14 REPORT OF THE 



bays of the lake and presents an unsightly appearance through- 

 out portions of the season, but that it has ever seriously 

 affected the health of any one, it is not believed. This much 

 may be said in answer to occasional public reference to this 

 subject. 



A comparison, at this time, of the progressive assessments 

 of value of the Twenty-second Ward particularly, would seem 

 to justify the conclusions as to the importance of interests to 

 be favorably operated upon by the further improvement of the 

 unfinished portions of the Park. In like manner the interests 

 of the Eighth and Ninth Wards would be benefited to an 

 important degree. 



Within this particular area of the Park referred to, portions 

 of the surface have been worked over, and will remain as they 

 now are permanently. The walks have been outlined and 

 graded, but no permanent superstructure has as yet been put 

 upon them, with the exception of that connecting with the Ninth 

 street entrance. The plantations are incomplete and will 

 require modifications and additions in important particulars. 



The permanent occupation of the Litchfield Mansion for 

 park purposes suggests the opening for public uses, of the 

 section lying between it and the Ninth street entrance, which 

 has remained to the present time in a condition substantially 

 as originally taken. A very considerable amount would be 

 involved, necessarily, in the improvement of this area, but with 

 suitable treatment would be found to add greatly to the 

 resources of the Park. No particular estimates have been 

 made as to the cost of this contemplated work, and the amount 

 necessary for the purpose would be controlled entirely by the 

 perfection of detail to which the Commissioners shall ultimately 

 commit themselves, and to the extent which it would be 

 desirable t<> cany on the work in harmony with the original 

 design, but an early consideration of the question, in view of 

 the valuable influences that would quickly result from this 

 work, is undoubtedly desirable. 



