64 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
cost of $8,713.00. The execution of the work planned by Mr. 
Beerbower has satisfactorily demonstrated the correctness of his 
plans, and the finished work has received the approval of the 
Executive Committee. The fences erected are of three pat- 
terns, all new to the Park, and all gates and fastenings, also, were 
especially designed for the service they now render. 
The total work involved in connection with the Antelope House 
fences, yards, drainage and walks occupied the attention of our 
engineer for a considerable portion of the year reported upon. 
Mr. Beerbower has successfully designed a handsome and sub- 
stantial fence of wrought iron to enclose the sea-lion pool on 
Baird Court. His plans for this improvement have been ap- 
proved by the Executive Committee and Park Commissioner, 
and a contract for the work is to be advertised forthwith. 
The improvement of the surface of Baird Court is proceeding 
under the joint direction of the Society’s engineer and chief con- 
structor. Mr. Beerbower’s plans for the drainage of Baird Court 
have been carried into effect under his supervision, and the west- 
ern retaining wall is now being raised to its full height. In addi- 
tion to the above, Mr. Beerbower has prepared plans and specifi- 
cations for the winter shelter and animal hospital in the animal 
yard, for the abattoir and stable connected with it, for the 
soda water and candy pavilion, for proper coal chutes for the 
large animal buildings, for the Bear Dens, and the preliminary 
plans for the large Deer Barn and yards surrounding it. 
GROUND IMPROVEMENTS. 
The operations of the ground improvement force, under Mr. 
Hermann W. Merkel, chief constructor, have been unusually 
varied and important. A list of the most important work per- 
_ formed by this force during the year 1903 includes the fol- 
lowing: 
The Antelope House yards, drainage and surrounding walks; 
the drainage of Baird Court; construction of the Llama House, 
candy pavilion, animal shelter and hospital, deer shelter for fal- 
low deer range, deer shelter for sika deer range; water supply 
and drainage to Italian fountain; construction of abattoir and 
- stable adjoining ; construction of rock-work in three outside cages 
of Lion House; construction of concrete wall around Prairie Dog 
Village, and the erection of a great number of new fences for ani- 
mal enclosures. During the working months of the year three 
separate forces of mechanics and laborers, skilled and unskilled, 
