21 



have obtained much valuable information and many important 

 suggestions. 



The result of the labors and investigations of the Com- 

 missioners during the year fully satisfies them of the practi- 

 cability of carrying out, by gradual progress, all the improve- 

 ments of the park, within the sum limited by law for that pur- 

 pose. And from an intimate knowledge of the grounds, and a 

 careful study of the whole subject of laying them out and of 

 improving them, they are fully convinced of the great capa- 

 bilities and superior advantages of the designated location for a 

 park 01? pleasure ground, worthy of the city of Brooklyn — the 

 third city, in point of population, in the Union — and if not 

 holding the same relation to other cities for the variety and 

 beauty of its public and private edifices, yet, for the intelligence, 

 morality and enterprise of its citizens, and for its remarkable 

 healthfulness, it challenges a parallel with any city of equal 

 population in the world. To preserve this high distinction, 

 and to perpetuate and increase its attractions as a city of 

 private residences, is one of the objects contemplated by the 

 establishment of the park. 



Already a population of three hundred thousand demands 

 space for exercise and recreation. How much more, when the 

 population of the city has doubled, w r ill a provision of this 

 nature be required, to furnish to all the constant means of 

 peaceful and healthful enjoyment, and to aid in the cultivation 

 of cheerful obedience to law, and the general promotion of 

 good order among its citizens. 



The Commissioners need hardty say that, in the prosecution 

 of their duties, their constant aim will be to meet the reasonable 

 wishes of the citizens of Brooklyn who projected this great 

 and beneficent enterprise. They will only add, that any delay 

 in appropriating the lands must necessarily result in au in- 

 creased expenditure to the city. The purchase of the entire 

 area may now be made at reasonable rates, and in view of the 

 rapidly increasing value of suburban property, the outlay may 

 be regarded as an advantageous investment. 



The Commissioners have incurred no other expenditures 

 during the year than such as resulted from the employment of 

 the Topographical Engineer. 



