(8 4 ) 



the contiguous hardwood area which borders them to the west 

 and north, toward the museum building and the herbaceous 

 grounds, is at once apparent, for here we see a luxuriant 

 growth of shrubs and of herbs, including many of our most 

 interesting wild flowers. 



8. The Gorge of the Bronx River 



The gorge of the Bronx River extends from the boulder 

 bridge at the north end of the Hemlock Forest southward 

 for about a mile, nearly to Pelham Avenue, and is a most 

 beautiful and picturesque natural feature, besides being of 

 great geological significance. Its depth from the summits of 

 the hills on both sides averages nearly 75 feet, and its sides 

 below the foot-bridge at the Lorillard mansion are nearly ver- 

 tical rock faces. The hills on both sides are heavily wooded 

 with hemlock spruces and other trees. In the upper part of 

 the gorge the Bronx flows slowly, being held back by the 

 dam forming the water-fall at the Lorillard mansion, and 

 the elevation of its surface is only a few inches higher at the 

 boulder bridge than it is at the fall; after plunging over the 

 dam, however, the river runs in its unobstructed natural chan- 

 nel with all the appearance of a mountain stream, which at 

 high water is exceedingly beautiful. 



9. North Meadows and River Woods 

 The Bronx River enters the northern end of the Garden 

 from Williamsbridge and flows as a slow stream southward 

 to the water-fall at the Lorillard mansion, its surface being 

 nearly level throughout this distance. It is spanned just 

 inside the northern boundary of the Garden by a concrete- 

 steel arched bridge with granite copings, which carries the 

 main park driveway across it near the Newell Avenue en- 

 trance. The entire northern end of the Garden is formed of 

 the flood plain of the Bronx River, consisting largely of 

 grassy meadows and marshes which at average flow of the 

 stream are several feet above its surface, but which at flood 

 time are occasionally submerged for short periods, the whole 



