47 



required to keep in tidy order the walks, steps, seats, shelters, arches, 

 bridges and other constructions with which visitors have to come di- 

 rectly in contact, is now done by the keeper's force early in the morn- 

 ing, before visitors ordinarily require their attention, while any insuffi- 

 ciency in the number of keepers arising from illness or from unexpect- 

 ed demands upon them, is at once made good by drafts from the 

 gardening hands. Both wings of this organization are advancing 

 satisfactorily in a proper understanding of the duties that will be re- 

 quired of them, and in efficiency. 



In pruning the old forest trees an extension ladder, invented for the 

 purpose by our general foreman of gardening work, has been found of 

 much value. 



We have to lament the death of Mr. G-. D. McMillan, who until the 

 middle of the last planting season, had been charged especially with 

 the detail of arrangement and the planting of the greater part of the 

 shrubbery of the Park. He was a faithful and zealous public servant, 

 an intelligent and tasteful gardener, and a man of estimable 

 character. 



The re-grading of Fort Greene is essentially complete, and about 

 two-thirds of the new ground has been finished and planted, in ac- 

 cordance with the design approved by the Board. The portion of the 

 ground intended as a place for public meeting was some time since 

 completly graded, and the greater part of it paved. It has been in use 

 for several months as a drill ground, and will be available for all its de- 

 signed purposes early next summer. One mile of the walks of the in- 

 terior pleasure ground has been graded, one half of which has been 

 completely laid with the Scrimshaw patent pavement, with gratings 

 and other suitable arrangements for efficient drainage. 



The plan of Carrol Park as it originally existed, has been revised, 

 the length of walk being considerably reduced, the width increased, 

 and other changes made. The walks have been laid with the Fiske 

 patent pavement on a new plan, slightly dishing to the centre, so as 

 to avoid the necessity of side gutters. The plan is found to work 

 well, giving practically an increased accommodation, and causing ap- 

 parently no perceptible greater inconvenience. An open area in which 

 children can play without interrupting communication on the walks, 

 has been formed at one end, and in this paved space fixed swings and 

 see-saws were set up just before the close of the season. Two 

 small houses for the accommodation of visitors, with refreshment 



