194 



.highest degree attractive to those seeking recreation or health, but 

 offering no advantages for shipping, manufacturing or mercantile 

 purposes. At present this slope is occupied chiefly by country seats, 

 and the habitations of gardeners and farmers, and only through the 

 most perverse neglect of the land owners of their own interests is it 

 likely to be built upon for other purposes. 



THE OPPORTUNITY OP BROOKLYN. 



Here, then, there is ample room for an extension of the habita- 

 tion part of the metropolis upon a plan fully adapted to the most in- 

 telligent requirements of modern town life. A large part of the 

 elevated land which has been referred to lies not more than half as 

 far from the commercial centre as the habitation district of New 

 York island ; the ground is better formed with reference to sanitary 

 considerations ; it is open to the sea breezes, and lies in full view of 

 the ocean ; it can never be enclosed on all sides by commerce, as the 

 habitable part of New York island soon will be ; and, its immediate 

 back country being bounded by the sea, the commercial traffic 

 through it is always likely to be light, and will be easily provided 

 for in a few special channels. Thus it seems set apart and guarded 

 by nature as a place for the tranquil habitation of those whom the 

 business of the world requires should reside within convenient access 

 of the waters of New York harbor. 



It does not follow, however, that it will be so occupied. In the 

 drift of the population of towns it is generally found that natural ad- 

 vantages alone go for but little, and except in the part controlled by 

 your Commission no other arrangements as yet exist with reference 

 to the convenience, health and pleasure of residents upon this land 

 than such as would have been formed if it were desired to invite to 

 it nothing but factories, ship-yards, or the warehouses and offices of 

 merchants. One or two streets were laid out through it some years 

 ago with an avowed intention of being especially adapted to resi- 

 dences ; they were so designed, however, as to offer every advantage 

 to commercial transportation, and consequently, for shops and fac- 

 tories, but, except in mere width, without intelligent regard to the 

 alleged purpose in view. They are nevertheless adapted to serve an 

 important purpose in concentrating such commercial traffic as must 

 pass through their neighborhoods and in furnishing sites for shops and 

 public buildings which will in any case be needed to meet local 

 requirements. 



Upon the manner in which there are good grounds for confidence 

 that the elevated district which has been indicated will be occupied 



