278 CITY PARKS. 



slinibbery and trees, as a western background, so as to give 

 the idea of a larger area than really exists. There are only 

 four open grass spaces or meadows of any size in Central 

 Park ; and as the main repose and highest enjoyment of the 

 park reside chiefly in these spots, let the public beware of 

 the intrusion of all glittering, discordant shows, military 

 bodies, world's fairs, menageries, or race-courses. It is the 

 poor who enjoy these places above all people — ^it is the 

 children, of the poor, and the mothers. We must not, there- 

 fore, spoil their heritage. The people should always 

 treasure these open grass spaces of their parks. They are 

 invaluable. 



The Lower Meadow, near Seventh Avenue and 59th 

 Street, is specially attractive. It has a great rock jutting 

 out in it, and to the north at a higher level extends 

 the seemingly large expanse of green. Round about run 

 footpaths, bridle-paths, and drives, and at one corner of it 

 is the children's play-ground, consisting of a great merry-go- 

 round and the Kinderberg summer-house, one hundred feet 

 in diameter. 



On fine days in May and June this charming meadow is 

 literally covered -with playing children, thus fulfilling the 

 most important functions of a park in a densely crowded 

 city. Beyond these two meadows is the West Drive, 

 sixty feet in Avidth. In the neighborhood of 72d Street 

 it passes on one side the Mineral Springs, backed by 

 picturesque vine-covered rocks, and on the other by a lawn 

 planted with fine shade trees — beeches, maples, elms, and, 

 above all, several large specimens of Chinese magnolias 

 (Magnolia conspicua). 



