e requested not to walk on the grass, except in those places
where the word "Common" is posted; not to pick flowers, leaves, or
shrubs, or in any way deface the foliage; not to throw stones or other
missiles, not to scratch or deface the masonry or carving; and not to
harm or feed the birds.

No one is allowed to offer anything for sale within the limits of the
enclosure, without a special licence from the Commissioners. There are
several hotels, or restaurants, in the grounds. These are conducted in
first-class style by persons of responsibility and character. Private
closets for men, which may be distinguished by the sign, "For Gentlemen
only," are located at convenient points throughout the park, and cottages
for ladies and children are as numerous. These latter are each in charge
of a female attendant, whose duty it is to wait upon visitors, and to
care for them, in case of sudden illness, until medical aid can be
procured.

The establishment of the park has been a great blessing to all classes,
but especially to the poor. It places within reach of the latter a great
pleasure ground, where they may come and enjoy their holidays, and obtain
the fresh air and bodily and mental enjoyment of which they are deprived
in their quarters of the city. In mild weather they come here in
throngs, with their families, and on Sundays the park is crowded with
thousands who formerly passed the day in drunkenness or vice. The
Commissioners have no trouble in enforcing their rules. All classes are
proud of the park, and all observe the strictest decorum here. No crime
or act of lawlessness has ever been committed within the limits of the
Central Park since it was thrown open to the public. The popularity of
the place is attested by the annual number of visitors. During the year
1870, 3,494,877 pedestrians, 75,511 equestrians, 1,616,935 vehicles, and
234 velocipedes, passed within the park gates. The total number of
persons that entered the park during that year, including drivers and the
occupants of carriages, was 8,421,427.

XXI. THE DETECTIVES.

I. THE REGULAR FORCE.

The Detective Corps of New York consists of twenty-five men, under the
command of a Captain, or Chief. Though they really constitute a part of
the Municipal Police Force, and are subject to the control of the
Commissioners and higher officers of that body, the detectives have a
practically distinct organization. The members of this corps