45 



and set down on the credit of family accounts. A satisfactory indica- 

 tion of what may be expected in the future, was therefore afforded by 

 the frequency with which in the latter part of the summer it was to be 

 observed that families had come to the Park, not merely for a drive or 

 stroll, but to pass some hours, or a full holiday, or half holiday, re- 

 freshments, and sometimes musical instruments being brought with 

 them. Women often came alone, or with their little ones, to stay for 

 some hours, bringing their needle-work ; and a number of invalids, 

 aged people and convalescents were to be seen every fine day enjoying 

 the air and the quiet which they found in the groves of the Park. 



Numerous schools and bodies of children connected with charitable 

 establishments, also spent a day or half day on the Park during the 

 summery some returning several times, teachers, parents and friends 

 coming with them. When these parties were large, special ground 

 was assigned them, and they were protected from disagreeable intru- 

 sion. Swings, scups, seats, tables and fresh water were supplied to all 

 without charge, as was the use of dressing and retiring rooms, with 

 proper attendance. An arrangement was also made by which ice, ice- 

 cream, biscuit, and lemonade could be provided on the ground, at fixed 

 moderate charges. Seventy-five considerable excursion or pic-nic 

 parties were reported by the keepers to have received their special 

 attention. 



As the part of the Park best adapted to this class of visits has not 

 yet been improved, and its advantages are known to comparatively 

 few, and as a much larger number of suitable places will eventually be 

 available for the purpose, it may be expected that the number of holi- 

 day parties will increase, and ultimately form a very agreeable and in- 

 teresting feature of the Park. No artist could imagine prettier or 

 happier groups than were to be frequently seen among the trunks of 

 the East and West woods on nearly every fine day last summer. 



The complete absence of a disposition to disorderly or unbecoming 

 Conduct, and the general good nature, civility, and decorum which 

 prevailed, was also most encouraging. 



Although the acquisition of the Western district of the ground re- 

 quired for the Park was last winter authorized by the Legislature, it 

 has not yet come into the possession of the Commission ; the lack of 

 this territory has therefore continued to embarrass operations through- 

 out the year, and active work has of necessity been confined mainly 



