The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-04

Wiftv Thousan nd Podestrfans In tho Park
interchangeable Opening Day OF tho
Season.
Yesterday was, indeed, opening day at the Gen.
tral Park Not that the goddess Fashion asserted
her sway but the palmy air and genial sunshine
were too alluring to be resisted From an early
hour in the morning the various vehicles Of transit
on the avenues were crowded with passengers.
having for their destination the Central Park.
Drifting along with the tide OF humanity the MAIL
was reached. The green to the west OF the Mall
Is not yet common, the tender blades OF grass
being all too young to admit OF the tramping OF the
thousands OF pleasure-seeking feet. To-day the
sheep held complete possession, and revelled in
the delights OF the fresh fields and pastures new.
AS yet the trees have put forth their verdure.
The swelling buds, with here and there Q dot OF
green, which seems to rejoice at having escaped
from q long winters Imprisonment, tells OF the
happy time, not far distant, when the naked
boughs will be covered with lxxuriant foliage and
the barren limbs will be clothed with summer gar
ments, arording refreshing relief to those who
have become heated with the rays Of burning
sun.
Sitting on bench at the upper end OF the Mall
one cannot help watching the stream Of passers-
by. New forms and faces appear and disappear.
1t is like the pictures in kaleldioscope an ever
Ouunkluk oCCucs ~ ID mAuo up VI Ju6 Same COW-
ponent parts, but in SO great q variety OF forms
and coors as to be ever new. Moving along with
the steadily increasing throug the Terrace is'
reached-a broad esplanade which stretches to the
margin OF the lake. Here the multitude Is dense
thatit Is difficult to move along. Eager pushing
children dragging their parents after them, force
their way to the boat stairs and anxi0usly await
their turn Tor san on the lake. There IS probably
no portion Of the Park which on pleasant sun
day afternoon presents 30 charming scene as
this.
The glossy surface OF the water, the brilliantly
painted boats bedecked with nags, the tasteful
uniforms Of the gondoliers, the graceful swans as
they almost imperceptbly glide nither and tnlther.
and the broad blue sky over all give combination
OF beauty that Is Joy forever. Leaving this scene
OF animation and gayety the pedestrian passes
over "B0w Bridge" and thus on TO the Rambe,
"where the fragrant hawthorn brambie with the
woOdhine alternating. scent the dewy way"
Here though not at all in the realm OF seclusiOn,
an ali OF quiet and retirement prevails, which is
more than acceptable to the weary In mud and
body: ketraclng ones step past the lake anu
the ligress the Casino, the music stand and the
Carrousel are passed: and the chldrens play
grUunu IL reached. Here troop OF merry little
ones shout and romp and scamper, conscious only
oil lie and health and Gods free air, and ignorant
that existence IS augnt else but one long, sweet
summer Gay. The next object OF Interest on the
way out from the Park Is the Museum, better
known by New Workers as the Arsenal. The
geological collection only 10 open tor the edldca-
tion OF visitors, but that Is sufficient to gather to-
getner goodly concOurse. The student ponders
before the cages OF rare birds, the halfgrOwn
youth before the den oil the lions and tigers, and
the ladies and children take delight in the antics
OF the monkeys. The eagle from his perch flaps
his wings and utters screams OF defiance; the
stOrk as piece OF bread is thrown to him, crooks
his ungainy neck, winks MS eye aud seems to say,
''OI. I'm q knowing bird" Tie doves are coOIng
and the struttlnR peacock spreads his fanlike
plumage, and magnificent parrot, who Tor some
Tune back has seemed to be asleep, opens vide
his eyes, and, 10 language not to be mistaken
CRIES out, ION. when are you going to move
oar" Around the tanks where the sea
being, patient and long suffering crowd are
YEARLY watching and waiting for toe monsters OF
the deep to make tneir appearance. But TO the
inenabie disgust OF all no monster came. "Arrah
why don't the haste snow himself" said one.
another. The beautiful building dedicated to the
sale OF mineral waters 10 highly decorated in
arabesque and is q welcome sight to the thirsty
pedestrian by this time the afternoon is on the
wane and as yet the drive the most important
feature to q certain class or visitors to
entrance IS ana ne
can be seen very many Of New York's middle
vehicles and $4,000 pedestrians have passed
through this gate alone. the policeman on duty
times as many visitors have awaited themselves Of
the privilege OF the Park than on any day this
season. The number OF equestrians Is ITO inslg-
nlfcant to be worthy OF mention. YOnder comes
q nOrid-loOking gentleman, with an unmsraKable
English cut, driving tandem. Just behind looms
pleasure seekers. An innovation in the PARK car.
riage system this year will be the issuing trans
fer checks, which Will enable the holder to get out
at the upper end OF the Park, and, alter enjoying
ramble, return to the starting point by the
next trip oil the vehicle.
Here comes team oil prancing bays drawing an
open barouche. The occupants, gentleman and
two ladies, have that air OF ease and grace which
Is speedily acquired by familiarity with luxury.
begin TO surge out OF the Park and the streets
OF the city, eacn one, as he or she seeks home,
obtaining that rest and recreation that Is so much
needed by the tired and weary weekday toers.
An estimate OF the visitors visiting the Park on
sand.