Hon. Fernando Wood, the present Major of New York, and by far the most efficient one that New York has had for many a year, refers to the Park in his late Message as follows:

The commissioners appointed to open the Central Park are progressing with the work - since the organisation of the Board, it has collected and examined evidence of title to the lands to be taken for the Park; in causing the necessary surveys, maps of blocks and profiles of grades to be made; in personal view of the lands to be taken, and in procuring such information in regard thereto, as may serve to guide to a just valuation of the same; also in determining the area of assessment for special benefit, and procuring maps of the same, and in procuring evidence of the value of the improvements on the land to be taken; and are now engaged in the valuation of the lands themselves* It will be remembered that this Park is to be bounded south by Fifty-ninth street, north by One Hundred and Sixth street, east by the Fifth Avenue, and west by the Eighth Avenue; and will comprehend an area of seven hundred and seventy-six acre?, from which deduct State Arsenal, fourteen; Croton Reservoir, thirty-eight; proposed do., one hundred and twelve; Streets and Avenues, one hundred and ninety; belonging to the city thirty-four - -three hundred and thirty-eight; leaving to be paid for, three hundred and eighty-eight; which, by estimating at sixteen lots per acre, makes six thousand two hundred and eight lots to be paid for by the city, and by assessments upon contiguous property.

The important question of the valuation of these lots has not as yet been positively fixed by the commissioners The subject is now before them, and I advise all who are interested to appear at their office. Another question of much public interest, in connection with this matter, is the territorial lit) it to which the commissioners shall extend their assessments upon property of individuals, and what proportion of the whole cost shall be made a tax upon the city.

"These questions are entirely under the control of the commissioners I am informed, unofficially, that the disposition of the Board is to extend the area of assessments three blocks east and west, and a greater distance north and south; and to make two-thirds of the whole cost payable by the city. If this be the determination, it can be easily ascertained about what sum the Park will cost Estimating the average value of the land at five hundred dollars per lot - a liberal estimate - the whole cost would be three millions one hundred and four thousand dollars; deduct one third to be paid by individuals whose property is supposed to be benefitted, it will leave two millions sixty-nine thousand dollars to be paid for by the city - a smaller sum than was anticipated at the time of passing the act The commissioners expect to close their duties early in the ensuing summer. There can be no doubt as to the necessity of some such Park, conveniently located on this island. In my opinion, future generations, who are to pay this expense, would have good reasons for reflecting upon the present generation, if we permitted the entire island to be taken possession of by population, without some spot like this, devoted to rural beauty, healthful recreation, and pure atmosphere".