BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSIONERS. / 



understanding on this subject, and we have no means of parry- 

 ing the censure to which the Park has been subjected in the 

 public press, except through the 1 niedinm of this report. 



These plantations, as we have before said, are complex in 

 their variety, and very valuable. A very moderate allowance 

 of money would enable us to restore harmony to this essential 

 feature of the Park embellishment, and at the same time permit 

 us to make use of many valuable plants, now not needed in 

 their present position, for the ornamentation of unfinished 

 grounds elsewhere about the Park. A choice collection of 

 evergreen and deciduous plants could thus be saved, which 

 must otherwise be totally destroyed. 



PUBLIC USE OF THE PARK. 



The use of the Park, by our citizens, has been more general 

 than the preceding year, there has been a noticeable increase 

 in the use of the roads for pleasure riding, both in carriages 

 and on horseback. 



The meadows, which shared the common suffering from 

 drought in the early months of summer, recovered rapidly under 

 the refreshing rains in July and August, and proved specially 

 attractive to a large number of visitors who preferred the grass 

 and the freedom, which its breadth afforded, to the greater 

 restriction of the more retired walks. 



Popular participation in the various games which are per- 

 mitted, and for which our turfed areas are so admirably fitted 

 — such as croquet, lawn tennis, archery, &c, added picturesque- 

 ness and spirit to the attractions of the Park. 



Nowhere else, apparently, do these innocent and healthful 

 pastimes find so many and so faithful devotees than in Brook- 

 lyn. Archery — the art of shooting with bow and arrow — in 

 ruder times forming a principal means of defence and attack, 

 but, in later centuries, much in vogue as a pastime for both sexes, 

 has been recently revived, and its practice during the past three 

 or four years has found special encouragement upon the Park. 



