526 



including the Concert Grove, has also been finished and 

 planted, and the architectural structures upon the pedestrian 

 concourse, which form part of the same, are in an advanced 

 state of progress. 



It will be remembered that water was let into the lake 

 during the latter part of last year. In consequence of the 

 inferior quality of the clay which the Commissioners were 

 obliged to make use of in puddling the lake bottom, a large 

 soakage has occurred, which keeps the surface of the water 

 somewhat below the desired level. But, through the opera- 

 tion of silting from the natural wash of the surrounding sur- 

 face, the soakage constantly lessens, and no doubt is enter- 

 tained of the ultimate success of this beautiful feature of 

 Prospect Park. 



A boat service has been organized upon this lake, under a 

 contract made with Mr. E. A. O'Brien, which bids fair to be 

 not only remunerative to the city, but of great utility to the 

 public. The boats in use are propelled by sails or by oars, 

 and form a pleasurable as well as healthful mode of recrea- 

 tion to all those who are disposed to embark in them. While 

 the frequent regattas of the miniature yachts owned by the 

 several clubs which have been organized for the purpose of 

 sailing them are a never-failing source of amusement to visit- 

 ors on the park. 



The Dairy cottage has proved a decided success, and its 

 recreative and sanitary advantages are evidently appreciated 

 by the multitude of visitors who daily throng its quiet, shady 

 retreats. Its rental, with the sales of milk and grass con- 

 nected therewith, have already realized a considerable sum 

 of money, and with the rents, which, during the coming 

 season will probably be received from the Concert Grove 

 house and the carriage service about to be organized, are fast 

 becoming a source of revenue to the Commission, and will 

 aid, to some extent, in supplying the too scanty provision 

 which the law now makes for the maintenance of the parks. 



The Commissioners are much gratified to find, from the 

 continually increasing use of Prospect Park, that our citizens, 

 pedestrian as well as equestrian, are beginning to understand 

 its true value, and thev believe that with the growth of its 



