New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-11

and weeds but with little expenditure Of money it
could be put in good condition, and the maple
grove would become favorite spot for visitors.
VARIETIES OF PLANT LIFE
North of the path leading east from Bedford Park
station there rolling country, the land stretch
ing away in the hills with occasional swampy places
and low lying meadows to the point where the
Bronx River in its winding approaches the
railroad track near Olinvile. Some thrifty willows
In OF the low meadows afford by their light green
foliage a pleasant variation from the darker green
OF the grass and Of the other trees Scattered about
this northern end Of the site between the railroad
and the Bronx River chestnuts sycamores,
NAPLES ems and oaks. many Of them situated
knobs where they form prominent objects In the
landscape The scene from the hills Is beautiful
peciay in the late afternoon. The trsuline Con-
vent back of Bedford Park station forms some
what forbidding background toward the west High
ground south OF the convent conceas the las, rays
OF the setting sun. Shadows lie deep across the
dark green levels which mark the rise OF small
streams feeding the Bronx The outline OF the river
itself is closely marked by trees and bushes and the
outskirts of the famous hemock grove are seen
toward the east and south. Every species Of soil
from the dark rich mud Of the swamps 10 the light
gravel of the hills is found. that appropriate
nourishment for all kinds OF plants and trees which
grow in this climate viii be afforded without great
expenditure Of money. Most of the buildings to be
erected by the commission having charge Of the
garden will probably be placed In this part OF the
park lying between the railroad and the river
The visitor 10 the park naturally seeks quickly
as possible the hemlock grove winch forms the most
celebrated feature OF the garden site About thirty
acres on the west side OF the Bronx are covered by
this peculiarly beautiful growth Of trees. Entering
by the path from the station and along the Loril-
lard Terrace one comes quickly TO the Blue Bridge
over the Bronx. From the western end OF the
bridge paths lead In various directions among the
trees. one may climb steep ledge OF rocks among
the gigantic hemlocks and overlook part Of
the river The most attractive OF the paths leads
parallel to the stream and along "A high bank. at
times fifty above the stream and at other places
not far above its level.
The great hemlocks in places rise as high
eighty ninety feet. and many OF them have
distinct beauties OF their own The roots OF
curve In fantastic form over obsiructing rocks.
The shaft OF another rises straight for hfty Feet
without branches OF any considerable size and
then wears n crown OF dark green growth. Many
OF the rocks are OF strange form, OF them
sianting upward at the angle thirty forty de-
grees. and looking a distance Ike immense bull
frogs squatting the hillside. The hight even at
midday Ii largely obsructed by me close branches
OF the trees and wanders throngn the forest
OF hemlocks feeling far removed from the light
and warmth OF a summers lay There IL YER
dure the ground and the dark brown covering
OF hemlock needles permits scarcely any sound
from the footsteps OF the visitor, 30 that one wan
to remind him OF the existence OF the iusy city
life near by
Occasionally the prattle OF the children from the
banks Of the river below or the laughter o. some