83 



chase it, if thought desirable. It will be seen by the plan that it is 

 proposed to run the boundary line clear of the more expensive por- 

 tions of the properties facing on Flatbush avenue, between the pres- 

 ent southern line of the Park and Franklin avenue, for it does not 

 seem to be important that the omitted lots should be included, if an 

 opportunity for a liberal entrance in this direction is secured as indi- 

 cated at D. 



In regard to the section northeast of Flatbush avenue, I think it 

 would be better to abandon it for park purposes altogether, and to 

 appropriate the funds that will be raised by its sale to the purchase 

 of more desirable, although cheaper, lands to the south and west of 

 the present limits. The northeasterly section would be a very ex- 

 pensive plot of ground to improve, and however judiciously it might 

 be managed, it would, I think, always present a cramped, contracted 

 and unsatisfactory appearance. In regard to the reservoir site, which 

 belongs to the city inalienably, it might with propriety be connected 

 by means of a light foot bridge with one of the Park footpaths. The 

 formation of the ground is suitable for the purpose, and the fine view 

 to be obtained from the upper . level of the reservoir will thus be 

 included among the other attractions of the Park. If the north- 

 easterly section is abandoned, a favorable opportunity is at once 

 offered to enter the Park at the point of intersection made by Flat- 

 bush and Ninth avenues, and to make an arrangement in regard to 

 the principal approach such as is indicated on the accompanying 

 plan. 



This question of approaches is a highly important one, and prob- 

 ably if left unstudied now, it will be settled at some future time at 

 great outlay, as is the case yearly in London, Paris and the Conti- 

 nental cities, costly improvements being destroyed to insure tardily 

 comprehended advantages, that, with proper foresight, could have 

 been easily and cheaply arranged for at the outset. 



Several objects are expected to be gained by this suggestion. In 

 the first place, Flatbush, Ninth and Vanderbilt Avenues are brought 

 into apparently symmetrical relation, and on entering the proposed 

 open space from Flatbush or Vanderbilt Avenue, the Park entrance 

 will at once appear to be central and all-important, while the avenues 

 will be evidently subordinate. 



The two crescents of plantation will take away from the narrow 

 effect that a park entrance in such a position might otherwise have, 

 and they will materially help to carry out the general effect that is 

 aimed at. 



Vanderbilt Avenue should, I think, be made one hundred feet 



