6 REPORT OF THE 



wear, or was made necessary by the exigencies of the season. 

 A \rrv small portion of the roads was resurfaced with gravel 

 from the park pits, work which was of ;i comparatively tempo- 

 rary serviceableness. Many portions of the roads continue from 

 necessity in an unsatisfactory condition, being rough and un- 

 even, and to which a very considerable application of gravel 

 will be necessary to restore them to their original condition. 



The verj large areas of turf have been kept in order, as it is 

 proper that they should be, as ornamental features of the land- 

 scape, and for such general use by the public as it has been the 

 pleasure and policy of this Commission to encourage. 



The drainage system is both an extensive and important 

 feature of the Park construction, and entails a considerable 

 expenditure for its necessary care. 



The great advantage resulting from the Park Water Service, 

 which is separate and distinct from that of the city, was 



specially demonstrated during the serious and protracted 

 drought during the year. Had the Park, Parkway and Coney 

 Island been dependent upon the city for a supply during the 

 past season, there would have, without doubt, resulted great 

 damage to the turf, shrubbery and roads of the Park, and the 

 public would have been denied many conveniences which have 

 been afforded by the liberal supply of water furnished by the 

 Park well. The system of pipes, hydrants, stopcocks, Ac, &c, 

 which have been in continuous operation for anumber of years, 

 needs extensive modification and repair in order to meet the 

 increased and growing demands. The service itself has, indi- 

 rectly, substantially aided the Commission in its economical 

 administration, and justifies the expenditure it will be necessary 

 to make upon it from time to time. 



Our roads, walks ami structures suffer, and have suffered for 

 several seasons, from this compulsory neglect, due to the ver^ 

 meagre appropriations of money EorGeneral Park Maintenance. 

 Many of the large turfed areas require refertilization. The 

 c lition of our plantations is a critical one. We speak with 



