74 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIERY. 
is to be devoted to pigeons and doves. This installation is situ- 
ated on the west side of the Aquatic Mammals’ Pond, and occu- 
pies the site of the old aviary. 
GROUND IMPROVEMENT WORK UNDER THE DIRECTION OF 
ZOOLOGICAL PARK OFFICERS. 
During the year 1904 the Ground-Improvement force, working 
under the direction of Mr. Herman W. Merkel, Chief Constructor, 
has been larger than ever before, and its work has been not only 
of great importance, but also very satisfactory, from every point 
of view. The principal items will be briefly mentioned. 
Baird Court.—During the year a great amount of labor and 
materials was expended on the southern half of Baird Court. 
An elaborate system of drainage was laid, underground conduits 
were constructed to convey electric-light cables and telephone 
wires to all the buildings of Baird Court, and the entire surface 
was filled, graded and paved. The portions to be used as walks 
were covered with telford macadam, and after a series of careful 
experiments were finished with a tarred surface. The eastern 
wall was built up in conformity with the final plan of Baird 
Court, and much of the new area thus enclosed was filled in. 
The shade trees will be planted in the spring of 1905. 
Burrowing Rodents’ Quarters.—The rusting of the wire of the 
Burrowing Rodents’ Quarters necessitated a new covering, and 
advantage was taken of that occasion to lay concrete floors in 
all the cages, to make them entirely rat-proof. The rock-work 
was reconstructed on an improved plan, and, on the whole, the 
installation is now more perfect and attractive than heretofore. 
It is believed that the plague of rats which once afflicted this 
collection is now permanently abated. With the beginning of 
spring, this entire series of cages will be stocked with a new 
collection. 
Electric Conduits—The construction of a system of electric 
conduits, with which to carry electric-light cables to the build- 
ings of Baird Court and Audubon Court, was an important item 
of construction. All this work was performed under the direc- 
tion of Mr. Merkel, in accordance with the plans and specifica- 
tions of Mr. James Robert Moore, Electrical Engineer, and it is 
believed that this important improvement is on a permanent basis. 
The total number of lineal feet of three-inch vitrified conduit 
constructed during the year was 3,800. 
Rebuilding of Walks.—In the year 1899, when the total fund 
