seemed large when compared with former prices, it was 

 the result of a fair and impartial examination of the claims 

 of the parties in interest, made by five of our most judi- 

 cious and reliable citizens ; and there was no question that 

 the property had been greatly increased in value by its im- 

 mediate contiguity to the Park, during the time that its 

 acquisition had been unfortunately delayed by legislative 

 inaction. The Board also considered the great importance, 

 if not the absolute necessity of this addition to the Park, 

 and did not therefore hesitate to accept the report of the 

 Commissioners, and apply to the Court for its confirmation. 

 The bonds authorized by law were at once issued by the 

 City authorities, and met with a ready sale. The awards 

 for land taken were promptly paid, and the Board forth- 

 with entered into possession of the premises. In an artistic 

 point of view this acquisition fully justifies the high 

 expectations of its value originally entertained by the 

 Board. And if we are to judge from the unqualified 

 expressions of admiration with which the subsequent open- 

 ing of the drive through these beautifully wooded and 

 picturesque grounds has been greeted, the Board are well 

 assured that public sentiment entirely ajyproves of their 

 action in this behalf. 



The same Commissioners are now rapidly proceeding 

 with the assessment which the law directs them to make 

 upon property specially benefitted by the opening of the 

 Park. And the Board have reason to expect that when 

 that Commission shall have finished their work, Park 

 indebtedness will have been very largely diminished. It 

 is but justice to the Assessment Commissioners to add that 

 they are engaged in an arduous and important work ; that 

 their operations extend over a large district of country, and 

 that they have been prevented by the terms of the law 

 from commencing their labors until after the confirmation 

 of the last report on land taken for Park extension. 



