24 Frederick Law Olmsted SUBJECT FILE Parks New York, N. Y. (Esp. Central Park) 1862Office of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park, Bank of commerce Building, 31 Nassau Street, New-York, March 17 1862 My dr Sir Yours of 15th inst is recd. The Reports you request forwarded to Profs. Henry will be sent immediately. Yours of several days previous date respecting the refreshment business at the Park was also received. I quite concur with you that what is done should be well & successfully done & I shall not act hastily in the matter. I regretted not seeing you before you left for Washington Very trly yours And. H. Green F.L. Olmsted Esq (over)when do you expect to be here again?A St Green New York March 17 '62[*Incl reports of Pilat to FLO*] Relating to the Central Park 1862-3. Reports of the Gardeners of the Central Park of New York [*Mr Pilat*] [*1862-3 during FLO absence on Sanitary Commsn work*] Report on planting in N York Park Apl 7 '621 Central Park, April 7th, 1862 A. H. Green, Esq. of the Central Park. Dear Sir: Agreeably to your desire, and in accordance with my own sense of official duty, I respectfully submit the following informal report on the subject of the planting, in the Central Park. During the past year the principal planting has been done south of 72nd str., and west of the Old Reservoir between 79th and 84th str. That of the entrance from 5th avenue at 59th str., consists of American Elms (Ulmus Americana), which in their arrangement correspond to those on the avenues and streets, thus forming a symmetrical figure which is gradually lost in an irregular grove at about 62nd street. The steep bank along 59th str. between 5th and 6th ave., is somewhat densely planted - mostly with ever- greens whose dark foliage is finely reflected by the subjacent 'Pond'. Below and among these a few deciduous trees of light foliage, such as the siler- leave and the scarlet Maple (Acer), the American Cypress (Taxadium), the Larch (Larix), The Birch (Betula), and others, are so disposed as to produce a pleasing contrast and variety, materially contributing to the general effect. The southern shore of the 'Pond' is densely planted with various flowering shrubs, vines and briars, a few trees being scattered here and there to break the monotony of the blended, tangled moss. Several small openings2 at irregular intervals, are so arranged as to afford passing and pleasing glimpses of the water. Entering at 5th avenue and 59th street, and following the main drive to a little beyond the 'Pond', it will be seen that deciduous trees and shrubs are predominant, with a grove of American Elms (Ulmus Americ.), one of American Cypress(Taxodium), one of Lindens or lime trees (Tilia), one of maples (Acer), and one of Ash trees (Fraxinus) - all intermingling but yet preserving their several characteristic appearances, each being a distinct picture in itself forming the main features. On the right, north, of the 'Ride' (proceeding from the above starting point to a short distance beyond the first bridge), There is a native growth of Sassafras, Sumach (Rhus), and a very fine group of Persimmons (Diospyros) with numerous vines and creepers adorning and embellishing and partly concealing a bold and high mass of rocks. By further extending this style of planting and adhering to the same varieties, the natural fea- tures of this scene have been continued towards the bridge and to the other side of the 'Drive'. The effect already produced and to be perfected in the course of time, throughout the length of the 'Ride', is that of a pleasant country-road shaded by over-arching trees, mingled with shrubs and vines, spaces being left for more or less expanding views of open caverns, sheets of water and other objects of interest which give the idea of extent and diversity, but wher- ever these open spaces would destroy the harmony of the landscape, a few scattered trees or low shrubs are so arranged as not to obstruct the view. 3 along the boundary line at 59th str., from the 6th to the 8th ave., a large number of trees and shrubs, the latter as underwood among the previously planted trees, have been introduced for the purpose of concealing int. Connected with these, others have been ar- ranged in irregular groups - giving all possible variety to the scenery in this portion of the Park. Considerable planting has been done on both sides of the foot-path entering from the 8th ave. at 59th str. and of that from the 7th ave. and 59th str. which joining with the other at the south-east corner of the 'Open-ground C', on the map of the Central Park, leads up east of this and terminates at the 'Mall', The spaces between the 'Drive', 'Ride' and 'Path' above- mentioned, being rather narrow at some points, done planting became necessary, and although a great variety of trees and shrubs may appear to be carelessly thrown together, yet they have been carefully arranged with a proper regard to their foliage, light and tints, so as to produce when fully developped, a pleasing variety and yet harmonixing effect. Considerable planting has also been done between the 8th ave. and 'West-Drive', as far up as 85th str., but only a small portion, situated between 59th and 62nd str., may be considered finished. Above this, from 63rd to 65th str., several groves, - one of Lindens (Tilia), one of Maples (Acer), and another of American Cypresses (Taxodium) - have been planted on both sides of the 'Ride', which, when completed, will form a dense belt gradually opening into a few scattered trees. A similar feature to the above, but on a larger scale, has been partly carried out, along the 8th ave.,4 from 66th to 69th str., extending to the West Drive and connecting with the scattered planting on the border of the 'Open ground at D,' in the 'Map.' The planting along the 8th Avenue boundary-line, consisting mostly of evergreens, and to be completed the present year, will present, in connection with the grove-like-planted deciduous trees, a beautifed and gorgeous landscape from all points of view. The sad and sombre effect of heavy evergreen planting, unrelieved by the introduction of less gloomy plants, is thoroughly avoided by the arrangement; There is also more decidedness [and] and distinctness to each of the several elements combined in the sylvan picture. The trees eastward are combined harmoniously and distinctively in groups; the lighter colored, such as the Silver Abele (Populus asgentea), the silver-leaved maple (Acer dasycaspum), the Locust (Robinia), and the Three Thorned Acacia (Gleditsatica), are placed the farthest distant, and the darker colored species of Maples (Acer s[accharim?] and pseudopolanus), Tulip trees (Lirodendson), Hickories (Carga), Ash-trees ([Fra?]), Lindens (Tilia), Elms (Ulmus), and so forth, are placed nearer the Avenue, so that looking to the east, the extent of the gradually scattered trees into the extended lawn is apparently increased, giving the observer that impression of the 'Beautiful' so characteristically described by Mr. Downing in his well-known work on 'Rural Architecture and Landscape-Gardening.' Looking the other way, say from the 'Centre Drive', the scenery although quite different will not be less pleasing to the observer; the evergreen planting 5 not only concealing the boundary and all west of it, but by its distance giving a softening indistinct background. East and south-east of the 'Ramble', along the 'East-Drive', commencing at 79th str and 5th Ave., a limited number of Elms (Ulmas) and Maples (Acere), have been planted, showing at present only the skeleton of the intended plantation. North of 79th str. between the 'Old Reservoir' and the 8th ave., as far up as 85th str., evergreens have been planted. Here a natural growth of deciduous trees and shrubs has been undisturbed, excepting a few plants, interfering with the original design, which have been removed. The nature of the ground in this region requires the picturesque style of planting, and may be looked at as a continuation of the 'Ramble'. The foot-paths winding around rocky hills and through little dales present almosst at every step a new scene of interest. Dense masses of trees, shrubs, briers and vines - the latter like garlands fastening themselves around the stems and limbs of trees and carelessly drooping, sometimes to the ground, are varied by open spaces or scattered trees and shrubs. Dense evergreen-planting has been introduced along the boundary line of the 8th Ave. and before the wall of the 'Old Reservoir', for the purpose of concealing them. Several groups of evergreens and single Spruces (Abies), Pines (Pinus), Junipers (Juniperis), Abor vitae (Thyia), Hemlocks (Abie Canadensis), and so forth, extend towards the 'Drive' and 'Ride', large spaces being left between many of them in which to develope themselves, thus adding character to the landscape, giving shade to the visitors and presenting6 presenting in winter a pleasant drive replete with objects of interest and beauty. This (The Winter Drive) is to be extended farther north along the 'West Drive', and is intended to be combined at the most suitable point with the 'Pinetum' in connection with the proposed 'Arboretum'. Around the open ground '7' & [?] (upper meadows between 97th and 102nd str., a number of trees were planted last year, the planting will here be finished this season. These open spaces with their slightly and gracefully undulating surfaces will when be surrounded by irregularly, sparsely and densely planted trees and shrubs, but not so as to obstruct the different views. On the south there is a rather high rocky hill which extends with several little depressions towards the north-east, where it joins and terminates in still another more conspicuous elevation of the same continuous range. On this undulating ridge there is more or less natural growth. The natural beauty of this region offers a rare opportunity to produce the finest effects in the landscape, with comparatively little manual labor. The southern hill affords the most magnificently extended views: The country from the north-[east] west to the east lies before the admirer of nature in an unfolding Panorama of picturesque objects. Northwestward is to be seen a portion of the 'Pallisades' whose perpendicular face contrasts finely with the charming surface of the open grounds, and to the right of this the 'High-bridge' and the surrounding country with a number of villas 7 and villages give a lively picture of industry and refinement. Towards the north-west and east, 'Long-Island sound', with its surroundings, presents a quite different but not less interesting scene. The slightly undulating contour lines of the distant country descend easily to the surface of the water and rise in a similar way to the East and South-east. Some public buildings, as the House of Refuge on Randall's Island, and others, their style of architecture and size being in keeping, perfect the picture of repose which is sometimes pleasantly varied by a number of distant sailing-vessels on the East-river. Following the path which nearly encircles the open grounds (meadows) and looking in either direction, the completed planting with the already existing natural growth will form a harmonizing foreground to the scenery above mentioned, which, I should state, is also to be viewed with some variations from the 'Ride' and the 'Drive'.xxx The 'Ramble' which was completed nearly two years ago needs hardly any description. Its natural configuration calling for the picturesque style of planting has been carefully and studiously followed in the windings of the paths, in the introduction of artificial rock work, rivulets, pools, and in every instance where surface required embellishment or prominence, & has presenting a great diversity of scenery. xxxxxx Another previously completed portion of the Central Park is the 'Promenade' and environs of this it is perhaps sufficient to say, that the arrangement of the surrounding trees is such as 8 to conceal those planted in straight rows, thus only seen from the main path, and when viewed from other points representing an extended Elm-grove and combining favorably with the open lawns East and West of it. Having thus briefly pointed out the more important features of last year's planting in connection with that of previous years, and also with what is yet to be done, I would say that each part of the work will be found - when completed - conducive to that general harmony of the whole, which has thus far marked the design and execution of the yet unfinished landscape. It is satisfactory to know that the Architect-in-Chief (Mr Olmsted) has repeatedly approved of the successful completion of his thoroughly studied and well matured designs and instructions to this department. The following is a statement of the extent of last year's planting From park Purchased Amount Aggregate Evergreen trees 2833 6177 9010 Deciduous " 6757 2002 8759 17769 Evergreen shrubs --- 700 700 Deciduous " 9952 17752 27704 28404 Vines & creepers --- 6570 6570 6570 Totals 19542 33201 52743 With the belief that the above has given all essential information concerning the transactions of this department, and with the assurance that my efforts to give satisfaction have been ably seconded by my assistants and conscious of your approval I remain your ob't ser't (signed) Ignaz A. Pilat Fred. Law Olmsted Esq. Dear Sir: Having kindly permitted me to write to you from time to time, I take the liberty to send you a copy of the report which I have written by order of Mr. Green on the subject of the planting on the C.P. He (Mr. Green) gave me to understand, that it would be well to state, why certain portions of the planting were treated in a certain way, and so forth- so as to satisfy him, that all the work, unfinished and completed, has been done in accordance with your design, and not as if we were groping in the dark. At least such was the way that I understood his verbal order.Hoping that you will approve of the above mentioned report, I should be thankful to you for the receipt of any additional remarks, which you might think necessary. The list of plants, required for planting near the terrace-bridge, I have already sent to Mr Green. I remain, dear Sir with much respect Yours truly Ignaz A Pilat C.P. April 8th 1862.I Pilat April 8 62 Fred. Law Olmsted Esq Architect in Chief & Supt. Central Park. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th inst was received in due time, and it is gratifying for me to learn that you approve of my report, which I sent to the Comptroller at his request. The planting at the Concourse "is nearly completed, also round the upper meadows," except the western portion, of which the ground is partially disturbed by laying the Croton-water-pipe. At present we are planting some deciduous trees & shrubs near the entrance at 72nd Str. and 8th Ave. Several trees and shrubs have been planted at the peninsula near bridge No. 4 to overconceal the ladies cottage which was built last winter; the plants have been taken from the "Ramble." The shaping of the ground, east of the "Old-Reservoir", - the building of the foot-path entering at 79th Str & 5th ave, and leading to the "Vista Rock" under bridge No. 23 is finally under way. The narrow path - which is a branche of the main western-walk of the Ramble, winding between Transv. R. N 2. and the flat rock south of it, and which terminates at the "Bell-Tower," is already completed to the satisfaction of Mr. Vaus. I regret to state, that more than 200 Austrian pines, and some few Scotch fires have been attacked by insects, of which specimen were examined and ascertained to be the very destructive bark boxer - Tomicus exesus - a Coleopterous insect. I advised, that the trees be burned as soon as found to be infected by overinsects, the only remedy to prevent their further distribution. In the course of next week, we shall commence the planting of Evergreens, as the season for deciduous will be over by that time. I remain Your obedient servt, Ignazt Pilat Central - park, April 22nd, 1862 [*I Pilat April 22 1862*] Report of the Gardening Department of the Central Park, for the week ending April 26/62 Weather. - Cold rain fell during the first three days, and was succeeded by a cool, strong, west wind lasting two days, on the first night of which there was a serious frost; on the nights of the 25th & 26th were white frosts. Observations - On Friday, some Andromedas which has flowered but a few days previous in the Ramble, were observed to have been injured, almost undoubtedly by the lake frosts. Many Rhododendrons & Kalmias, Cryptomerias and Junipers have been much injured the past year, but from what cause there are not sufficient data to judge, although it is possible that the late frosts had much to do with it. Work done - Considerable deciduous planting has been done between the Ride andand the West brance of the West Drive, from 72nd to 79th sts; N.-W. of Carriage Circle; about the Concourse ; and about the Upper Meadows. The shaping of ground has been completed S.-W. of Tunnel, and has been much done East of the Old Reservoir and between 71st & 80th sts. W. of West Drive. The path running under Bridge # 8, up to the Flower-garden, has been partly made. The cultivation of the plants has been attended to. Could we not be permitted to make more accurate metrological observations, and even geological, in connection with planting? Besides the cost of the proper instruments for the purpose, hardly any extra expense would be required, because Mr. Pollard is quite willing to thus employ those hours which are not devoted to Park business, and which would be most suitable for the objects required. I need not say what advantagethis would be for the park, and will therefore request some information and instructions on the subject. Most respectfully your obdt servt Ignatz Pilat [*Report of Gardening Depart park N York April 62*] Report of the Gardening Operations during the week ending May 3rd, 1862. The weather has been quite favorable. Rain fell during May 1st & 3rd. The deciduous planting between 72nd - 79th st. West of the West Drive, is completed. - That about the upper meadows and the Concourse Hill is nearly so. Many places, below Transverse Road #1, where evergreens have died the past year, have been re-planted. The borders between the West-Lake-shore road and the path have been planted with Betula alba, Ulmus Americanas, Fraxinus Europeons, Platanus occidentalis &c. The planting of deciduous plants this Spring is about discontinued. The places to be planted West of the Old Reservoir, have been nearly all staked out, that is, where the ground is prepared. Evergreens were first received on May 1st.The ground between 71st & 80th St. West of West drive, has been properly shapened. Remarks. - Plants, especially in the Ramble, have begun to grow quite satisfactorily. To secure the succeeds of the evergreen - planting, I applied to the Comptroller to have two feet depth of muck, on all places where such work is being done, - unmixed with manure. My application, I hope, will be granted by him. I remain most respectfully your obdt. servt Ignazt PilatReport of Gardening operation May 3 1862 Weekly Report of the Garden-operations, for the week, ending - May 10,1862. The weather has been quite dry. A furious wind blew almost continually, sometimes from the west and Southwest, but, mostly from the Northwest; the ground consequently becoming very dry. Work done. The shaping of ground, on the site of the Flower-garden, and near Br. #17, east of the Old Reservoir, is in progress. Very few deciduous but many evergreens have been planted along the Winter-Drive, and about the upper meadows, and have been planted where dead ones have been removed, along the bank South of the Pond, and along 8th Avenue, from 59th to 69th street, on Bridge over Transverse Road No. 1, and about the western part of the Lake. The planting on ground between 62nd & 64th Street, West of West Drive, and on the Concourse-hill may be considered comparatively completed. Observations. On Saturday, in the P.M., it was noticed that the atmosphere was quite opaque, clouding the sun so that it presented a dull red color without any halo. Although the above account of the weather is meagre, it is the best which we can, under present circumstances, give. If our suggestions, in the last Report, in this connection,be acted upon, we beg that the instructions of the Smithsonian Institute, for this purpose, be forwarded. Most respectfully Yours Ignaz A Pilat Central-Park, May 10th 1862 Planting Report May 10. 1862 Pilat.C.P. Arsenal May 15th /63 Sir! I respectfully submit the following Report of the work which has been done on the Central Park, under my superintendance during the week ending May 9th. The shaping of ground as usual in Upper Park. The making of paths and Drives about the Pool and through 106th St. nursery. The deciduous planting, also evergreen ditto, near 95th St. East Drive, 97th St. & West Drive and about the Pool near 102nd St. & 8th Ave, and in many scattered places in the Lower Park; also the planting of the Belt of Smilax along Transverse road III, and the planting of the Hedge of Thuja occidentalis near 77th St. & 5th Ave. Some herbaceous plants and flower seeds have been planted in the Ramble and other places. General cultivation, office work, and consultations with Mr. Vaux, attended to as usual. Requisition has been made for Lime and Wood ashes, and Rotten Stable Manure, the two former articles to be used for killing moss in lawns, and the latter to be used on exhausted ground in the Ramble. The following have been rec'd mostly planted: from outside, 1172 trees, 775 shrubs, & 520 Herbaceous Plants, from Park Nursery 56 Trees. Press of business prevented the sending of this report in the early part of the week. Your obt sevt. Ignaz Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq. U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C. Weekly Report of the Garden operations for the week. ending - May 17th 1862. The weather has not been much noticed. No rain has fallen; the winds have ranged from the Northeast to the Southeast; for the last three or four nights heavy dews have been formed, which have probably compensated for the rain, which from appearances, we had expected, - at all events, plants are growing finely. Especially have the shrubs on hill inside of the carriage-circle, been quite profuse in flowering. Many others, in numerous places, have attracted much attention. Work done. The shaping of grounds, on the site of the flower-garden, and near Br. #17, is nearly completed. The evergreens ordered and not yet received will occupy the planting force, for at least two weeks longer, and will be sufficient to fill all places where dead ones have been removed, and to complete the evergreen-planting along the Winter-Drive below the new Reservoir, and perhaps East of the Ramble. A few more Pinus Austriaea and sylvestris, worm-eaten, have been removed. Observations. It has been noticed that a few plants have suffered from attacks of insects on their leaves. Measures have been and will be promptly taken to prevent as much as possible all agents whatever which would be destructive to plants. I remain with much respect your obed. servt. Ignazt Pilat Central Park, May 17th 1862.Report of gardening dept Park N York 1st May '62Office of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park, Bank of Commerce Building, 31 Nassau Street. New-York, Octo. 11 1862 My dr Sir, Yours of 30th ulto is recd. The season continues unusually warm & sultry. to day a change appears approaching. I should think the deciduous planting would not proceed to much extent for the next ten days. Mr. Vaux having been about for a few days left town yesterday on a tour of recreation which I hope will be of benefit to him. You will have noticed that Mr. Blatchford has left us for Rome I can readily conceive that you must be very much occupied & I will try & let you know if any thing occurs especially requiring your presence before the planting commences. Yours trly And. H. Green C CP FL Olmsted Esq Washington D.C.A. H. Green New York Oct. 18th 1862Weekly Report of Ignaz A. Pilat Head Gardener of the Central Park from 19th November '62 to 19th January '63 F.L. Olmsted, Esq - Archt -in- Chief Sir: I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in this department during the past week. The shaping of ground North and West of the New Reservoir has been conducted every day when the weather permitted. Much progress has been made in the construction of ornamental rock work about 'The Pool'. A connecting path from 102nd St. and 5th Avenue to a little south of the eastern bend of the path encircling the meadows, was laid out on the 13th instant. The deciduous planting has been completed about the entrance at 59th St. & 6th Ave, about Bridges 13 & 16, and 'The Rustic Arbour' north of Bridge 2; - and has been much progressed on Plots South and West of 'The Arsenal', East of 'The Drive'; between 67the & 71st Sts, along the 8th Avenue; near 'Boat-landing', West of 'The Carriage Circle'; and West of Bridge 4; and also the planting of 'The Hedge', South of 'The Old Reservoir'. A number of dead plants have been replaced mostly below 'Transverse Road I'. Most of the plants used were from 'The Park Nursery'. - Others have been removed from groups in 'The Ramble' and South of 'The Carriage Circle' where this was desirable to preserve the intended effect, - and afew have been received from outside sources. A design for 'The Arboretum' has been commenced and will be proceeded with whenever the cessation of out-door work will permit. This and a classified Catalogue of the plants cultivated on the Central Park, which is being prepared, is being done by order of the Comptroller. I remain Your obedt servt Ignaz A Pilat Head-Gardener. Central Park, November 19th 1862.Report of Gardener Central Park 19 Novr 1862 [*order of Comptroller*]F. L. Olmsted, Esq Archt - in - Chief Sir I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The shaping of ground North and West of the 'New Reservoir', and the construction of ornamental rock work about the 'Pool', has been continued. Fifteen American Elms have been planted East and Southeast of the 'Mall', according to your design. The deciduous planting has been completed on Plots South and West of the 'Arsenal' and also that of the 'Hornbeam Hedge' immediately South of the 'Old Reservoir', - It has been nearly so on Plot immediately North of the 'Arsenal', and on that below 72nd Street, along the 8th Avenue; and has been commenced on the Southeastern banks of the 'New Reservoir'. A few plants have been removed here and there from the 'Ramble' and have been planted in other places, - a few have been used to replace dead ones below the 'Ramble'. Most of the plants used have been taken from the Park Nurseries, - a few have been received from outside sources. I remain Your obt servt Ignaz A Pilat Head-Gardener. Central Park, November 26th 1862.Report of Gardener Central Park 26 Nov 1862F.L. Olmsted, Esq Archt in Chief Sir I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The shaping of ground around the upper part of the 'New Reservoir' has been continued and has been finished about the Gateway entrance to the 'Playground' from 'Transverse-road No. I.' The construction of ornamental rockwork has been continued about the 'Pool', and has been commenced about 'Bridge 25'. The deciduous planting has been continued on the Southeast bank of the 'New Reservoir,' (here the west side of the 'Avenue of Sycamore Maples' has been planted, - the ground on the east side is not fully prepared); it is finished on plot 'immediately north of the Arsenal,' and on that between 68th & 72nd Street, along the 8th Avenue; and has been commenced on and north of West Bridge of 'Transverse road II.' the 'Hornbeam Hedge' South of the 'Old Reservoir' has been clipped. Two short approaches to the ledge of rocks, on the North side of the path near the Eastern corner of the 'Parade ground,' have been staked out, - in this neighborhood some additions to, and connections of the former deciduous planting are being made.Very few plants have been received from outside sources. A present of 10 Betula pumila, 50 Sedum latifolium, and 50 Andromeda prolifolia, from Michigan, have been received from Prof. George Thurber, M.D. - they have been planted in suitable situations and soil, in the Ramble. Most of the plants used have been taken from the Park Nurseries. I remain Your obt servt Ignaz A. Pilat Head Gardener. Central Park December 1st 1862Report of Gardener Central Park 1 Decr 1862C.P. Arsenal, December 8th 1862 Sir: I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The shaping of ground about the upper part of the 'New Reservoir' has been proceeded with whenever the weather was favorable. As also the construction of ornamental rock-work about the 'Pool,' and Bridge #25, - and the Deciduous planting East of the New 'Reservoir'; about the 'Lake,' West of Bridge #4; and North of Bridge E, ('West Bridge of Transverse road II') A Hedge of Maclusa aurantiaca (young plants), has been planted along the Southern retaining wall of Transverse road I, (North of the Arsenal and East of Bridge #7). A few plants have been received from outside sources, - most of the plants used have been take from the Park nurseries. Office-work has been attended to, as usual. I remain Your obdt servt Ignaz A Pilat Head-Gardener F.L. Olmsted, Esq Archt -in Chief of the Central Park.Report of Gardener Central Park 8 Decr 1862C.P. Arsenal, December 15 /62 Sir; I respectfully submit the following statement of the operations in my department during the passed week. The shaping of the ground about the upper part of the New Reservoir; about Bridge 12; and North of Transverse-road No. II, East of the Old Reservoir has been attended to. The construction of ornamental rock-work about the Pool, is yet in progress. Some deciduous planting, near Bridge 17; and East and West of the New Reservoir, was done on the 12th & 13th inst. - the weather previously not permitting it. A requisition for materials for the protection of tender plants, has been made. We have commenced pruning. Very little work has been done on the planting-maps. A perspective of the proposed Hedge near 78th Str. & 5th Ave, is being prepared. I have held consultations concerning the work, with Mr. Vaux, whenever he deemed it necessary; and concerning the planting &c., with Mr. Bauman, pursuant to Mr. Green's desire. I remain Your obdt servt Ignaz A Pilat Head-Gardener. Fred Law Olmsted, Esq Archt in Chief of the Central Park. "U.S. Sanitary Commission at Washington"Report of Gardener Central Park 15 Decr 1862C.P. Arsenal December 22 /62 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The shaping of ground North and South of Transverse road No IV, near the 8th and 5th Avenues; and about Bridge 12, has been attended to. The construction of rock-work about the 'Pool' is yet in progress, and arrangements for the same South of Bridge 25, have been made, and will be conducted probably this week. Deciduous planting to a small extent has been done North and South of Bridge 17, and East of the 'New Reservoir.' The under plants are being protected. The pruning is being attended to. Slight alterations have been made in the course of the path around the Carriage Circle. I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux, and with Mr Baumann whenever the opportunity was offered. I remain Your obt servt Ignaz A Pilat H. G. Fred Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of Gardener Central Park 22 Dec 1862Central Park, December 29 /62 Sir; I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The following operations have been attended to. The shaping of ground North and South of Transverse-road IV, and about Bridge 12. The construction of ornamental rock-work about the 'Pool,' and about Bridge 25. The pruning of recently-planted trees & shrubs. The deciduous planting to a small extent about Bridge 17 and West of the New Reservoir. The protection of tender plants. An Inventory of the plants of the Park Nurseries and Planting maps of the Park, East of the Old Reservoir and West of the New Reservoir are being prepared. I have held consultations, concerning the work, with Mr. Vaux and with Mr. Baumann whenever the opportunity was offered. Your obt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq. Archt-in ChiefReport of Gardener Central Park 29 Decr 1862