The San Francisco call., 1897-01-26

ent McLaren recalled some of the things
that have been accomplished during hi
tenure of Office, as also few other projects
which are seriously contemplated by the
Park Commissioners.
'"The construction of Stow Lake and the
WATERFALL" he said, ''was certainly one ol
the most extensive and noteworthy acdi-
tions to the attractions of the park during
the last ten years. 1t fulfills twofold OBJ.
ject. An elevation of 300 feet above the
tide level helps to maintain the purity oi
the water, which is both attractive to the
eve and useful for irrigation purposes.
''The reclamation and cultivation of the
sand dunes have involved an enormous
amount of labor. Sea bent grass must first
of all be planted ana allowed to remain
for two years, at the end of which the
sand is usually tied down pretty firmly
and available for the growth of primroses,
California poppies and the lupin shrub.
No less than $50, 900 trees were planted
west of Strawberry Hill during one of our
heaviest years.
&"Many miles of ROADS and walks have
been constructed and about 300 acres OF
lawns and open glades have been added In
recent years. The object of the Commits
sioners is TO reproduce as faithfully as pos
Is
meled nature as represented both by wood
and water. With respect to the last
named feature we can extend the surface
of such Improvements in a westerly di-
rection at q comparatively small cost, ow-
ing to the numerous springs which are to
be found near the surface of the soil.
There is e. good deal of sand, bat when
this is removed the water level can be
reached without much difficulty.
The eucalyptus, pine aud cypress form
the best preliminary growth / know, for
the reason that they can stand our ever
lasting winds better than any other
shrubs and form protecting shelter for
plants not as robust In character.
1.-The three-mile drive along the beach
was finished last year and the three
bridges already constructed together with
the fourth now In course of construction.
represent large outlay of time and ex-
pense. The new bridge, when completed
will be 100 feet long by 1872 wide and will
provide an ample drive for horses. foot
path and bicycle path.
1.-THE children's shelter and ladies' cot
tage were built last year, and Mr..
Sweeney's generous donation of the Straw
tractive of recent additions.
I'VE expect to add twenty acres to the
lawn surface this year, and we are intro
ducing new species of seeds right along.
The Commissioners seek to make our col.
lection of California trees, plants and
flowers, as also suitable specimens from
Washington, Oregon and Arizona, as per.
feet as possible. The Orient and Europe
have likewise furnished many hourishine
varieties.
"There is no other park in the United
States that can boast OF so comprehensive
collection. Hundreds ofdelicate species
which can be raised without difficulty
here would perish in a night in the East,
Ihe area of sixty acres formerly occu.
pied by the Midwinter Fair is being rap.
Idly restored to its original condition
Water-plpes have been laid down in
twenty-five acres, the surface OF the sol
has been covered with foot of loan, and
the whole area has been regarded.
1T is hardly necessary to enumerats
such improvements as the museum iror
annex ana the park lodge itself. Th,
latter Is, perhaps, not the largest, but cer
talniy one of the handsomest and mos
suitable buildings of the kind in America
donations to the museum continue II
generous abundance, Mr.. Daggett's recent
gift OF Indian curios being among tb.
most valuable"
Mr.. McLaren Intimated that there is ,
probability of the park being Illuminated
with electricity at an early date. morf
particularly along the various drivss
The cultivation of orchids is an imnor
tant part OF the uperintendent's duties
Ihe Yandas and Cattleyas are doins