Frederick Law Olmsted SUBJECT FILE Parks New York, NY 25 (Esp. Central Park) 1863 N. Y. Central Park, Jan. 6th 1863 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 as much as was practicable. The shaping of ground North and South of Transverse Road No. IV., and at Bridge I, of Transverse road No III. The construction of ornamental rock work about the Pool and Bridge 25. The pruning, and protection of tender plants. The preparation of planting maps to a small extent, and of an Inventory of plants in the Park Nursery. The usual office work. I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux, and with Mr. Baumann whenever the opportunity was offered. I remain Your obt servt Ignaz A Vilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of Gardener Central Park 6 July 1863 C P. Arsenal Jany 12th 1863 Sir: I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The progress of the following operations has been attended to: The shaking of ground North and South of Transverse-road No. IV, and at Bridge I. The construction of ornamental rock-work about the Pool and Bridge 25 The pruning in the Nursery and below 86th Street. The protection of tender plants. I have held consultations with Mr Vaux and with Mr Baumann whenever the opportunity was offered. Ignaz A. Pilat per Frank [A?] Pollard Fred Law Olmsted Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of Gardener Central Park 12 Jany 1863[*C. Pk. 1863*] Eng. A. Baumann's Report to Comptroller Jan. 13/63 [*Copied verb. et litt.*]And. H. Green, Esq Sir! In compliance with your desire of having a correct report of my opinion on the condition of the work done on the Central Park, as well as of my personal opinion in a practical view of the matter and suggestions thereon, I have the honor to submit to you this memorandum. I made irregular visits to the Central Park grounds on the 5th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 18th 19th, & 27th days of December, and on the 5th of January last. The first two visits I made, I was alone, Not being able, in this season of the year, to judge correctly of many things, I referred to Messrs. Pilat & Fischer for information, and with their assistance I was enabled to judge better than otherwise. I have for several years felt the highest interest in the Central Park, and although not frequently, I followed, Season by Season, the great work going on. I must say that, on considering the whole, there is no improvement of such importance done any where else with so much care, and such an intention to make it permanent, economical and pleasing for future times, as the work done by your honorable Commission. The complete finish of the drives, the paths and the bridle-road or ride, as also their durability, are completely confirmed by examinations made in the various seasons2 of the year, and leave nothing to be desired. The general system of drainage is an improvement which under any circumstance deserves the highest praise, as well in respect to making the place a very healthy one for the population of New York, as advantageous for the keeping in condition and for the success of the planting. The natural features of the ground by themselves, perfected by the above improvements, could, under the care of your Commission, and assisted by men of practical knowledge and artistical taste, not fail to give such fine a result by itself. But the additional improvements, consisting in the distribution of the drives, walks and the ride, crossing each other by means of the bridges, makes out of the Central Park a condensed "Assemblage" of every kind of recreation, and exercise and relaxation, which otherwise could not have been created on twice the area. During a period of travels, some eight years back, I had an opportunity of examining most of the important places, public and private, in Europe; I dare say that I am more or less acquainted with all the important ones, except in Spain and Russia - Many of these places may show some artistical conception that may be missed in the Central Park; each single one may, in consequence of the natural features of the ground, or of a particular intention to carry out 3 special views, produce some creations that may not be met with here; but, in justice, I say that the Central Park offers in general, by itself, more of any kind of improvements, and points of attraction than any one of all the other public and private places. Of drainage generally, there is a great want every where; and although this is not an apparent object, I consider it to be the most important, and of all I can see, it works with perfection here. The park already finished; to say, most of the park south of 79th Street, must convince every man of practical knowledge and of taste, that this is generally so. The prepairing of the ground is also one of the improvements that I have to mention; I had during my visits, opportunities to consider the careful way this is done every where. There is no doubt that the planting must show very shortly luxuriantly, as the inevitable result of this careful preparation of the soil and the great care taken for the trees and shrubs and their planting. This remark applys more to the lower park; but if many of the preliminary preparations seem to have been made there more thoroughtly than in such parts now under the spade, I think that with a system of planting, of a more different and only practical methode, the result will not be less successful. I should rather think it would be more successful, besides being more economical4 ical in any way. The planting by itself is well distributed, and can not fail to show soon a very artistic effect: there is a harmonious connection of various kinds of trees and shrubs, evergreen and deciduous ones, which show the skill of the caring hands in this department. There are certainly to be suggested, from my knowledge of practical Landscape Gardening, some amendments or alterations which I intend to introduce in my report. In taking the liberty of doing so, I intend in no way to see, that the work, as it is progressing, will not answer thoroughly to "every want" of the public, and to that of most men of taste and sense, but there is a susceptibility of improvement in some parts. On the walks, the drives and the ride I notice in some places some little defects in the correctness of the outlines. This was certainly depending somewhat upon the locality and on unavoidable circumstances. Planting, alone will give you the means to remedy there in the easiest and cheapest way. In some places where the drive, ride and the walk meet together, a denser planting ought to make the junctions less perceptible. In open and exposed places, tops of hills &c. &c., the planting, to be successful, ought to be made denser with a small class of plants, or better to say, with a younger specimen, supported by a good system of staking. Where road, or drives, ride, or paths, over bridges, are crossing each other, the planting ought to be done so as to make the architectural beauties more conspicuous. After this can not be done in one way without interfering with the other, but in such cases I would [?] the one to the other. In several places the width of the drives is very conspicuous: for riders, or persons in carriages it will not produce the effect that will be noticed by pedestrians; an improvement by a planting of more shade trees on such places, will remedy this, relieving the barrenness perceived by pedestrians, without injuring the fine effect upon persons riding. On the Green, admitting that it may be destined "for a" parade ground, I think that by increasing the density of foliage and shades around the place, to the extent of from 30 to 40 feet from the drives and the paths, it would leave room enough to parading, and would make the place a resort of greater attraction and comfort. This latter consideration is the more desirable in my judgment,, as there will be a great tendency to the gathering of the people towards the mall, the6 Concours and there around. It requires this additional planting mostly on the two drives West of the Mall, between 66th and 70th Streets. By shading more densely along the walk which runs parallel with the drive east and northeast of the Green, there will be nothing to prevent the same gathering of persons on that side of the Mall also, and thus tend to accomplish the object of the Mall itself, which I deem to be made to make it the general "Rendez=vous" of people upon occasional great demonstrations. A more dense planting, if done in the right way, will not be in contradiction with the idea of leaving distant views and wide openings in every direction - over the Green; Openings left where regained will continue to show the distant views rather better, as these will be a more contrasting foreground. A very important addition would be the planting of more evergreens on the Southern shore of the lake, and partly on the Southern shore of the Northern portion of pond A. opposite the ride, in a line of about 6th Avenue. This is quite necessary in an artistic view, as it will help immensely to reduce the glare produced by the reflexion of the sun, and thus darken the 7 waters, and relieve the promenaders who will find naturally more attraction to examine the landscape. As the ground rises from South to North, the most extensive and picturesque views will naturally appear in the opposite direction, which is not exactly the point in which a Landscape appears in its best light. Therefore I think this improvement a very important, I dare say a necessary one. The caracter of the Ramble, in its present and future condition, suggests an only observation in regard to planting, in so far as the quantity of native trees must sometimes take the lead over the newly planted shrubs. Many of the native trees are of kinds that will in a few years grow to a large size and prevent the success of the lower shrubs, for having formerly always been cut, and thus kept down; the additional plants have been selected to match in size for the present; but shrubs will have to remain shrubs forever, of more or less size, and the trees will grow large. Shrubs that are naturally undershrubs, will not suffer in the company of these larger trees; they will rather be a pleasing addition; but there are many who will not succeed8 in the same way, that are not to be employed as undershrubs, and I think it advisable to help this future change, by removing gradually from the vicinity of the mentioned trees these shrubs, and have them only on the places where there are less or no trees at all. Thus the forced change will not appear at once, but the natural carakter, which will show itself later, without injuring the beauty of the place, would mature to a great advantage to a later period. I notice in the system of preparing the land, and the laying out of the walks, and the planting, as it is done west of the Old reservoir, and all along the 8th Ave, as also west and east of the New Reservoir, an improvement in the way it is done, which admits of a favorable and advantageous comparison with some of the formerly finished parts; there is more "Ensemble" in the general arrangement and the planting is more judicious. Without criticising the former operations, I conclude in this judgement from the way the planting has been done, and think that it will show very soon a more perfect success. In the above mentioned places the planting has been done with more young plants; without mentioning a far better and harmonious 9 disposition of the grouping. Planting with smaller trees and shrubs, in an operation of such magnitude, would have been under any consideration, the most advantageous. I am far from intending to say that larger trees may not be employed, where they can be procured near the place; I say on the contrary, that they can be employed to great advantage for single planting. But in masses young trees and shrubs, and principally evergreen ones, ought to be employed in preference, in so far as succeeding more generally; the masses grow up in a more complete way together and the intermingling of limbs and the foliage, will be what it should be. With larger trees employed for that purpose, there will be too many losses, too much time required for the planting; it requires frequent filling up of the ranks, and the masses themselves never show complete, nor connected, nor natural. In cases of evergreens employed in masses, the trees should be of various sizes, to not show like a nursery; if of the same size in one group, in growing for a long time too much alike, they require10 many years to show a natural appearance - but used of different sizes, say from 2 and 1/2 to 3 feet up to 6 or 8 ft. - the larger ones employed in a small proportion in the rear, or the center or scattered on the outskirts, it will show directly a natural growth. The planting of single trees ought to be done with a different way of staking, and fastening, which operation is of the highest importance. A provision of stakes of various sizes according to the sizes of the trees and shrubs, ought to be always on hand. These stakes can be best employed for staking out the planting - and their size will in the same time indicate the size of the tree or shrub and the proportionate hole that will have to be prepaired. Once the holes opened, the stakes ought to be driven in to the undisturbed subsoil, where it will remain firm but not after the planting. The planting will have to made in a way to bring the shaft, or the stem, as near as possible to the stake, by arranging the roots accordingly to fit. The ties also 11 require a particular case, as the first one, directly after the planting, ought to be made loose enough, allowing the tree to slide down with the earth that settles after the first rain, some two or three inches. Once the ground returned to its natural density, the trees will have to be tied firm, near the ground, on the top, and once or twice along the shaft. This alone works well, preventing every tree from being shaken by the wind, when foliage commences to produce some weight on the top, and young fibres begin to grow on the roots: if these latter ones, in consequence of the shaking of the top, are broken off, the trees live only by chance. A very important addition to the belts or groups will be the introduction of certain varieties of hardy herbaceous plants, and bulbous plants. If employed in the foreground of the groups, at a certain distance from the paths, or the drives, they will produce early in Spring a variety of foliage and flowers, which can not fail to please in a moment when fine days invite already the visitors, but when the foliage of trees and shrubs is still behind, or begins to show only the fastidious light green tints of the same weekness all over the place. The herbaceous plants and bulbs ought to be used mostly in masses of but12 two or three kinds at one place; - by mixing them too much, they lose their carakter, and will not help to enhance the beauty. The most reccommendable of this family, are the following varieties, viz- Chrysanthemums, Amsonica, Aster, Yucca folamentosa and others, Lilium candidum, tigrinum, Caucifolium, eupergam &c., Delphiniums, Aconitums, Dracocephalums, Funkias, Hemesocallis, Iris, Gipsophilla, Aquilegias, Assrum, Asclepias, Lobelias, Lupinus, Paeonia officinalis and edulis, Papaver orientale & bracteatum, Phlox, Rheums, Potentillas, herbae, Spiraeas, Veronicas, Fritillanias, Narcissus &c &c many other ones. On the wooded parts North of the New Reservoir, I noticed some of the outskirts running too much in straight lines, principally on a point near the intersection-line of 103rd Street and 6th Avenue, which requires diversifying. These same wooded parts will soon be cleared and thinned out; as the selection of the trees growing therein is limited to the number of native trees, and as these may be always found in groups of a predominating number of specimen of the same varieties or kinds, grown together, the thinning out ought to be done on the principle of large masses of foliage of the same carakter & tint, intermingled sparingly with a limited number of another contrasting type. Most of these trees being tall growing kinds, I think that they might be kept also in the style of shady groves (Bosquits or Bocages or what german calls "Haine" by leaving the underground clear and free from shrubbery. Shrubbery having been already introduced in the largest part of the lower park, the above feature would be rather a desirable one, as I do not meet it any where else. To conclude with my annotations about the planting, permit me finally, Sir, to allude to the pruning of the trees and shrubs, heretofore done every winter. The operation of pruning is for itself a very important one, in so far as it strengthens the growth, develloping stronger roots, shafts and limbs; but after the first pruning which should be done at the moment of planting, and a second one after the first year's growth, I should, generally speaking, stop any farther pruning and abandon the shape of shrubs and trees to nature. Frequent pruning, if done in the customary way, can not fail to give the plants too formal a shape, and after a certain number of years, in place of a natural carakter, they will show more or less a formal, round-shaped top over a pair of antlers. It is certainly quite different with trees of which it is intended to make specimen of a peculiar caracter, as it is principally the case in some English Parks, and14 on which the gardener has to exercise his art for several years. I should advise the introduction of this method for a certain number of specimens on the Southern Park, mainly around the Mall. Some Linden, Norway Maple, European Sycamore trees, oaks &c, well limbed at a distance of some 7 or 8 feet above ground, may have their lower limbs trained horizontally on rods for four or more years, while being kept behind on the vertical growing ones, by yearly pruning till the trained limbs will show strength enough to sustain themselves in a horizontal position. In this way there will be specimen produced which in such places are generally the most striking curiosities, without having anything of an extra-natural caracter, and their for extending branches, running horizontally over the smooth lawn, will offer a pleasing shade in the open ground, besides a shelter of fine foliage which many persons will prefer to an artificial protection against the sun. I remember having seen such trees, naturally growing in the east, along the Bosporus, which with probably some other tropical trees, have certainly furnished the English artists with the idea of imitating them. The trees I saw, and which are the admiration of every visitor, are of the Platanus orientalis, which is probably not hardy here; the above-mentioned kinds will 15 very well answer in their place. In regard to any matter not included in my specialty, I beg you, sir, to excuse me from making any allusion; I leave therefore all remarks on architectural production out of my report, and conclude by mentioning a last observation I have to make, but which is not of the smallest importance. I mean to speak of the lake. The very fine and extensive sheet of water, south of the Ramble and north of the most attractive Mall, called by the above name, does not in my opinion show what it ought to do. That vertical stone wall running all around it, checking or rather hurting the eye in every direction where it meets the opposite shore at or near a right angle, is too much artificial for a lake. The carakter of a lake should be that of a natural one; the carakter of a pond may be natural or artificial. The most natural boundaries should always be the necessary surrounding of a lake; in place of this vertical stonewall, there should be a paving with pebbles, slightly inclined in an angle of about 10 degrees, forming the transition between the water and the lawn, or planting, and somewhat similar to a gravelled shore. This paving might cover the whole width of the space between high and low water, and from any point you might consider it, it will never show what the vertical wall shows; it will not attract any attention, because the inclined plan will at a certain distance 16 disappear, and at high water principally, the only transition between water and land will be either the small, and gently billowing of the water, or the grass and plants growing on the edge. By rising the water level above the wall, the aim could be obtained, but it would not answer the arrangement made expressly for skaters. But I should think that by bringing the stonewall below the low-water mark, and employing this paved bed instead of the walk used by skaters, it would improve the lake immensely. In comparing the pond A with the lake, it is easy to perceive the defect on the latter - the pond looks very much like a natural lake, but this looks a good deal more like a pond, and a very artificial one, too. Something alike may occur at the new piece of water in course of construction in the northern park - on about 103 & 104th Street and 7th Avenue, but in a different sense. There exists the most charming natural disposition for arranging, with very little artificial help, one of the finest parts of the park. The shape of the ground, as already intended to be made so, furnishes a remarquable opportunity for a romantique mountain stream, in which the water may alternately be shown in all its tormented and tumultuous movements, or in its quietude - either jumping over bold rocks, or lazing; or advancing lazingly 17 through the shady dale. All around this scenery in every respect, is in harmony with the above idea, and it wants only some skill to make the few artificial additions accordingly - but from what I can judge, the work of the construction already commenced on the waterfalls will not be what is required, and must fail to satisfy a good judge. There is some rock-work in the ramble that few persons, after some years, will recognize as artificial productions; but this last one will always will always show a very inferior arrangement, the quality of the rocks, and the very unnatural superposition of them being not what they should be. This, Sir, is the condensed, but accurate report of the impressions made on my mind, by what I have seen on the grounds of the Central Park, and my judgement of such parts as are finished or in the course of operation. I have not thought necessary to go into any further details about minor questions, in order not to lengthen my report. In suggesting to your mind any useful or practical thoughts herein, I trust, sir, you will not construe my ingeniousness to my disadvantage, or as a presumption, as my intention in doing so has been to try to reflect in plain language the inspirations & thoughts arising "en passant" over the work of your creation. Most respectfully submitted (signed) Eng. A. Baumann Morrissania, January 13th 1863Central Park Arsenal, Jan'y 19 /63 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 and the construction of rock-work, about the "Pool", Bridge 25, and Transverse-road No. IV. The construction of a path and stone steps North of the Pool The pruning in106th St. nursery and the Maintenance-pruning below 86th Street. A few plants have been removed from the vicinity of the construction-work in the "Upper Park", and planted in the 106th St. nursery. The preparation of planting-maps of the "Upper Park", and the drawing up of garden- statistics for the Commrs Report for 1862. A complete Inventory of the plants in 106th St. Nursery is now finished. The weather prevented all out-door-work in this department, on the 15th & 16th inst. Your obedient servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. F.L. Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of Gardener Central Park 19 Jany 1863C.P. Arsenal, January 26th. 1863 Sir; During the past week, the same operations as during the preceding were attended to, in my department, namely: The shaping of ground and the construction of rock-work, about the "Pool", Bridge 25, and Transverse-road No IV; The construction of a path, north of the "Pool"; The pruning in 106th St. Nursery and below 86th Street; The protection and general cultivation of plants; The preparation of planting-maps; And the usual office-work. In addition, several native plants were removed from the vicinity of the "construction-work", and planted in 106th Street Nursery. I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux, as usual. I remain Your obdt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq. U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C. C.P. Arsenal. Feb. 2nd. 1863 Sir: I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week: The shaping of ground and the construction of rock-work, about the "Poo", Bridge 25, and Transverse-road No. IV. The construction of a path, N. of Bridge 25. The planting of Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocusses &c., in the Ramble. Very fortunately they are now covered by a few inches of snow. The planting of various deciduous plants, from the Nursery, to near 85th & 86th Strs., West, and the removal of plants from the vicinity of the construction work, to the Nursery. Pruning in the Nursery. The preparation of planting-maps. The portions planted in 1862, have been designated on the "Map of the Park". General cultivation and the usual office-work have been attended to I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux, as usual. The snow which fell on the 28th inst. prevented out-door-work on that day and the next. Your obedient servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.C.P. Arsenal, Febr'y 9th 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week. The shaping of ground and the construction of rock-work and of paths about the "Pool" & Bridge 25. The pruning in the 106th Street nursery and below 86th Street. The removal of plants from the vicinity of the construction-work in the upper Park, and the planting of same in the Nursery. The preparation of planting-maps of the Flower Garden and of the Arboretum. The usual office-work and routine. I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux whenever he desired. A fall of snow, on the 5th inst., & of rain, on the 6th, prevented most out-door work, on those days. Your obedt servt Ignaz A. Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq. U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C. Central Park Arsenal February 16 /63 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in my department during the past week: The shaping of ground on the large rock, at 59th St. betw. 6th & 7th Aves, and the same, together with the construction of rock-work and of paths about the "Pool", Bridge 25 & Transverse-road No. IV. The removal of many plants from the vicinity of the construction-work, in the Upper Park, and then planting thereof in 106th Street Nursery. The planting of a belt of smilax rotundifolia along Transverse-road No. IV, wherever the ground was prepared. the pruning in 106 St. Nursery and below 86th St. The preparation of planting-maps for the border of "Pool No. 1", and the compilation of a list of plants for the Arboretum. Some large wild trees were examined, by order of the Comptroller, who thought they might be fit for transplanting to the Park; very few of them were worth noticing. The usual office-work and garden-routine. No out-door-work was done on the 12th inst.because of the heavy rain storm which prevailed all that day. I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux, as usual. A copy of Mr. Baumann's Report to the Comptroller, concerning the landscape-gardening of the Central Park will shortly be given to Mr. Vaux who will forward it to you. I remain your obedt servt Ignat A Pilat H. G.C. P. Arsenal, February 23rd 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done under my supervision on the Central Park, during the past week. The shaping of ground on ledge of rock, at 59th St. betw. 6th & 7th Aves., and along 5th Avenue, betw. 60th & 67th Str.; and the same together with the construction of rock work, about the "Pool," Bridge 25, and Transverse road No. IV. The planting of an irregular belt of Similax Rotundifolia, along the sides of Transverse road No. IV, and general planting near 105th St. North-West of Bell-Tower. The removal of native plants from the upper park to 106th St. Nursery. Pruning in 106th St. Nursery & below 86th St. The preparation of planting maps of Arboretum and of between Old and New Reservoir. An estimate of the number of plants required for a Hedge around the Park has been sent the Comptroller, together with a requisition for a number of Maclura aurantiaca, to be used this Spring, in that portion of the intended 'Hedge' below Transverse road No. I. Mr. Baumann's Report has been copied and handed to Mr. Vaux, with whom I have held the usual consultations. Respectfully your obt servt Ignatz Pilat H. G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq., U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D. C.Report of work done Park NYork Feby 23 63C.P. Arsenal March 2nd 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done under my supervision during the past week. The shaping of ground in the upper Park and at 59th St. between 6th & 7th Aves. The removing of plants from the vicinity of the construction work in the Upper Park. The preparation of planting-maps of the Arboretum and of the borders of Pool I. The weather has been such as to prevent much out-door work. I have held consultations as usual with Mr. Vaux, and the usual routine of office-work has been attended to. Most Respectfully Your obedt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G.C.P. Arsenal, March 9th. 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done in the Central Park, under my supervision, during the past week. The shaping of ground in the Upper Park and at 59th Street, between the 6th & 7th Avenue. The planting of an irregular Belt of Smilax, along the sides of Transverse-road IV. The preparation of holes for planting near 105th St., & East Drive. The removal of plants from near the Pool, and the planting of the same in 106th Street Nursery. The preparation of the Planting-Maps for the Arboretum and for the Pool. The general cultivation. The examination of the Gardeners employed, according to orders of the Comptr. The usual office-routine, besides the holding of consultations with Mr. Vaux, and the Comptr. The weather prevented much out-door work. According to orders of the Comptr., everyone who may hereafter apply for the position of Gardener in the CentralPark, shall undergo a thorough and conscientious examination as to his qualifications and his ability to perform a fair day's work; and if he shall have credibly passed the examination, a certificate to that effect will be given him, and he will be required to show it before being attached to the force. Respectfully Your obt. servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of work done at N York Park March 9. 63C.P. Arsenal, March 16th. 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done on the Central Park, under my supervision, during the past week. The shaping of ground, in the Upper Park, at 59th St., betw. 6th & 7th Aves., & at 5th Ave., betw. 60t & 63rd Sts. The construction of the paths near the "Pool." The removal of plants, impeding the construction-work in the Upper Park. The pruning of Elms on the Mall, and of other plants below 86th Street. The preparation of planting-maps of the Arboretum and of the Flower-garden. The usual office-routine. Consultations have been held with Mr. Vaux, as usual. The weather has not permitted much out-door-work. Respectfully Your obt. servt. Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C. Report of work done at Park [NYork?], March 11, 1863C.P. Arsenal, March 25th 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following report of the work done on the Central Park, under my supervision, during the week ending March 21st. The shaping of ground about Transverse-road IV, 'The Pool', and Bridge 25., and the same to a small extent along the 5th Ave, where preparations are being made for the building of enclosing-wall, between 59th & 64th Sts. The laying-out of paths about the 'Pool' & Bridge 25. The removal of plants from the vicinity of Construction-work in the Upper Park. The preparation of planting-maps for the Arboretum, and for the Flower-garden, The pruning in the Upper & Lower Park, especially of the Elms, on the "Mall". I have held consultations as usual with Mr. Vaux Respectfully Yours obedt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of work done at Park, NYork 25th March '63C.P. Arsenal, March 30th 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done, on the Central Park, under my supervision, during the week ending March 28th. The shaping has been attended to as usual, in the Upper, Park, together with the same at the Terrace, and along 5th Ave, fr. 59th to 64th Strs. Much work has been done on the paths about the Pool & Bridge 25. The deciduous planting, about Upper Meadows; Bridge 25; the planting of Belts of Smilax along the side of Transverse-roads III & IV, on the West; & the planting, in 106th St. Nursery, of cuttings of Salix lucida, a fine plant found in McGowen's Pass. The removal of plants from the vicinity of Constr. work in the Upper Park The preparation of Planting-maps &c. The pruning & general cultivation. I have held consultations as usual with Mr. Vaux. Resp'y Your obt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of work done at Park NYork 30 March 1863C.P. Arsenal, April 7 /63 Sir! I respectfully submit the following report of the work done in the Central Park, under my supervision, during the week ending April 4th. The shaping of ground about the "Pools", Transverse-road IV; at the Entrance of Transverse-road II on the West; at the Terrace, and the excavation for a wall along 5th Ave. from 60th to 64th St.; and along 59th St. from 5th to 7th Ave. The deciduous planting about this Pool; the Upper Meadows; Bridge 25; near 8th Ave. from 100th to 103rd St.; near 5th Ave & 98th St; and the planting of Ompelopsis quinquefolia about the Elms on the Mall. General cultivation and office-work attended to as usual. I have held consultations with Mr. Vaux, as usual. Vegetation in the park was heralded during the week, by the flowering of the Crocus in the Ramble. Respectfully Your obt. servt. Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law. Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of work done, Park N.York 7 Apl 63C.P. Arsenal, April 14th 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following report of the work done on the Central Park, in the gardening department during the past week. Ground shaping and path making in Upper Park, and excavating for wall at 59th St. betw. 5th & 8th Aves. Deciduous planting to a small extent, about Upper Meadows, Bridge 25, 102nd St. 8th Ave, 98th St. 5th Ave, and the planting of Belts along the sides of Transverse roads III & IV; also planting near the extremities of Transverse-road I. A few plants have been removed from the vicinity of the wall which is being built along 59th Street. No plants, with the exception of a few bulbs, have yet (this year) been rec'd from outside. Consultations have been had with Mr. Vaux as usual. Mr. Pilat has been absent two days, on account of sickness resulting from the bite of his finger made by a raccoon. Respectfully Your obt servt G.W.L. Fischer Asst. to H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Report of work done Park NYork April 14 '63C.P. Arsenal. April 24 /63 Sir! I respectfully submit the following report of the work done on the Central Park, under my supervision, during the week ending April 18th. The shaping of ground and the making of paths, at various places in the Upper Park. The deciduous planting at many unfinished places in the lower Park; about Transverse-road IV, and near 102nd Street & 8th Avenue. Transplanting in 106th St. Nursery The commencement of the hedged walks near 77th Str. & 5th Ave. General cultivation and office-work attended to as usual. Mr. Vaux consulted as usual. Many plants have been received from outside nurseries, and many have been transplanted from 106th St. Nursery. The accident mentioned in past report, detained me at home during two or three days. Your obt. Servt. Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.C.P. Arsenal, April 30 /63 Sir! I respectfully submit the following statement of the work done on the Central Park, under my supervision, during the week ending the 25th inst.: Ground-shaping & path-making in the Upper Park The deciduous planting near Bridge 25; 95th St., East Drive; North of Transverse road I, betw Ride & 8th Ave; the planting of Hedges or Belts along the sides of the Eastern end of Transverse-road IV; and the planting of bulbs and of roots of herbaceous plants in the Ramble & elsewhere in the lower Park. The making of walks to be hedged with Thuja occidentalis, near 77th St. & 5th Ave. (The Taxas Hibernica, with which it was intended to plant a portion of these Hedges, can not be procured.) The transplanting of various trees & shrubs which were grown too closely, in 106th St. Nursery. 4424 Trees & Shrubs & 975 Herbaceous plants were received from outside, & were mostly planted, together with 482 Trees & Shrubs, taken from 106 St. Nursery. Routine-work attended to as usual. Your obt. servt Ignaz A Pilat Head-Gardener Fred. Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.Statement of work, Central Park N York Apl 30 1863C.P. Arsenal, May 5th 1863 Sir! I respectfully submit the following report of work done on the Central Park, under my superintendence, during the week ending May 2nd. Ground shaping as usual N. of New Reservoir, and road and path making about Upper Lakes & 106th St. Nursery. The deciduous planting on various unfinished places below 79th St, together with that about the intended hedged walks at 77th St. near 5th ave,; and N.E. of New Reservoir near 95th Street and East Drive. The planting of the Hedges on Belts along sides of Transverse IV. The removal of plants from the intended course of roads in Upper Park. A few evergreens have also been planted to replace dead ones. General cultivation, office work, and consultations with Mr. Vaux, &c. attended to as usual. The following rec'd from outside; 1596 Trees; 2540 shrubs; 580 Vines; 200 Herbaceous plants; & some flower-seeds for the Ramble: the following from Park Nurseries; 762 Trees. Your obt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred Law Olmsted, Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C. C.P. Arsenal. May 19th 1863 Sir; I respectfully submit the following report of the work done on the Central Park under my supervision during the week ending May 16th. Ground shaping and path making, as usual, in the Upper Park. The removal of plants from the projected course of roads in 106th St. Nursery. The deciduous and evergreen planting in the lower Park (removal; planting near 78th St. & 5th Ave., &c.); betw 86th & 89th Sts. W. of New Reservoir; about the Pool near 102nd St. & 8th Ave.; near 97th St. & 7th Ave.; about Bridge 25 & Bridge J. The cultivation of plants generally; office-work &c. Plants are growing as well as can be expected. There is noting else worthy of mention at present. Your obt servt Ignaz A Pilat H.G. Fred. Law Olmsted Esq U.S. Sanitary Commission Washington D.C.