(II) 



species than is to be found in any other section of equal area 

 in this State or any of the adjoining States, and some oi the rarer 

 or more interesting of the species could be preserved by includ- 

 ing their stations within the Park System. 



This unusual richness in vegetation is due not only to topo- 

 graphic diversity but also to the fact that two well-defined 

 geologic formations are represented on the Island, each differing 

 from The other in the characters of its soil, and each supporting 

 its own peculiar flora. 



The area to be embraced in the proposed System ol Parks 

 has been a subject which lias received the most careful attention. 

 Comparisons have been made with other cities of the United 

 States and in Europe and with other sections of the City of New 

 York, both as regards the amount of land to be contained in the 

 Park 'System and the expense of acquiring and maintaining them, 

 as well as the advantages to be derived from the point of view 

 of the public health and the general development and progress 

 of an increasing population both of New York City and the 

 Borough of Richmond. 



It is considered to be a fact beyond the question of argu- 

 ment that no more opportune time exists than the present one 

 for the purchase of suitable sites, both as regards cost and choice 



of sites. 



The total area of the Borough of Richmond is 36,601 acres, 

 and of this total it would appear that 3,500 acres, approximately, 

 would be a proper area to be devoted to Parks, Parkways, and 

 Public Play Grounds. 



GENERAL OUTLINE. 



In selecting sites it has been the purpose of the Committee 

 to secure : 



First —Sites suitable for public Play Grounds in the more 

 densely populated parts of the Borough, and in close proximity 

 to the public schools. 



Second,— Park sites that will serve the purpose of beach re- 

 sorts, including bathing facilities, somewhat on the plan of 

 Revere Beach near Boston. 



Third.— Park sites that will protect the water-sheds. 



Fourth.— -Park sites which will embrace the many attractive 

 grand ocean and inland views, which are a distinctive feature of 

 this Borough. 



Fifth. —Park sites embracing the many pretty lakes. 



SixtA.—'Parkways and driveways connecting the different 

 parks and creating an harmonious general plan or system of 

 parks, while at the same time serving the purpose of those fond 

 of driving or riding. 



