, 1874-04-25


is now seen in as firm and grassy sward as
could be desired.
Burr oaks wero growing in the northern end
OF the park when the Commissioners begnn
serious problem, which Mr. Cleveland thinks he
has solved Hitherto when the brush around
their roota WAS cleared away, the trees have in
varlably died. This is probably due to the fact
that under the shade Of the brush the roots
sought the surface, and after the clearing could
not endure tho full heat Of the sun. A layer of
earth six inches deep has been laid, by Mr.
Cleveland under the trees, and sown With
grass seed. In this way he hopes TO save the
trees.
North Of Fifty-atth street, on both sides Of
BayArd avenue, is temporary nursery with q
conservatory. It now comprises collection OF
II varieties Of deciduous trees, numbering
as ,586 specimens. and 15 varieties Of evergreens,
numbering q, ,162 specimens; together with IS
varieties Of shrubs and vines, comprising 1888
specimens. They are tasteful1y arranged for
display. and are judiciously planted on RIDGES
the effect Of which IS not only to. preserve the
roots from injury from standing water, but to
facilitate greatly the process OF removal for ze-
planting.
The trees and plants needed for the future
ornamentation OF the park are propagated here,
and the Commissioners eave the expense to
which they were formerly put Of purchasing
them. This position is but temporary. Con-
servatorles and nursery ought to be m es-
r.,
evidently appropriate aituhtlon for them is on
the now opcu ground at the northeastern corner
Of the park, just at the O1exel boulevard en-
trance.
The attractions Of the park have been in
creased by ramble intended as place OF re-
sort for children and families. This has beon
placed with great thoughtfulness Immediately
south OF the entrance from Drexel boulevard,
aud adjacent to the dummy track Oh Cottage
Grove avenue, and therefore ensly accessible
from tho city. The effect Of intricacy and variety
is secured BY means OF irregular plantations Of
sbrubbery, to form thickets aud oopses, inter
spersed with bits OF open ground or broad lawn.
to servo as Fairgrounds for children. The paths
wind about among these scenes. opening now
views or ystas at every turn. and conveying the
Impression Of much more extended area than
it actually occupies.
Mr.. Cleveland has noticed that great interest
WAS excited by the introduction and tasteful dis
play OF brilliant masseB OF flowers on the Sec
tions between Forty-hfth aud Forty-Beyenth
streets. This affords T. gratifying evidence OF
public taste which ought not to pass unheedod.
No feature Of the grounds attracted so much at
tention, or seemed to give such universal pleas
ure as this little fower-ga1den, and rs the means
st command from tho forcing house enable tho
Commissioners this year to increase this branch
Of decoration very largely, he recommends its
introduction ornamental feature OF the
Dre1el boulevard, at various points as e1ten-
siyely as may be done consistently with the nec-
eBsary condition OF constant caro- and super
vision.
Nothing will bo done this season on the boule-
ward to connect Lake Park with the South Park
Fifty y-rst street has been laid out 100 feet wide
to Hyde Park, whence there ia good drive to
tho Lake Park. Work is to be begun this sea-
sou On tho north end of Lake Park. The plan
Of Olmsted & Faux made lagunes acharacteristio
feature Of this park. The land in the centre Of
the park, between tho lake and the western
boundary Of the park. is low and narshy, and,
as earth must be had to cover thickly the sandy
eoil elsewhere, the use Of the rich earth dug
from these lagunes would be great economy.
The same principle applies as in railway build
ing. Long experience has taught that the ma
terial for embankments is most chcaply got from
cuts along tho line OF the road The cheapest
way to ret earth for dressing tho Lake Park is
from the marshes in the park, which will the1e-
by be turned into attractive lakes. OtherWlao
earth must bo hauled from distance, both to
fill up tho marshes and supply soil
The whole length OF the drive for South
Siders through Grand boulevard, Bayard avenue,
and back by Drexel boulevard, now presents tho
appearance OF well-kept grounds. the general de-
sign OF which is obvious to the visitor. Time
alone is required to develop its attractive feat
ures. The evidence Of its appreciation By our
citizens is afforded by the manner in which they
have thronged it's course in all favorable wealth
er throughout the season. During the Wednesday
evenings of July and August the number Of
carriages OF every description which passed 3
given point on the Grand boulevard, averaged
fully 5000 an hour.