96 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
pages occurred during cold weather, but the last one, occurring 
on December 25, with the temperature at 14 degrees above zero, 
threatened serious results, when the water in the boiler-pit in 
the Elephant House rose above the grates of the boilers and 
extinguished the fires. It was only through the help of the Fire 
Department and unceasing work of the Park force for days 
and nights that the situation was saved from being calamitous. 
EAST SIDE. 
East Side.—The sections east of the Bronx River and be- 
tween the Boston Road and the river were kept policed and 
as clean as was possible with the reduced force at our disposal. 
The demand for picnic spaces was unusually large, and 1438 
picnic permits embracing 18,933 persons were issued. With the 
help of the Police Department, order was maintained, in spite 
of the fact that now and then a magistrate would not take 
seriously such violations of the Park ordinances as the building 
of fires, breaking of branches and leaving of rubbish. In the 
conduct of visitors there was a noticeable improvement upon 
the records of the previous year. The number of arrests made 
and summonses served were 167, convictions were 162, and the 
resulting fines amounted to $310. 
Skating.—The open winter season of 1918-19 prevented 
skating on the Bronx Lake, with the exception of two days. 
Unfortunately, the weak ice resulted in the death by drowning 
of three persons, two boys and one man, who persisted in going 
upon the ice when it was not open to skating, and in spite of 
dozens of warning signs placed there for their protection. Four 
other boys were rescued from drowning by the courageous efforts 
of a U.S. sailor, Bertram E. Reed, at the risk of his own life. 
By the Director of the Park, Reed was strongly recommended 
to the Carnegie Hero Fund as a candidate for a hero medal, 
but for some reason unknown, a medal was not awarded. 
THE IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR FUND. 
Walk Repairs.—Only the most necessary items of walk re- 
pairs were finished, amounting to 77,765 square feet, at a cost 
of $997.54, not including the cost of Tarvia and some traprock 
which were on hand. 
