62 ' NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



the best possible results with a minimum of expenditure, and in 

 the shortest time consistent with good work. 



Up to the close of 1899 the work of the Park Department in the 

 preparation of the grounds of the Zoological Park consisted of 

 the following items : 



AQUATIC mammals' POND. 



The first work of the City in the Zoological Park was the ex- 

 cavation of the Aquatic Mammals' Pond, which was performed 

 in the year 1898. The rough excavation had been almost com- 

 pleted by the time the winter put an end to all further operations. 

 Owing to the soft, spongy nature of the material to be removed, 

 the difficulties encountered in making the excavation were great. 

 The cost of the original excavation was over $4,000, but, aside 

 from the value of the Pond, the supply of rich, black soil obtained 

 has been estimated by experts to be worth the entire sum ex- 

 pended in removing it. As stated above, the sides and bottom of 

 this Pond were finished by a force from the Forestry and Garden- 

 ing department, working under the personal direction of Mr. 

 Merkel. 



This Pond, as completed, is highly satisfactory, and serves a 

 number of important practical purposes, not the least of which is 

 the continuous supply of pure ice it will yield for the Park. 



SERVICE ROAD AND MOTOR-CARRIAGE ROAD. 



No other feature of the ground improvements has afforded such 

 general relief to the Park administration as the Service Road. 

 Prior to its completion there was a constant struggle with team- 

 sters to keep them from ruining the southern portion of the Park. 

 This road enters the grounds from the Southern Boulevard, be- 

 tween the Elk and Moose ranges, touches the Wolf Dens and 

 Storehouse, passes close behind the Reptile House, taps the Bear 

 Dens by a short spur, and sweeps around Rocking Stone Hill to 

 the Buffalo House and Public Comfort Building. It is built of 

 Telford macadam, covered with trap-rock screenings, and is 3,000 

 feet in length. As a matter of course, it has been constructed to 

 fit the contours of the ground over which it passes. Besides pro- 

 viding for the service of nearly the entire southern portion of the 

 Park, this road will presently form the middle half of the Motor- 



