Morning journal and courier., 1883-04-21
THE NEW PARK.

we imagine that feW or the residents CT the city really know very much about the new park. Almost every body has visited the summits of East Rock and Indian Head. h the popular idea these are substantially the park. Probably if asked the average citizen would say that there is something more of it, but as to what that something more is his idea would be vague and shadowy. There is, in fact, great deal more of 1t. These two summits, indeed, command its broadest and grandest views, views which are worthy to rank with any in this part of the world. But there are many views less expansive but per- haps more charming to be had from other points. One of the less often visited DOT tions of the park is Snake Rock. This is not very poetically-named rock, but it's name need not terrify anybody, for about the last place where it would pay to look for snakes is Snake Rock. This rock Is ridge which runs in semi-circular shape in south. easterly course from Indian Head. There is 8 lane leading to it from the road which now ascends Indian Head. It is the first lane to the right after leaving State street. This lane forms a delightful approach to 
 it opens into a beautiful grass plot, shaped like an amphitheatre and surrounded by an almost complete circle of steep wooded slopes. Neither Prospect Park in Brooklyn nor Central Park in New York possesses a more charming site for fountain than this one which the hand of nature has prepared in East Rock Park Of course in the pres- EoEo oe &1,a rh iaI, Don Commission draws no fountain can be ex- pected, but few flower beds, which would cost but little, would add much to the attrac- tions of this lovely basin. few steps fur ther bring one ,to the summit of the ridge, along which there is constant accession of views which are quite different from those obtained from the higher summits, but are not less pleasing. The summit of this ridge is quite level, and carriage road could easily be built upon it connecting with the road to Indian Head at very small outlay.
 Another walk much less often taken is that through the woods from Indian Head to Whitney Peak. The richness and variety of the scenery along this walk it would be im- possible to describe. It decends into sever al picturesque ravines at the bottom of some of which flow little brooks between steep banks covered with ferns and over moscow cred rocks. About a mile from Indian Head one comes to hemlock grove which is one of the most notable spots in the whole park. This grove is entirely clear of under brush, and the soil, covered with the brown ed blades that have fallen from the boughs, is as soft to the foot as carpet. The trees are large and the branches closely interlaced. The result is peculiar and unusualdarkness which is wonderfully impressive. We scarce ly remember to have seen a grove where the effect is so fine. Through it one ascends the side of Whitney Peak almost to the summit. This peak stands almost at the extreme northern limit of the park, and commands an excellent view of the beautiful Whitney lakes to the northwest. The walk we have described scarcely needs improvement All that is needed is to make these scenes easily accessible. Any attempt at improvement, other than little clearing out of the under brush, would impair the wonderful work that nature has already wrought there.
 Descending the westward side of Whitney Peak one comes to the new carriage road which runs along Mill river and around the front of East Rock. This road is by far the most delightful at present within the limits of the park. The scenery under the brow of East Rock borders on the sublime, if it does not quite reach it. The new road runs in @ gradual ascent to the northward as far as Dickerman street.
 Crossing Mill river on the bridge which
 
 one comes to fine grove which skirts the westward bank of the river and overlooks it at an elevation of some twenty feet. Few people are perhaps aware that this grove is 8 part of the park, but it is, and one of tha most inviting parts of it.
 We have not intended in the above to do more than call attention to some of the less known portions of the park. We advise all our readers who have not yet been over the park to devote one of these bright spring