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last three years more than $7,000,000 have been spent for improvements in this section.
From the crest of the hill towards the north lie the golf links and the country club.
Adjoining the golf links, land is now being laid out for a magnificent residence park
which will be known as San Antonio's millionaire residence district.
SAN PEDRO PARK AND SPRINGS.—As far back as the traditions of the Indi-
ans go, San Pedro Springs and their pure crystal waters were famed as a resting place
for the tired traveler. For the possession of the springs hostile Indian tribes battled
fiercely long before the white man invaded Texas. Around them settled the first agricul-
turists who came to profit by the bounteous crops which Texas alone produces. Under
the direction of the monks, irrigation ditches were dug, which led the water to the
places where it was most needed. These ditches are still used for irrigation purposes.
On the banks of the spring have camped at various times Milam's Texas army, Santa
Anna and his troops, the United States army on its way to invade Mexico, and it was
here that the Confederates gathered previous to the surrender of the United States
troops at Fort Sam Houston. The magnificent park now surrounding the springs is owned
by the city and is open free to all. "Keep off the grass" signs are not respected and it
is the great playground of the younger children of the city. The stone building which
can be seen from the car line is known as the powder house. In the days when the Indi-
ans were troublesome it was used as a block house, the port holes through which the
colonists fired on the red men can be seen in the tower walls.
BRACKENRIDGE PARK.—San Antonio is a city of parks and plazas. The
people take great pride in these many tropical spots scattered throughout the city; but
none of them and few in the United States can compare in acreage with Brackenridge
Park. It comprises 260 acres and is the gift of Col. George W. Brackenridge. It re-
mains practically in its natural state and persons wandering through its shaded drive-