250 TEXAS NATURE OBSERVATIONS AND REIOINISCENCES. 



tiful springs and the fine broad 

 lake. In olden days the latter 

 was studded along its borders 

 with high tule, which also could 

 be seen all along the serpentine 

 course of the then broad San 

 Pedro Creek down to and travers- 

 ing the heart of the city in its 

 western districts. 



In these olden times^ — "in the 

 days of old man Duerler" (one of 



tent in the shade of nature's grand 

 dome of forest trees and close to 

 sparkling springs and the inter- 

 esting lake. This lake is vividly 

 depicted in one of the origihal 

 photos here, with some of the old 

 forest trees herein along its 

 southeastern border, and two of 

 the swan houses on the lake. 



Of much interest also is an 

 olden time original photograph 



Old Time Scenery in Brackenridge Park 



the first settlers and custodian of 

 the San Pedro Springs Park) this 

 natural forest was the great- 

 est pride of ,San Antonians, as 

 here it was (in lieu of the other 

 romantic parks and outing places 

 of San Antonio which i.came 

 later) that, school and private pic- 

 nics, and all other gatherings, in-r 

 eluding a;ll the city festivities, were 

 held, and enjoyed to heart's con- 



herein depicting some of the cen- 

 tury-old mustang grapevines and 

 arch — a very attractive nature- 

 scenery and old-time landmark 

 of the San Pedro Springs forest. 

 This old shady vine-arch, situated 

 at the time in the center part of 

 the natural S^n Pedro Park, was 

 a favorite playground for children 

 in summer, but some years back 

 this old and greatly admired 



