BROOKLYN IS GROWING so rapidly and in so many different directions simultaneously that it is difficult to determine which section is preferred by the expanding volume of population. To my mind our Murray Hill will eventually rear itself on the western slope from the Park, now known as Prospect Heights. The entire neighborhood running south from Flatbush avenue above Fifth is being covered with residences of the costlier kind, the character of the dwellings improving as the summit is reached. There is not much variety in architecture, and except the Maxwell, Christensen, Davenport and a few other structures near the brow of the Hill little appears that is striking or picturesque. But the stone fronts of later design, with their bow windows and general ornamentation, present a commanding appearance wholly at variance with the sameness and commonplace aspect of the blocks in localities settled at an earlier period. Property along the line of Sixth, Seventh and Eighth avenues and in many of the intersecting streets is held steadily at prices that correspond strikingly with the unsteadiness in some other quarters. This region, for several years past, has proved a veritable paradise for builders and real estate agents, who have utilized the popular estimation in which it is held in the accumulation of snug fortunes.

FURTHER SOUTHWARD, BEYOND THIRD STREET, long a valued residential thoroughfare, the lately erected dwellings are not so pretentious, but they are indicative of thrift, comfort and a wholesome domestic condition. Many of these houses in fact, the great majority are of two stories, with high basements and so many modern improvements that an emotional housewife would term them "perfect little palaces." Access is now readily obtainable by several lines of horse cars, providing the dweller does not keep too late hours. If he does, he is pretty certain to enjoy the pleasure of indulging in a little involuntary pedestrianism. Rents in this neighborhood are moderate, schools, churches, stores and other advantages and necessities are not too far removed for convenience, and the location, on high ground overlooking the bay, is healthful almost beyond comparison.

THE LUXURIOUS ATTRACTIONS OF CLINTON AVENUE have, however, kept pace with the uprising architectural beauties of other neighborhoods. With five years that thoroughfare has been strengthened with the addition of probably two score elegant mansions and villas, nearly all dissimilar in design and each possessing some peculiarly striking feature. The general effect of these new residences is not unlike that of the buildings constructed in the aristocratic quarters of the National Capital within the decade just closed.

INDICATIONS OF A RENEWED AGITATION IN FAVOR OF RAPID TRANSIT are apparent, and the spirits of people living in the outlying sections are gradually reviving. How they have so long endured the annoying delays and companion discomforts of horse car travel is beyond my comprehension, and they surely are entitled to have their names inscribed in Hazzard's, Richardson's or some one else's Book of Martyrs when that book is prepared. If our elevated railroads had dated from the establishment of the New York system the population of Brooklyn could hardly have fallen below one million souls at the present day.

STROLLING THE OTHER DAY PAST THE UNCOMPLETED SENEY HOSPITAL in South Brooklyn, I observed that the massive detached structures were as silent as the grave. There is need enough in Brooklyn for this Institution, and the Methodist Episcopal Church is wealthy enough to build it.