DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. 53 



manage and improve tbe condition of these unsightly grounds. 

 The Carrousel should be removed to a more fitting place. Some 

 of the existing walks should be widened to prevent the treading 

 down of turf and flowers. 



TO IMPEOYE THE WATER SUPPLY. 



The necessity of an increased water supply has long been felt. 

 Despite the extra water received from the New Utrecht Water 

 Works Company, the necessity for an extra supply during the 

 long drought for irrigation, the fountains and the purification of 

 muddy waters in the smaller lakes and the brook-line, was felt. 

 It has been ascertained by boring to an additional depth of fifty 

 feet below the present level of the well, that a larger quantity of 

 water could be obtained. The only expense of note would be 

 the securing of a new engine of increased horse-power and 

 pumping capacity. The condition of the large lake has been 

 fairly satisfactory throughout the year. It is to be regretted, 

 however, that the appearance of vegetation in the shallow waters 

 of the bays and water courses during the summer months im- 

 paired the attractiveness of these tributaries. Undoubtedly, a 

 larger supply of water flowing through these channels would 

 produce an improvement ; but the conditions cannot be materially 

 improved unless such portions of the bottom and sides of the 

 lake as are inclined to become muddy are constructed with ma- 

 terial that would resist seepage and prevent the growth of vege- 

 tation. The planting of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, such 

 as are to be found along the river banks and swamps in the 

 State of New York, would to a large extent prevent decomposi- 

 tion, usually the cause of the discoloration of the water. Masses 

 of these plants should be used for general effect as well as for 

 protection. They would remove the impression of the unfinished 

 condition of the lakes. It is doubtful whether the flushing of 

 the lake by means of an outlet in connection with the city sewer 

 would improve the condition of the water. The city sewers are 



