104 



charm they may be made to possess. Before referring particularly 

 to the system of communications, however, it will be best to speak 

 of certain other detached arrangements. 



PLACES OF CONGREGATION AND REST. 



Besides the green, our study provides three places, each adapted 

 to the assemblage of large numbers of people, and for their remain- 

 ing together for some time at rest. 



The first of these we designate the Lookout. The circumstances 

 which make a special arrangement for the accommodation of an 

 assemblage at this point desirable are — 1st, the view which is ob- 

 tained here, and nowhere else in the park, of the outer harbor, the 

 distant mountain ranges of New Jersey and the ocean offing ; 2d, the 

 peculiar advantages which the elevation offers for the enjoyment in 

 hot weather of the sea breeze; 3d, the interest of the local scenery, 

 which it is our intention should be quite different from that of any 

 other part of the park ; and ' 4th, the bird's-eye view which will be 

 presented of military evolutions, if the projected parade-ground 

 should be formed south of the park. 



We propose to form here a terraced platform, one hundred feet 

 in length, with seats and awnings, connected by a broad terrace walk 

 and staircase with an oval court for carriages, three hundred feet 

 long and one hundred and fifty wide. On the west side of the plat- 

 form provision is made for a small low building, designed for the 

 special accommodation of women and children, and at which they 

 may obtain some simple refreshment. This building is also intended 

 to serve the purpose of shutting off the view westwardly from the 

 lookout platform, as this would otherwise detract from the effect 

 obtained in other directions. 



All the principal walks of the park tend to lead the visitor from 

 whatever entrance he starts, to finally reach the Lookout, though he 

 may visit every other part of the park, and yet avoid this if he 

 prefers. From the Lookout, broad walks lead across the park to 

 the east end of the lake, where, at a part commanding the largest 

 water view, together with a rich open meadow landscape, backed by 

 the highest elevation of the park, pinnacled with evergreens, arrange- 

 ments for open-air concerts are proposed. The orchestra will be 

 situated upon an island in a bay of the lake, so that it can be seen 

 from three sides. On the main land, within a distance of two 

 hundred and twenty -five yards of this island — at which distance the 

 music of a well appointed band can be perfectly appreciated — stand- 



