble. The building besides being devoted
70 natural history will have part OF 1t devoted to
'cience generally, giving greater and more use
/1 scope.
MANHATTAN SQUARE.
AS 1ar as the square itself Is concerned IL is now
etill In state OF complete savagery, and i'm onIy
the one part where the foundations OF the edifice
are has been 1t graded On one end,are two enor
nous holes which in time however viii be filled nm
The building Is intended ultimately to come within
:w0 hundred feet OF the termination of the PARK
IN each side. Around this space for promenade
&c, will be ane walks between which the space will
be filled with trees. shrubbery and all manner Of
rare and imported plants. Indeed great portion
OF the square on which the building will ultimately
extend will no doubt be devoted to horticulture