SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 43 



the termini of the rapid transit system, and for many years to 

 come will constitute one of the most important, if not the chief 

 entrance to the northern park system. The Rapid Transit Com- 

 missioners have been requested to keep their terminal station on 

 the south side of i8oth Street, and it is the intention of the Society 

 and the Park Department of the Borough of the Bronx to ask 

 the City to purchase sufficient land — in all about two and one-half 

 acres — for the purpose of forming a plaza of approach somewhat 

 similar to the Plaza approach to Central Park at Fifth Avenue, 

 between Fifty-eighth and Fifty-ninth Streets. The Park Depart- 

 ment of the Borough of the Bronx has applied to the Rapid Tran- 

 sit Commission to modify its plans in accordance with the above 

 design, and is about to apply to the proper authorities for the 

 funds necessary to complete this purchase. This plaza is greatly 

 needed, as this will be the approach from the south to the entire 

 park system of the Bronx. From this point will radiate boule- 

 vards and park roads through Bronx Park on the north, to Pel- 

 ham Park on the east, and Van Courtlandt Park on the northwest; 

 and this plaza, if properly treated, will offer a magnificent vista 

 northward along Bronx Lake. 



It is the purpose of the Committee, as soon as the plans for this 

 plaza have been prepared, to build a boat-house close to the 

 entrance and within the present boundaries of the Park. This 

 boat-house will provide for a restaurant, for public comfort, for 

 boating and skating facilities, and possibly for music and other 

 entertainment for the public. It is estimated that these facilities 

 would produce $i,ooo income a year, which would be devoted to 

 the maintenance and extension of the animal collection of the 

 Park. The boat-house plans are under consideration, and the 

 structure will be located as soon as the site can be definitely deter- 

 mined on. 



The application for both these proposed extensions to Bronx 

 Park have been initiated by Commissioner Eustis, of the Park 

 Department of the Bronx, and not by the Society, but they will 

 greatly benefit the Zoological Park by protecting and beau- 

 tifying its boundaries, and will be earnestly supported by the 

 Society. 



Improved Service. The electric surface roads will in the near 

 future extend along the Southern Boulevard, which forms the 

 w^est boundary of the Park, and ultimately will extend from the 

 Northwest Entrance, along Pelham Avenue to Fordham. and con- 

 nect there with the Elevated and Harlem Railroads. When these 

 svstems are completed, a visitor entering from the south can make 



