FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT. 39 
upon the surface of the Court, and to give abundant access and 
approaches to the buildings on all sides. 
3. The provision of space for a road for motor carriages along 
the west side, under the boundary line of large trees. This makes 
practicable a complete motor carriage circuit of the Park, when- 
ever it becomes necessary. 
4. The provision of a raised or “ terrace walk and service road ” 
to the west of the Lion House and Bird House, so that the admin- 
istration of these buildings can be carried on from the rear. 
5. The widening of the Court, and provision of greater space 
between the main buildings. 
6. The planting of avenues of trees to afford shade, both for 
visitors, and for animals in the open-air cages. The provision of 
space for a music stand, also the second floor balcony of the 
main restaurant to be on the level of the Court. 
Upon the recommendation of Mr. De Wolf the plan was com- 
mitted for detailed study and execution to Mr. H. A. Caparn, 
landscape architect. 
The Committee has devoted a very large amount of time and 
study to the whole matter of Baird Court and its approaches, 
with the satisfactory result that conclusions have at last been 
reached resulting in a final plan, approved in every quarter. 
In June, 1900, while considering this subject, the Committee 
determined to secure the best expert advice obtainable, and 
appointed a Board of Experts, consisting of Charles F. McKim, 
Esq., Charles Platt, Esq., and John De Wolf, Esq., Landscape 
Architect of the Park Department, who were requested to con- 
sider the scheme and plans for the development of Baird Court, 
and to whom all plans were to be submitted and full explanation 
made. 
Mr. Platt was unable to act from illness, but Mr. McKim 
kindly placed himself at the service of the Committee, and con- 
sidered the whole subject in conjunction with the Landscape 
Architect of the Park Department, and made suggestions of 
value in the development of the plan. 
The plan as finally reached, containing the features above 
enumerated, was unanimously approved by the Executive Com- 
mittee, November 30, 1900, and thereafter received the official 
approval of the Park Department. 
The work on Baird Court is now in progress under this plan, 
