^ïMlÊMÈÈÊÈâmÈmÉÈÊiâ lilii HE jwENTI^AL j ARK <*-«ääÄ Gxpläincd ry&sssw—V / - /— aHd Illüsjr^jbd./ c. r & \ u i y i&l) gyv/ « / THE CENTRAL PARK EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED.STAIRS FROM CARRIAGE ROAD TO TERRACE, CENTRAL PARKTHE CENTRAL PARK EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED IN FAMILIAR FORM. NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY DEVLIN AND COMPANY 1871.NOTE. ----0-- To assist in sonic degree the appreciation and enjoyment of the Central Park, by giving in a brief and simple way, such information as will explain the various points of interest, and develop the wealth of beauty that lies within its bounds, is the object of this little book. How far the proposed purpose is accomplished the reader must judge; but we trust that many visitors, not familiar with the Park, may find in this guide much useful and reliable information. DEVLIN y permitting a view of the Park for some distance down the avenue. Next in importance, measured by the count of persons and vehicles entering it, is the Merchants’ Gate at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 50th Street, the point where Broadway intersects the Eighth Avenue, and from which the grand boulevard departs in a northwesterly direction. To prevent the crowding and confusion that would naturally result from the concentration of so many leading thorough fares at this locality, a grand circle has been laid out directly opposite the gateway, that contributes greatly to the general effect of this entrance to the Park. After the gateways just described, the Farmers’ and Warriors’ gates on 110th Street, —the former at Sixth Avenue, and the latter at Seventh Avenue, — are of the greatest consequence. These two avenues are being converted into boulevards, which will be planted with double rows of trees, thus completing magnificent drives through Park and boulevard, from 59th Street to the Harlem River, thereby making these gates great means of ingress and egress for the pleasure-driving of the Park. The improvements now being rapidly pushed forward on all the approaches to the Park, with that sleepless energy so indicative of the metropolitan spirit, are all arranged with special reference to its attractions, and will, ere long, form a fit setting for the city’s gem. The nomenclature of the gateways has been a subject of much interest; and the names selected happily illustrate the fact, that the Central Park is the people’s pleasure-ground, common to all, regardless of rank or caste. There seems an especial fitness in the fact that in these titles, the young and old, art, literature, commerce, mechanics, and husbandry, all have a representation that will eventually find expression in the symbolic architecture of the completed gateways. Herewith is a list of the names and locations of the several entrances:— Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, The Scholars’ Gate. Sixth Avenue and 59th Street, The Artists’ Gate. Seventh Avenue and 59th Street, The Artizans’ Gate. Eighth Avenue and 59th Street, The Merchants’ Gate. Eighth Avenue and 72d Street, The Womens’ Gate. Eighth Avenue and 79th Street, The Hunters’ Gate.12 TUE CENTRAL J’ARK. Eighth Avenue and 85th Street, The Mariners’ Gate. Eighth Avenue and 96th Street, The Gate of All-Saints. Eighth Avenue and 100th Street, The Iloys’ Gate. Fifth Avenue and 72d Street, The Childrens’ Gate. Fifth Avenue and 79th Street, The Miners’ Gate- Fifth Avenue and 90th Street, The Engineers’ Gate. Fifth Avenue and 96th Street, The Woodman’s Gate. Fifth Avenue and 102d Street, The Girls’ Gate. Fifth Avenue and 110th Street, The Pioneers’ Gate. Sixth Avenue and 110th Street, The Farmers’ Gate. Seventh Avenue and 110th Street, The Warriors’ Gate. Eighth Avenue and 110th Street, The Strangers’ Gate. THOROUGHFARES. The regulations of the Park exclude all vehicles of a business nature from the pleasure drives; and to obviate the inconvenience incident to the interruption of travel across the city for so great a space, four transverse roads have been constructed for the accommodation of ordinary traffic, which are carried entirely across the Park by excavations below the level of the ground. So ingeniously have these road-ways been constructed that the visitor is scarcely aware of their existence, and, indeed, a remarkable aptness has been displayed in the arrangement of all the drives, bridle-paths, and walks, each being so independent of tbe other that the entire Park may be enjoyed either on foot, horseback, or in a carriage, without one class of visitors interfering with either of the others. There are nine and one half miles of drives, varying in width from forty-five to sixty feet: there are five and one half miles of bridle paths of twenty-five feet width, and twenty-seven and one half miles of foot-walks, the latter following all the drives, but leading as well to many most beautiful spots, which are entirely lost to the visitor who only views the Park from a carriage. THE CROTON RESERVOIRS. These Reservoirs, so prominent in the scenery of the Park, and so important to the comfort and health of the city, were projected, and one of them completed, long before the occupation of the site for its present purposes. The Old or Lower Reservoir is a parallelogram in form, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six feet long and eight hundred and thirty-five feet wide, covering an area of thirty-one acres, and capable of containing one hundred and fifty million gallons of water. It is divided into two sections, one with a depth of twenty, andTHE CENTRAL PARK. 13 the other of thirty feet. Its walls of solid masonry are twenty feet wide at the top, and gradually increase in thickness toward the base. The Old Reservoir, being insufficient for the needs of the increasing population of the city, the New Reservoir was constructed simultaneously with the Park itself. It lies directly north of the other, and extends almost the entire width of the Park, having an irregular form, and an area of one hundred and six acres, with a maximum capacity of one thousand millions of gallons. The summits of the walls of both Reservoirs afford pleasant promenades and extensive views, while the skill of the architects and landscape gardeners has rendered the presence of that structure a source of satisfaction rather than of regret. GENERAL FEATURES. The Park is so naturally divided in two parts by the new or upper Reservoir, that by common consent the divisions are designated the Upper and Lower Park; which divisions we accept, and arrange the description accordingly. It will only be our purpose to mention the several points of interest as they would be encountered in passing from the southern to the northern end of the Park, and not to follow any special route. THE LOWER PARK. This section of the Park is that lying below the new Reservoir, and is the portion upon which the larger amount of labor has been expended, in the adornment and improvement of the grounds. The leading features are the Mall, the Terrace, the Lake, and the Ramble; all of which, with the other leading points of interest, are noticed in the following pages. THE HUMBOLDT MONUMENT. The first object that attracts attention on entering the Park from Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, is the monument, surmounted by a life-size bust in bronze, of Alexander Von Humboldt, the work of Professor Blaiser, of Berlin, which was presented by the German citizens of New York. The unveiling of this monument on the fourteenth of September, 1869, the centennial anniversary of Von Humboldt’s birth, was an occasion of great public interest. THE STATUE OF COMMERCE. Is placed near the Merchants’ Gate, at the Eighth Avenue and 59th Street entrance. It was the gift of Mr. Stephen B.14 TUE CENTRAL PARK. Guion, a native of Xew York long resident in Liverpool, and is from the hand of bosquet, a French artist of reputation and ability. THE POND. In the extreme southeastern angle of the Park, the Pond forms a pretty and leading feature in the seenery. It will be noticed on the left of the entrance by the Scholars’ Gate. It lias an extent of about live acres, and is largely artificial, being formed to a great degree by the natural drainage of the ground. In the winter season it is the resort of many skaters, its locality near the principal entrance making it more convenient of access than the larger Lake by the Terrace. THE MUSEUM. Another leading object that arrests attention in this portion of the Park is the old arsenal, n large and peculiar building near the Fifth Avenue boundary. It was formerly owned by the State, but was purchased by the city in 1850 for the sum of two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. In and about this building, now more properly known as u The Museum," are kept the already large number of animals that form the nucleus of the collection for the Zoological Garden, now rapidly preparing in Manhattan Square, on Eighth Avenue, between 77th and 81st Streets, immediately opposite the western boundary of the Park; and which, when completed and stocked, will compare favorably with any similar institution in the world. The collection of animals is numerous, varied, and interesting, forming not the least of the many attractions of the Park. In this building, also, is the beginning of the Museum of Natural History, which is destined to great prominence and usefulness. There are alreadv many specimens of stuffed animals, and birds, and plans are being carried into practical realization, whereby, when proper accommodations have been provided at public expense, private liberality will supply specimens that will place this in the front rank of such collections. Another feature of great importance within these walls, is the Meteorological Observatory, which finds accommodation in a large upper room, where a number of curious instruments record the doings of wind and weather. I he ultimate intention is to add to this an Astronomical Observatory! when the necessary building shall have been provided. it is also a part of the plans of the Commissioners to establish within the Park a perigHent art gallery, but toward this end nothin^ has been done beyond the selection of a site lor a oinlding.THE CENTRAL PARK. 15 THE DAIRY. Is a picturesque Gothic structure, situated directly north of the Pond and contiguous to the sou til transverse road, with which it is so connected that all supplies may be taken into it independently of the Park thoroughfares. Here pure milk, and similar refreshments more especially suited to the appetites of children, are supplied at a moderate cost. A short distance from the Hairy, in an almost westerly direction, is THE CHILDREN’S SUMMER-HOUSE, Which opens upon a playground especially intended for the use of small children, where they may enjoy their little sports and neither interfere with, nor be molested by the rougher sports of THE BOYS’ PLAYGROUND, Which is still further to the west, and occupies a large open space also south of transverse road No. 1. Here is a commodious house erected for the accommodation of the ball-players. THE PALAEONTOLOGICAL MUSEUM. The building for this purpose is now being erected near the Eighth Avenue, about midway between the Merchants* Gate and the first transverse road. The specimens for this department of natural history are being prepared by Professor B. Waterhouse Hawkins, and when the groups are completed will be extremely interesting, not only to scientists, but to ordinary visitors, as exhibiting the forms of extinct animal life in America. THE MARBLE ARCH Is located immediately west of the southern end of the Mall, and is one of the most elegant and costly structures within the Park, being the only one in which this material is exclusively used. Its purpose is to carry the carriage-drive over the foot-path, which enters it at one end on a level, while at the other a double stairway, leading to the right and left, leads up to the level of the Mall. On either side runs a marble bench that affords a welcome rest to the weary pedestrian on a hot summer day, and opposite the upper end of the arch, beyond the stairway, is a niche, around which, also, is a marble bench, and in its centre a drinking fountain. THE GREEN. Following the drive, that crosses the Marble Arch, as it leads to the west, and changes direction northward, a broad lawn of 916 TUE CENTRAL PARK. fifteen acres, designated by name as the Green, is revealed. In the proper season a large flock of South Down sheep, attended by a shepherd, find their pasture here, and supply a simple feature of rural life, at once beautiful and contrasting pleasantly with those other portions of the Park where art has done so much to beautify and please. THE SPA Is on the north side of the Green, and west of the Mall. The building is highly decorated in arabesque. Messrs. Schultz & Warker, the celebrated manufacturers of artificial mineral waters, are in charge, and supply the waters to visitors at five and ten cents per glass. THE MALL. The prominent feature of the Lower Park is the Mall; a straight walk which starts from a point just east of the Marble Arch and extends in a northerly direction for a distance of twelve hundred and twelve feet, nearly a quarter of a mile. The whole width is two hundred and eight feet; and throughout its entire length there is, on each side, a double row of American ehns, separated by a promenade in the centre, of thirty-five feet in width. Comfortable seats are distributed at convenient intervals, and drinking fountains at either end afford refreshment for the thirsty. A statue of Shakespeare, the gift of a number of citizens of New York through the Shakespeare Dramatic Association, is to be placed at the southeast corner of the walk. The Mall terminates at the northern end in a spacious square or plaza, which is ornamented with two very pretty fountains, and gilded bird-cages mounted on pedestals. On music days, when the sun is oppressive, this space is covered with an awning and provided with seats where visitors may rest, enjoy the music, and indulge in the luxury of creams and ices from the adjacent Casino. In close proximity to this plaza, and east of the north end of the Mall, is THE MUSIC STAND, An elaborate structure, decorated with gilding and bright colors, from which, on Saturday afternoons in the summer and autumn, an excellent band discourses beautiful music. Our illustration gives the grouping of the scene at this point, including the north end of the Mall and the Music Stand. THE TREES PLANTED BY THE PRINCE OF WALES During his visit to this country in the autumn of 1860, — an English oak and an American elm, — are thriving finely. TheyTHE CENTRAL PARK. 17 may be found west of the centre of the Mall, between the footpath and drive. THE VINERY % Is a delightful bower of rustic work over which are trained wisterias, honeysuckle, and rose vines. It is situated just east of the upper end of the Mall, convenient to the Music Pavilion and the Casino, at a point commanding an excellent view of the Terrace, Lake, and Ramble. TIIE MALL FROM TERRACE. THE CARRIAGE CONCOURSE Is an open square adjoining the Viner}’, affording visitors in carriages access to the Casino, and is a convenient place to pause on music days and enjoy the band without alighting. THE CASINO Is a neat and tasteful cottage structure designed for a ladies* refreshment house, where a well ordered restaurant is maintained, and although a private business, like the Refectory at Mount St. Vincent, is still under the supervision and control of the Park Commissioners. The Casino is pleasantly located just at the edge of the Carriage Concourse, and overlooking all the attractions of the Terrace and vicinity.18 THE CENTRAL PARK. THE BRONZE STATUE OF THE TIGRESS May be found a short distance west of the Terrace, to the right of the drive. It represents a tigress in the act of bringing food to her cubs, and was presented to the Park by twelve gentlemen, residents of New York. It is six feet high, seven and a half feet long, and is the production of the celebrated Auguste Caine. THE TERRACE. Dividing the plaza that terminates the Mall from the carriage drive that intervenes between it and the Terrace, is a magnificent screen work of Albert freestone, in which are two openings whereby persons can leave their carriages and enter the Mall, or from it can cross the drive to the stairways that lead to the Terrace below. These stairs, which are displayed in the frontispiece, are worth)' of the closest examination, for it will be seen that no two of the many panels that surround the well of the staircase are alike, and it is their beauty and ingenuity rather than mere variety that make them objects of admiration. The decoration is all based upon forms of vegetation symbolic of the four seasons, and surpasses the decorative sculpture on any public building in America. Pursuant to the theory that every visitor, whether walking, riding, or driving, may visit the entire Park in his own way without interference, another means of access from the Mall to the Terrace has been provided, so that drivers may not be embarrassed by pedestrians crossing the roadway at this much thronged point, and they, in turn, may not be exposed to the risks thereby incurred. To meet this end, a stairway has been constructed from the plaza at the end of the Mall to the level of the Terrace below, terminating in an arcade that passes under the drive. Tiie floor and ceiling are finished in elaborate patterns of encaustic tiles, and the stone work is everywhere beautifully carved. The plan for the hall or arcade, for the stairways leading to it, as well as for the stairway from the drive to the Terrace, embraces many artistic embellishments that cannot be carried into effect for some years to come. Having passed over one or the other of the stairways leading from the upper level the visitor reaches the Terrace, a broad esplanade which stretches north to the margin of the Lake. It is inclosed with a low wall of carved stone which is pierced with three openings one on either side, from which foot-paths lead northward, and one on the water front whence visitors may take the boats for a row on the Dike. In the centre is a fountain — a picture of which is here presented—with a spacious basin, still incomplete (there being cer-TUE CENTRAL PARK. 10 tain bronze castings for its ornamentation to arrive from Munich), yet beautiful and very attractive. At either corner on the water front is a tall mast, from one of which floats a standard with the arms of the State, while the other bears a similar emblem with the arms of the city. THE LAKE. From the Terrace the attention is turned naturally toward the Lake, frequently mentioned as the Central Lake. This sheet of water stretches away from the front of the Terrace to the west and north, in an eccentric outline of bays and headlands, which, with the little islands that dot the surface, the dense woods of FOUNTAIN ON LOWER TI.RRACE. the eastern and northern shore, the elaborate Terrace on the southern side, the boats, swans, and ducks floating upon the surface, combine to produce a most picturesque effect. The Lake is divided into two unequal parts by the Bow Bridge, an iron structure so called from its form, which connects the foot-path on the southerly side with the Ramble on the opposite shore. West from this bridge is the larger portion of the Lake, and farther away to the west the Balcony Bridge, illustrated by the cut upon the next pa ere, crosses a small arm of the Lake at a point near Lio-hth Avenue and 77th Street. The swans are not the least interesting feature of the Lake. Twelve of them were originally the gift of the city of Hamburg. Nine of these dying, twelve more were presented from the same source, to which were added20 the central park. fifty from some gentlemen in London. Of the original seventy-two twenty-eight died, and the remainder with their progeny remain to do the elegant upon the Lake. The swans, and also the white ducks that bear them company, are very tame, and conic readily at a call. The popularity of the boats upon the Lake is evident from the fact that, during the year 18G9, no less than one hundred and twenty-six thousand persons availed themselves of the opportunity for this amusement. rIlicrc are two classes of boats, the omnibus, which sail at fixed rates of fare for the It H THE CENTRAL PARK 21 waters of the Park furnish attraction to the greatest numbers. The care exercised that the ice may be properly kept in order for skating purposes, is lull y appreciated by the many thousands that throng to the Park when *• the ball” is up, and where under a few simple and reasonable restrictions any one may come and enjoy this exhilarating winter sport. The northern end of the western portion of the Lake is reserved exclusively for ladies. BOAT-HOUSE ON LAKE. The Scotch citizens of New York here find opportunity to enjoy their national game of curling. This game is growing greatly in popularity under the encouragement and approval of the Park Commissioners. Commodious houses are erected in the winter season on the margin of the Lake for the accommodation and refreshment of spectators, skaters, and curlers. They are so constructed as to be readily removed at the close of the season.TUE CENTRAL PARK. 22 THE RAMBLE. After the Lake, the Ramble is the natural attraction. It covers a piece of ground of about thirty-six acres sloping upward from the northern shore of the lake to the old Croton Reservoir, and is bounded on either side by the great drive, from which access may be gained by foot-paths that leave the drive at the northwest and northeast corners of the Ramble, although the principal avenue of approach is by the Bow Bridge across the narrow part of the Lake. The Ramble is a labyrinth of wooded walks abounding in sequestered nooks, rustic bridges over little brooks, wild vines and Howers, summer-houses and seats of rustic make, occasional little patches of lawn, all clustering so naturally that the agency of art In the grouping scarce seems apparent. It is not surprising that the Ramble has more loving friends than any other portion of the Park, when it is considered how many are the attractions it offers. The Lake shore is beautiful at every point; fine views everywhere reveal themselves; foreign birds, as pelicans, storks, cranes, and herons, have here their home; and for the pleasant chat of friends, the quiet enjoyment of a book, or simple rest from toil, the Ramble has abundant accommodation. More pretentious descriptions than this utterly fail of justice to its beauties. To be enjoyed it must be visited; to be appreciated it must be made one's own familiar friend. THE MONUMENT TO SCHILLER, The Gem« poet, is placed in the western part of the Ramble, near the shore of the northern arm of the l^ake. THE CAVE. At the base of the extreme western slope of the Ramble is the Cave, an interesting spot, partly natural and partly artificial. A steep path leads to the foot of a large rock, turning which sharp to the left the cave is entered at a level: the entrance is dark, but a few steps reveal the light, and afford an outlook upon the Lake. From the other side a series of rocky steps lead to the top of the rock over the Cave. THE BELVEDERE Is an irregular Gothic structure situated on a large rock that pierces the wall of the old Reservoir at its southwestern angle. This rock was long an eye-sore in this portion of the Park, but lias now been put to the excellent purpose of sustaining an ad-THE CENTRAL PARK. 23 ditioiml and attractive feature of the landscape, which not only provides a pleasant place of rest and shelter, but is an excellent post of observation, the rock itself being the highest point in the Talk. THE TUNNEL Has been excavated through the rock just south of the Belvedere and north of the Ramble, for the accommodation of the traffic road that crosses the Park at 79th Street. It is one hundred and forty-six feet long, and seventeen feet ten inches high.'* It is chiefly interesting as illustrating the great expenditure of time, labor, and money necessary to perfect the attractions of the Park. CONSERVATORY LAKE. Conservatory Lake is an ornamental piece of water, of two acres in extent, lying contiguous to the Fifth Avenue, directly east of the Lake, and is a feature of a charming plan, embracing both conservatory and flower-garden, now rapidly approaching completion. THE DOVE COTES Are directly north of Conservatory Lake, by the foot-path that runs nearest to the Fifth Avenue. They are a very pretty conceit, and add much to the beauty of the Park in this vicii> ity. The bird houses are elevated upon tall posts, and the. whole inclosed in an immense wire cage or screen wrork. THE EVERGREEN WALK. Near the Fifth Avenue, and south of the entrance by the Miners’ Gate at 79th Street, a pretty piece of landscape gardening, was first laid out in 1802. It increases in interest and importance with the growth of the trees, and includes circles within circles of walks, inclosed by neatly trimmed hedges, the whole encircled by a thicket of shrubbery and trees that serves to conceal the plan of t he walks within. THE SITE FOR THE ART MUSEUM The proposed Art Museum is to be located north of the transverse road at 79th Street, and near the Fifth Avenue. The plan contemplates an extensive and elegant structure. TIIE CEDARS, At the intersection of the drive and transverse road, near the southeast corner of the old Reservoir, is a point of interest worthy of observation.24 THE CENTRAL PARK. THE MAZE Is a recently completed feature of the Park, and is located near the southeastern corner of the old Reservoir. Included within the inclosure are thirty-seven hundred feet of gravel walk, and twenty-two hundred and fifty trees, as borders or screens, the object of which is to render an attempt to reach its central point, or to find a place of exit somewhat amusing and difficult. When the trees are sufficiently grown to conceal the paths, the Maze will be a source of much amusement. MANHATTAN SQUARE, Now being prepared for the Zoological Gardens, is west of the Park, on the 8th Avenue, between 77th and 81st streets. THE KNOLL, Or, as sometimes called, Summit Rock, is In the extreme western portion of the Park, opposite the upper section of the old Reservoir. Being of easy ascent, its height is quite deceptive; but it well repays the trouble of a visit, as it commands one of the most extensive views to be had in the Park. THE UPPER PARK All of that portion of the Park lying north of the New Reservoir is usually known as the Upper Park, but is connected with the Lower Park by the drive, bridle road, and foot-path. This section has not received the amount of elaboration that has been bestowed upon the Lower Park, but should not on that account be neglected by the visitor. The special objects of interest are not numerous: but the landscape has a bold, free character, the drives have longer sweeps and stretches, the elevations and depressions are more marked, and the views from the higher points abundantly reward the time, trouble, and strength consumed in seeking them. The most prominent features will be found noted in detail in the following pages. MOUNT ST. VINCENT The thoroughfares that lead from the Lower Park pass entirely around a large, open space, north of the New Reservoir, denominated the Last and West Meadows, the roadway on the east side leading beyond to Mount St. Vincent. The building here located was formerly used for the Roman Catholic Academy, now on the Hudson near Yonkers. It is used principally for a restaurant, where mav be found at all times comfortable rest and refreshment. The remainder of the building isTUE CENTRAL PARK. 25 occupied by offices of the Park, and a Museum in which are deposited the casts of the late Mr. (.'rawford's sculptures, eighty-seven in all, which were presented to the Park, by his widow, in 1800: OLD FORTIFICATIONS. Well to the northeast corner of the Park, and forming a pretty point from which to overlook the Ilarlem Meer, are the remains of earthworks erected during the war of 1812. They have been neatly turfed over, but preserved as nearly as possible in their original form. THE BLOCK-HOUSE. Considerably to the west of the earthworks, beyond the Lake and near the Warrior’s Gate, which opens upon Seventh Avenue, is a small block-house, a relic of 1812, and which was used either as a magazine or fortification. This and the earthworks were links in the chain of fortifications that extended across the north end of the island, of which abundant evidences exist further to the west. THE POOL, LOCH, AND HARLEM MEER. The three bodies of water bearing the above names, are essentially one, being connected and tlowing into each other. Like the other waters of the Park, they are mainly artificial, formed to a great extent by collecting the drainage of the valley that here traverses the entire Park diagonally. The waters flow from the Pool, that begins within a few feet of the wall on the west at 101st Street, to the Harlem Meer, that reaches within a few feet of the eastern boundary from 107th to 110th Streets, and follows the northern line from the corner to a point midway between the Sixth and Seventh avenues. A small streamlet connects the Pool on the west with the Loch in the centre, and another little run connects the Loch with the Meer on the east. A foot-path runs around the entire water, winding over romantic bridges by foaming little cascades and quiet pools. We can only hint at these points and leave the seeker for the beauties of the Park to find and enjoy them for himself. THE NURSERY. The Nursery lies near the Fifth Avenue boundary, south of the Ilarlem Meer, and east of Mount St. Vincent. Tt is expected eventually to extend this arboretum, so that it may include specimens of all American trees that flourish north of the Carolines, grown singly and in groups. At present, however, the space occupied is simply used as a nursery.20 THE CENTRAL PARK. THE GREAT HILL. This elevation, about midway between the Pool and the northern boundary, is a central feature in the northwestern portion of the Park. Its altitude is not quite so great as the Knoll, but from the greater depressions about it appears much higher. There is a carriage concourse at the top, whence there is a commanding view, extending from the Hudson to the East River and the Sound, including within its scope a remarkable variety of feature and interesting incident.DEVLIN & CO. J. Devlin. I ( S. W. Jessup. J. Ogden. ) { R C. Ogden. BROADWAY, CORNER GRAND STREET, A strict adherence to our policy of keeping, not only the MOST EXTENSIVE, but the Meets with so generous an appreciation as to continually compel AW IN CREASE OF OUR FACILITIES, To meet the growing demand. Under this encouragement, it is our constant aim to Raise the Standard and Reduce the Prices of our Goods, All of which are superior to average Custom Work. DEVLIN & CO.DEVLIN & CO. J. J)KVLIN. : ; S. W. Jessup. BROADWAY, COR. WARREN STREET. The Custom Department of our business is an object of special attention, the Stock always exhibiting the Choicest Products iii Goods for Gentlemen’s Wear, Of the English, French, German, Scotch, and American markets. The corps of Cutters includes THE MOST ARTISTIC TALENT. The Gentlemen's Furnishing Department, from which we supply our CELEBRATED AMERICAN YOKE SHIRT, Is at all times supplied with the novelties in Nkck Gear, Gloves, Roues de Ciia.ubue, Underwear, etc., etc. DEVLIN 8c CO.BROOKLYN. PROSPECT PARK. The natural inference from the fact that we have given so much space to Central Park and so little to Prospect Park, would he that the latter is scarce worthy of notice. Such a conclusion would, however, be far from just, and to the visitor to New York who condescends to be guided by our suggestions, we would say that, next to the former, there is no public work in New York or vicinity, so interesting as the latter. It occupies an irregular piece of ground about five hundred acres in extent, lying to the southeast of the city of Brooklyn. The principal entrance is at the intersection of lTatbush and Vanderbilt avenues, and the means of access from New York, are by the Fulton Ferry and street cars. Near to the magnificent fountain by the main entrance is the bronze statue of Mr] Lincoln, erected at an expense of thirteen thousand dollars, by one dollar subscriptions from the people of Brooklyn. Within the Park there is much less of artistic detail to be described than in the Central Park, and the effort seems to have been to supplement the rich natural features of the place by the production of magnificent general effects. In natural beauty of location and incident,* the Prospect Park stands, and will remain, peerless among all the pleasure grounds of this country. A splendid growth of native forest trees, bold eminences commanding extensive views over sea and land; water-courses and lakes, just as nature made them, give a charm of freshness that no art can supply. These features have been developed by a lavish outlay of money, guided by a consummate skill and taste, so that as a result we have grand combinations of nature and art, so deftly managed that we cannot define the line where nature ceases and art begins. Botanical gardens, zoi logical gardens, and a deer paddock are features yet to be realized; but already there are miles of broad drives, bridle-paths, and foot-walks, leading over and around all the beautiful and interesting localities; while music stands, ar hors, romantic bridges, terraces, and skating ponds, are some of tlie appliances which the landscape gardener and the architect have availed of to perfect the purpose of the Park. Brooklyn is proud of her Park, and the annual visitors, already counted by millions, testify the general appreciation of the privileges it affords; while the advance in the value of surrounding property, to say nothing of the more important influences upon the health and culture of the people, fully justifies the immense outlay it has involved.J. DEVLIN » ( S. W. JESSUP J. UCtDEjN . J JB.. C. OGDEtf. Will always find at our spacious and elegant Stores a Stock cf Clothing, that for Variety and Style is UNEQUALED in THIS COUNTED. The appointments of our business embrace every grade of Goods, from the cheaper kinds of READY-MADE CLOTHING FOR BUSINESS WEAR, To the finest DRESS GARMENTS MADE TO ORDER. Throughout all departments we adhere to the One Price System, and offer our Goods at RATES THAT CANNOT Jli: VNDERSOLI). Our entire Ready-Made Stock is manufactured exteessly for the best Retail Trade. DEVLIN & CO.DIRECTIONS FOR MEASURING. COAT. Length, from 1 to 2 and 3. Arm, 4 to 5 and 6. Around the breast, under the coat, 7. Around the waist, under the coat, 8. Height, — feet — inches. Weight, — lbs. VEST. Length, from 1 to 13, with last two coat measures. PANTS. Outside seam from top of waistband, 10. Inside leg seam, from crotch, 12. Around the waist, under the coat, 8. Around tho hips, under the coat, 14. By the above sys'em measures may be taken for Clothing to be supplied either ready made or to order. We give especial attention to orders by this method, and are always happy to respond to requests for prices or other information. DEVLIN & CO. Box No. ii‘356, P. O; JSEW YORK.MODE OF MEASUREMENT. 1. Size of neck at 1. 2. Length of shirt from 2. «3. Length of sleeve from 3 to 4 and 5 and 6. 4. Across breast from 7 to 8. ft. Around the breast. <». Around the waist. State whether with or without coVar. We are the sole Manufacturers of the above Shirt, which is ■without an equal for ease and e'eganee of fit. Orders tided f om stock ready made, or to order if desired. Inform at ion by mail forwarded promptly when requested. DEVLIN 8c CO. Box No. P. O., New York. i If \ \ V \ \ k \