157 



probably lead to an early and satisfactory solution of this 

 problem. 



No specific duty, in regard to making provision for suitable 

 approaches to the park, was included in the direct responsibili- 

 ties of the commission ; but as it was quite evident, from the 

 outset, that a necessity for some adequate discussion of the pub- 

 lic requirements in this respect would sooner or later arise, and 

 as it seemed equally clear that no other representative body 

 would take the initiative in making the requisite suggestions, it 

 was deemed best that the subject should receive the attention 

 of the board. In the arrangements made for professional aid, 

 it was accordingly understood that test surveys, having refer- 

 ence to this question of approaches should be prepared, from 

 time to time, in accordance with such suggestions as might be 

 given by the Commissioners. In the appended report of our 

 landscape architects will be found the latest results of this ex- 

 amination. So far as the project which is therein outlined 

 has been submitted to the parties more immediately interested 

 in the south-eastern approach, it has been received with gen- 

 eral approval ; but the Commissioners do not propose to take 

 any decided action in the matter, until the public judgment 

 upon its merits shall have been sufficiently developed to enable 

 them to act with entire confidence therein. 



In immediate connection with the subject of approaches to 

 the park, arises the question of laying out streets and avenues 

 over that extensive tract of land which lies southerly from and 

 beyond the limits of the park, and which must, at no distant 

 day, become the abode of a vast multitude of people. The 

 importance of attending to this matter at this time is the more 

 obvious from the fact that this tract will soon form a portion 

 of our city, and hence the necessity of projecting its streets 

 and avenues in such a manner as to connect them with our 

 own, consistently with public convenience, and with due re- 

 gard to the promotion of the public health. 



It is of no less importance to our neighbors, that the mis- 

 takes and confusion should be avoided which are necessarily 

 incident to the laying out of the suburbs of a large town by 

 individuals, who do not usually act in concert, or with any 

 comprehensive consideration of their common interests. "When 

 a plan shall have been prepared, with the advantages of a 



