DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. 9 



completion hastened. Commissioner Woodruff will stand high 

 in the list of Commissioners who have gained distinction for 

 constructive ability. 



The work of the year has covered a diversity of interests, and 

 has been well done. 



PROSPECT PARK. 



Prospect Park, the main pleasure ground in the minds of the 

 people, received during the year the usual care in the way of 

 maintenance and embellishment. The work upon the new en- 

 trance at the Plaza, started during the previous administration, 

 has been progressed, and to-day is virtually completed, with the 

 exception of the bronze eagles which are to adorn the four col- 

 umns. A novel brick sidewalk, exceedingly attractive in design, 

 which brings into relief the granite fences and columns, was put 

 down during the latter part of the fall. It has elicited general 

 commendation. The work in the Vale of Cashmere was com- 

 pleted during the early spring, and the marble balusters shining 

 amid the green foliage and beautiful flowers that fill the Vale, 

 add greatly to its beauty and attractiveness. A fine brick walk 

 has been laid in place of the old tar pavement that had been 

 cracked and creviced by winter frosts. The Rose Garden, the 

 development of which was begun a little over a year ago on the 

 site of the original Children's Playground, was completed by the 

 construction of three basins for lilies and goldfish. The display 

 of lilies and other aquatic plants, designed by the landscape 

 architect, Mr. Pettigrew, was one of the finest ever seen in this 

 portion of the country. The display of roses in the garden was 

 magnificent during the entire season. The old-fashioned flower 

 garden on Breeze Hill was enlarged, and many new species added 

 to those of last year. A small hothouse was constructed in 

 which to raise flowers during the winter time that could be used 

 out of doors earh' in the spring, thus bringing the garden into 

 public use sooner than heretofore. The flower garden shelter 

 and the farm house have been remodeled and put in perfect 

 order. They have been leased to a caterer, who is at the head of 

 his profession, and who is in every way competent to provide for 

 the material comfort of visitors to the Park. 



