it. The old rookeries and
street-stands that had clustered about Castle Garden were removed, the
rubbish which had accumulated here was carted away, and the Battery was
again transformed into one of the handsomest of the city parks.

It now covers an area of about twelve acres, and is tastefully and
regularly laid off. Broad stone paved walks traverse it in various
directions, and the shrubbery and flowers are arranged with the best
possible effect. A tall flag-staff rises from the centre of the park,
and close by is a stand from which the city band give their concerts at
stated times in the summer. A massive stone wall protects the harbor
side from the washing of the waves, and at certain points granite stairs
lead to the water.

The view from the Battery embraces a part of Brooklyn and the East River,
Governor's and Staten islands, the Inner Bay, the Jersey shore, North
River and Jersey City. The eye ranges clear down to the Narrows, and
almost out to sea, and commands a view which cannot be surpassed in
beauty. Here the sea breeze is always pure and fresh, here one may come
for a few moments' rest from the turmoil of the great city, and delight
himself with the lovely picture spread out before him.

II. THE BOWLING GREEN.

At the lower end of Broadway there is a small circular public square,
enclosed with an iron railing, and ornamented with a fountain in the
centre. This is known as the Bowling Green, and is the first public park
ever laid out in the city.

The first fort built by the Dutch on Manhattan island covered a good part
of the site of this square. In 1733 the Common Council passed a
resolution ordering that "the piece of land lying at the lower end of
Broadway fronting the fort, be leased to some of the inhabitants of
Broadway, in order to be inclosed to make a Bowling Green, with walks
therein, for the beauty and ornament of the said street, as well as for
the recreation and delight of the inhabitants of this city, leaving the
street on each side fifty feet wide." In October, 1734, the Bowling
Green was leased to Frederick Philipse, John Chambers, and John
Roosevelt, a trio of public spirited gentlemen, for ten years, for a
Bowling Green only, and they agreed to keep it in repair at their own
expense. In 1741 a fire swept away the fort, and afforded a chance of
improving the park, which was done. A change for the better was brought
about in the neighborhood by the establishment of t