New-York tribune., 1883-06-03

sign of that work, and none Of its open spaces
can be copfiscated for such purpose without
robbing it of its pastoral charm and destroying
the broad landscape effects which alone justify
it's being. The argument against this intrusion
grows stronger, If possible, as increasing
population demonstrates more plainly how
small the Park is after all. If popular sentl-
meut has hitherto been successful In resisting
this invasion, so often meditated, it will assur-
edly be able to repel assaults OF this KIND In
the future.
The people are unwilling to see q park de-
spoiled and devastated to make geological
garden, but they would eagerly embrace the
opportunity to have q new park made out OF a
geological garden-which is essentially an open
air recreation ground. To see to it that this
result is accomplished is the primary and para
mount duty of the commission just appointed
under the act passed by the late Legislature.
From its very nature geological collection is
an expansive establishment. 1t must have
room to grOw and it must be placed where Its
growth will do no harm. The new park on the
shores of the Sound will offer unique advant-
ages for this project. However literally con-
ceived-and the reasons for having any collec-
ton will suffice to prove that it ought to be the
best possible-ample provision can here be
made for every form Of animal life on land or
in water, with spacious aquariums for marine
animals and plants. A hundred acres of the
coming Waterside Park could well be utilized
as the home of geological collection worthy
of the city which is destined to become the
commercial metropolis of the world. With the
Harlem bridged and rapid transit lines COM
pleted, the new park would be practically much
nearer the centre of the city's population than
Central Park was twenty-five years ago, and
visitors by rail and boat could be landed
directly at the garden. At all events, one de-
termination should DO adhered to, and that is ::
No more park without geological garden.
The new commission should be held strictly to
account in this matter, SD that the popular
hunger for wild beasts can be satiated and
Central Park relieved from further menace.
Public. spirited citizens would hesitate to
spend their substance for strange brutes and
reptiles to be stabbed in Central Park, against
the city's best sentiment, or III Morning.
side where adjacent property ty-holderS con-
slider them nuisance. But it is perfectly safe
to assume that whenever the city provides
suitable ground, private liberality can be
mately a complete collection. And to private
llberality the final appeal must he made. Four
Park Commissioners could not buy pelican or
kangaroo without wrange or u job. 1t is
fatuous to suppose that New-York officials can
he trusted with duties ana privileges OF this
sort. The Museums of Art and Natural HIS
tory arc crcditabc and successful educating
influences because they are directed by the
intelligence and watched over by the sleepless
vigilance of trustees who are independent OF
the dickerng and pickering of Aldermen and
small politicians. Until IA better scheme can DO
devised the geological garden should be or
dered on n similar plan. IL the garden In
Watersidc Park could be established on
foundation like this, literally devised, as free
at least as the museums are, with municipal
aid supplemented, controlled. protected !
vitalized 10y private enterprise, generosity,
business tact and watchfulness 1t would
soon become one of the city's chief atirac~
tions and an object of genuine civic PRIDE