About twelve months ago I sent you some remarks upon the respective merits of the plans that were prepared for the laying out of the New York Central Park, and then stated that the one to which the first prize was awarded was the most appropriate, and well chosen. This decision of the Commissioners was disputed by some parties, and, like everything else of a public character, there was not a unanimous vote in its favor. The majority, however, seem to have thought it best, and it is now becoming a practical reality on the ground site; consequently, a report of progress may be interesting to some of your readers.

To the uninitiated and careless observer, the whole may appear a huge confusion of rock-blasting, hoisting, carting, breaking up and leveling, on to here a road and there another, without connections, excavating of immense hollows, and raising the earth so removed into mounds of meaningless shapes; but a careful examination reveals to the mind's eye the developing, or working out, of graceful and easy curves in the carriage drives, and the Bridle and pedestrian paths, with corresponding undulations of a grand and finished character on the more level portions, while the picturesque features show a series of varied and becoming composition. There is a great distinctness between these two opposite forms in landscape, and in the example before us they are kept separate from direct vision, while they blend into each other, as it were, imperceptibly, as we travel to other spots. This, when finished, will produce a happy and pleasing effect, relieve the visitor's mind from monotony or tire, and give scope for the free use of all grades of intellectual enjoyment.

The natural surface is well adapted for producing variety of scenery and convenience, as it embraces the running brook and silent lake, the flowery dell and rounded hill, the hollow cave and craggy rock, the secluded valley and elevated height, - all of which seems to have been well studied by the artists, and it is well they have accepted the advantages. Whether or no the goal of this desirable consummation will be reached, remains yet to be seen; but it is at present in a lair state of progress, and if there is anything like patriotism in our city fathers, they will supply the needful until it becomes a fixed fact.

Commencing at the principal entrance, Fifty-ninth Street and fifth Avenue, the grade is a large level space sufficient for the accommodation of carriages in any number, from which the main drive on the easterly side begins, and traverses in an easy winding course around the entire park, deviating from the boundary so as to give a pleasant drive of some nine miles, without danger from steep declivities, and intersected at different points, by which a shorter distance may be adopted if desirable. Besides this there is a Bridle road of about five miles, beginning at the aforesaid entrance, conducted on away towards the centre, and then along the westerly side to the northerly end at Haarlem Flats; and in connection with this it is proposed to have a space for equestrian feats. The walks for pedestrians will extend to about twenty miles, meandering and coursing all manner of ways, around rocky bluffs, down to the water edge, along level grades, leading to the most elevated spots, deep into the ravine, now approaching the most public haunts, and again receding into solitude - accompanied by the always comfortable and neutral tint of green grass, and here and there conducted through intended shades of umbrageous growth, where the pic nic may be enjoyed ad libitum, either upon the extensive open lawn or under the shelter of trees; and it is gratifying to know that the foot walks are mostly'contiguous to, or are conducted across, these inviting spots, where the romps of innocent youth may meet with no restraint; and, also, they are so arranged that nothing but the grossest carelessness can lead to danger from passing carriages or horses.

In fact this point seems to have been well studied, as at most of the intersections there are to be bridges of Various construction, several of which are now finished) which will admit of all crossing and re-crossing without interference.

Excepting a necessary straight line along the eastern margin of the Cretan Lake, which the designers had no control over, there is only one such in the park, and this is the Mall, or Promenade ground. As we look at the plan upon paper it certainly appears as the spoliation of a principle: on the ground, however, it is otherwise; and considering its connection with the nearly parallel drive, and being not far from the entrance, the disparity is not noticed unless by the prejudiced critic. Now if we take into consideration the manners of our society, it is reasonable to suppose that we must have, in a public establishment of this nature, a part for promenade and the display of person; and surely we cannot, in justice to all parties concerned, deprive our fair belles and gallant beaus of such a desirable advantage. Besides, we should think of the unrestricted freedom that a straight line one-fourth of a mile long, two hundred feet wide, composed of broad belts of grass turf and gravel, overtopped with our National Elm, will give to the elastic trip of the rising generation, and leave principles "for the nonce " to go for what they are worth.

On the westerly side of the south entrance is a large hollow intended for a pond, the sides being bounded by irregular rounded bluffs of blue stone which, when interspersed with shrubs, suitable trees, and walks around the margin of the water, will produce a bold and pleasing effect. Extending further to the north is the large play and parade ground, and further on commences an unevenness of surface which furnishes two skating ponds, - one of which is exclusively for ladies, - and an opportunity to bring into view one of the most beautifully picturesque scenes that the eye of a painter could desire. This part is nearly completed in walks and outline, and also partly planted. It is to be hoped, however, that what trees and shrubs are placed here are only for temporary convenience, for there is at present nothing but a huddled confusion. If a permanency is intended the whole ought to be put under the control of some more qualified superintendent, and the work commenced afresh. Do let us have some regard to good taste, suitableness of character and situation, and beauty of outline in this respect; for surely we need some examples of superior merit to train the minds of our people, that they may more generally become acquainted with ornamental planting.

Whatever the intention in futurity may be, there is evidently a great lack of ability here, for, under any circumstances, a part must remain, and then there will be no corresponding effect in either outline, form, character of connecting subject, or suitableness to situation. At any rate, the placing of Swedish Junipers immediately under the drip of the Sassafras does not augur well for effect hereafter; neither does the confused proximity of such varying forms as Silver Maple, Linden, Paulownia, Hornbeam, and others quite as opposite in present contour, or, what will be still worse, future effect. A meditated contemplation and careful study ought to be devoted to this department, as in a great measure the splendor of, and gratification to be obtained from, the whole hereafter, will depend upon the present arrangement.

The Croton Reservoir and Lake, containing about 140 acres, are nearly in the centre of the grounds. The latter is not yet finished, but will when filled constitute a noble sheet of water. Beyond or north of these the draining is going on, and further improvements are commencing.

It is intended that there shall be four transverse roads for the accommodation of the city traffic; and as they are to be conducted below the general level, there is much blasting and re-moval of rock, and excavation of other material. Two of these are now being constructed, and will be a heavy expense before completion.

The southern half of the whole area (774 acres) is progressing very rapidly, a great length of the roads and walks finished, with the general outline fairly developing, and by the end of the present year we may expect to have secured to the public some 300 acres of pleasure grounds of the most beautiful and gratifying character. Tours, etc, William Chorlton.