THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 



Tuesday evening a reception was tendered to the association by 

 the citizens of Newburgh at the Coldwell Lawn Mower Plant. 

 One floor of the building was cleared of all semblance to a manu- 

 facturing plant and was tastefully decorated for the occasion. 



On Wednesday the association was the guest of the Hon. Geo. 

 W. Perkins, president of the Interstate Park Commission. As 

 his guests we were taken down the Hudson in a specially char- 

 tered boat, the Albion. A stop of an hour was made at West 

 Point. At Bear ]\Iountain a stop was made for luncheon, as the 

 guest of Mr. Perkins, who, later, gave an address in which he 

 outlined the work of development of this vast Interstate Park. 

 Thousands of acres have been acquired, much of it by gift from 

 Mrs. E. H. Harriman, and millions of dollars donated to this pur- 

 pose. He explained that much land had already been secured, 

 that more was under negotiation, but that there was still desirable 

 land to be acquired. Much more funds than are now in hand 

 will be required to carry out the plans of the Interstate Park 

 Commission, and it would seem that money could not be put to 

 better use than to further this vast scheme which contemplates a 

 pleasure ground and breathing spot for thousands, not only in 

 New York Cit}^ but from all parts of the state and country. The 

 park extends from the Palisades to Newburgh, embracing terri- 

 tory in both New York and New Jersey. It was impressive, 

 and particularly gratifying in these times of warfare, to sail 

 down this beautiful river, and to realize that steps were now under 

 way to preserve for all time, and for all the people, this magnificent 

 water front, with much of the back-lying land also. Great plans 

 are under way for driveways and paths to open the region up to 

 the people, but this requires ample funds, not only for construc- 

 tion, but also for maintenance afterward. 



Much has already been accomplished in the neighborhood of 

 Bear Mountain, where roads and paths have been constructed, 

 docks built, and a restaurant established. A boat makes daily 

 trips to and from New York City, the excursion fair only fifty 

 cents, with a stay of three and a half hours in that delightful 

 region. I was informed that a fair daily average attendance 

 might be placed at 2,500, while some days as many as 6,000 people 

 were on the grounds. Access may also be had by automobile. 



Camping facilities are also contemplated in this great plan, and 



32 



