BROOKLYN PARK COMffiSStONEKS. 27 



evergreen trees in order to conform to the intended design. 

 The expense incidental to carrying out the work above outlined 

 would not be less than $50,000. 



The Litchfield mansion and grounds are occupied by Mr. E. 

 C. Litchfield and family on a lease, whose limitation is subject to 

 the control of the Commission. The consideration is an annual 

 payment of $2,500 ; while so occupied the Commissioners have 

 been put to but little expense in the care of the building, and it 

 is in a very satisfactory condition. In view of our present 

 inability for want of means to carry on any work of improve- 

 ment in this immediate neighborhood, no practical suggestion of 

 use to which to apply the Litchfield mansion has occurred to the 

 Commissioners, which would, under existing circumstances, 

 warrant them in ignoring the advantages which are now derived 

 from the arrangement under which the building is temporarily 

 occupied. 



If, ultimately, as has been proposed, it were dedicated and 

 opened as a museum of art, or a repository of relics and records 

 of local or general historical importance, the interest of the 

 public in such an enterprise could soon be tested. A consider- 

 able expenditure of money would probably be found to be neces- 

 sary, however, in order to adapt the building for use as a museum 

 or art repository. 



The headquarters for the administration of the work over all 

 the parks, the parkways, &c, is, for convenience, established at 

 Prospect Park, and with the means and facilities for operating 

 the force, and the convenient storing such of the ordinary work- 

 ing machinery as is necessary, has enabled us to distribute the 

 labor with greater advantage and economy. 



What is known as our permanent force, independent of the 

 keepers, is a small one when considered in connection with the 

 varied and extended field over whicli it is operated ; it numbers 

 from 125 to 130 men, and consists A' a general foreman, two 

 foremen, three carpenters, one machinist, two mechanical 



