Why hadn't the boys likely been to the Brooklyn Bridge or Central Park?

The boys likely hadn't been to the Brooklyn Bridge or Central Park because of their harsh living conditions and lack of opportunities. Their lives were confined to the streets and polluted environments, as described in the excerpt. They were trapped in overcrowded homes ("pigeon-hole in a coop") and lacked guidance or resources to explore beyond their immediate surroundings. Poverty and neglect kept them isolated from the city's landmarks and recreational spaces. Key points: 1. **Limited Exposure**: Their "domain" was the dirty streets and river, not parks or bridges. 2. **Poverty**: They couldn't afford leisure activities like horse car rides. 3. **Neglect**: With "no steady hand to guide them," they lacked the support to explore beyond their immediate environment. This highlights the stark contrast between their lives and the privileges enjoyed by others in the city.