4G0 



To this end, all who were interested, either in the public or 

 private aspect of the matter, were invited to examine maps 

 and other means of more detailed information, at the Com- 

 missioner's office. All citizens whose property interests could 

 be specially affected were thus induced to engage in an active 

 discussion of the subject, until its advantages were thoroughly 

 comprehended. With these initial proceedings, all active ef- 

 forts on the part of the Commissioners ceased. But, the project 

 growing in favor before the adjournment of the Legislature, 

 then in session, individual interests had been so far combined, 

 that a proposition was agreed to, by a majority of property 

 holders along the line of the suggested route, that the improve- 

 ment should be made at their expense, and under the direction 

 of the Park Commissioners. The same course was pursued 

 with reference to similar improvements on the westerly and 

 southerly sides of the park, and has resulted in the adoption of 

 several fine approaches, among which they are pleased to 

 enumerate the Great Ocean part way, which bids fair to become 

 as attractive for private investment as it is important for public 

 purposes. The Commissioners, however, are compelled to ex- 

 press a regret that one branch of the system of park approaches, 

 which was included in their original scheme, to connect the 

 park with the Narrows and Lower Bay, by a park way to 

 Bay Ridge and Fort Llamilton, has not been adopted. 



Reference to the Engineer's report will show, in ample de- 

 tail, the very satisfactory progress which has been made upon 

 the rides and drives, as well as upon the woods and waters of 

 our park during the last year. The principal feature of this 

 splendid municipal improvement are now fully developed. Its 

 entire circuit drive is finished, its broad lake filled with an 

 ample supply of pure and wholesome water, and its extensive 

 plantations, in all their varied and picturesque forms, are nearly 

 complete. Each season of growth puts forth new and unex- 

 pected beauty, challenging the admiration of crowds of visitors, 

 who come from all parts of our land to do it homage. And its 

 financial results are quite as satisfactory as its artistic attain- 

 ments. Its effects upon the value of Brooklyn property, and 

 its attractiveness to persons of wealth seeking a place of resi- 

 dence, can hardly be over-estimated, and seem to be more con- 

 spicuous now than at any former period. Beyond all question 



