FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 45 



MISCELLANEOUS WORK. 



Notwithstanding the fact that as much work as possible was 

 given out on contracts, there remained innumerable items of con- 

 struction and general labor which it seemed advisable should be 

 performed by the Society's own workmen. At the outset it was 

 decided that for the concrete work to be done in connection with 

 the numerous dens, cages, and wrought-iron fences, the most sat- 

 isfactory results could be obtained, with the least expenditure, by 

 purchasing all materials and having the work performed by day- 

 labor under competent superintendence. This plan has been fol- 

 lowed throughout the year, and all concrete Avork in the Park, 

 save the floors of the Reptile House and Bird House, is the work 

 of our own force of concrete workers, which was kept busily em- 

 ployed from the opening of spring until very nearly the end of 

 the year. 



Our own force of masons constructed the five series of sleeping 

 dens for the bears, and for the sea lions in the Crocodile Pool, 

 the foundation walls of the Buffalo House, and seven shelter 

 houses for deer, antelopes, etc. The Society's carpenters erected 

 the temporary storehouse, tool-house, stable, cook-house, storage 

 sheds, yards for animals, floors and cages in the Small Mammals' 

 House, and performed a great number of additional tasks. All 

 the painting of wrought-iron work, wire work, shelter houses and 

 cages, and the plumbing of the Reptile House and Bird House 

 was done by our own force. With the completion of the past 

 year's work, the pay-roll of the construction force was reduced 

 from a maximum of 83 men earning $3,600.94 per month, as in 

 the month of August, to 12 men earning $401.50 per month, as 

 at present. 



PURCHASE OF MATERIALS. 



Those who purchased materials and general supplies for the 

 Society did so as carefully as if they had been purchasing for 

 themselves. All important purchases were made of the lowest 

 bidder, and by making prompt payment the Society has been 

 able to purchase at the lowest prices and secure the largest dis- 

 counts. All purchases were made by written orders, based on 

 formal requisitions, duly inspected and approved. Through this 

 system strict economy was secured and all misunderstandings and 

 disputes were avoided. 



