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PUBLIC PARKS.

Supt report. January 1893-CF224-13

Superintendents Report January 1893

To The Honorable the Board of Park Commissioners-of Seattle Wash

Gentlemen In December the detailed topography of Kinnear Park was begun . (with two men). The Same is now completed representing in all 22&1/2 acres of territory needfull in devising the plan for the compleet improvement of the Park as related to surrounding owners and Streets. The shore waters are washing away the ground in front of the Park area, in such a manner that a portion of the park ground is half breaking away, sliding into the shore, making it needless to devise improvements for that ground until the owners of the water front lots shall take measures to protect the same ; if this shore was a part of the Park as it is by nature, its protection s hould be sought speedily, as it is the department is helpless and hindred. A conference between the water front lot owners and your Honorable Commissions should devise measures to protect the property from further destruction. The work of properly regravelling the Park walks, enlarging old and the making of new flower beds and shrub areas has continued as well as the regular maintenance the later work will require the balance of

the winter season. Amount of gravel used 114 loads-The force on the City Park has completed the new fence around the 40 acre tract; of which there was 4800 lineal feet costing for materials $134.50; labor $105.00 total $239.50 or $5.55 per 100 feet. The same force was also employed thinning the surrounded young growth of evergreens. the best of which should now be root pruned to ensure their safe replanting into nursery or Park hereafter as well as open these areas ready for topographical work. Our last report stated that the nursery stock bought last fall had arrived. It is now further reported that the total cost of the same delivered in nursery was $742.30. After culling damaged plants there were 56,115, plants, shrubs and trees (The value of same per wholesale rates without freight laying is $3721.70). A list of coniferous and evergreen shrubs and trees embracing 29,420 plants has been remodelled and reduced to a minimum assortment and should now be ordered, the cost of which amounts to $126.13.-Also a list of 341 varieties of hardy perennials to be raised from seeds, amounts to $48.25 and bulbous roots of foliage plants, $25.00. The total of which amounts to $197.38 plus exchange 45c, which amounts needs to be sent with the order for goods. 2

The coniferous seedlings will require several years nursery growth before they are suitable for park planting. Hence the importance of obtaining them at this season. The handy perrennials and bulbs are important, as they should replace the costly annual plantings of annuals and tender plants now necessary to properly enrich the park decorations. It will require two years before these hardy perrennials will serve their purpose, but thereafter will save the cost of annual and these respected plantings, beside adding not only to the novelty and beauty of park decorations best will increase the original stock. The nursery reports 7500 new cuttings added from the late stock, also 15,000 plant seeds sowne. Preparations of nursery ground and seedling beds has continued through the greater past of the month, as also the general care of the Hot House.

In The department office the Denny Park topographical map was completed. Kinnear plans begun.-Expenditures for January were as follows personnelle 654.90 supplies 75.15 totals $730.05

Respectfully E O Schnagal 3rd