38 REPORT OF THE 



Property on the line lias been frequently wantonly destroyed, 

 such as trees, tree boxes, &c, and cattle, goats and swine are 

 permitted to run at large without apparent effort to restrain 

 them. 



The co-operation of the city police and the enforcement of 

 the city ordinances would abate much of the nuisance and 

 annoyance attributable to these sources. 



PARADE GROUND. 

 The parade ground has on a number of occasions been 

 appropriated during the year to the uses of the military. In 

 the intervals and throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall 

 months, its peculiar adaptation for field sports has made it one 

 of the most popular resorts in the country. 



The regulations have been such as to encourage its use for 

 the purpose of healthful and appropriate recreations, every 

 facility being afforded within our means to that end. 



More than one effort has been made to secure an appropria- 

 tion with which to erect a building to be used by the various 

 organizations of our younger citizens for dressing rooms, Ac; 

 a sum not exceeding $4,000 would be sufficient. The policy 

 of appropriating public money for such use has been a subject 

 of debate, but inasmuch as it would tend to develop and 

 encourage a love for out-door recreation in its most unobjec- 

 tionable form among our own youth, it would seem to be entirely 

 consistent to make some such provision for their accom- 

 modation. 



The expense of maintenance of these grounds is consider- 

 able, the turf is required to be kept in order throughout the 

 season, and police supervision, &c, is also necessary. The 

 buildings and fences are at present in need of repairs, for 

 which the appropriation for 1883 will not be adequate. 



BEDFORD AVENUE. 

 Out of the appropriations available under the law for the 

 repairs and cleaning of Bedford avenue, there was expended in 



