NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. 43 



of the Zoological Park will, as far as possible, be kept in its 

 natural condition. 



In addition to the protection of the existing forests, a screen 

 of thick planting will be provided along the southern and west- 

 ern boundaries of the Park, to shut out from the interior any 

 unsightly buildings that may be erected along the bordering ave- 

 nues. In connection with the work of the forests, 230 trees have 

 been removed, mostly on account of the decay incident to old 

 age, or as a result of storms. This large number is due to the 

 fact that when the Society took charge of the Zoological Park 

 grounds many of the trees were dead, and many more were in 

 a dying condition. At least forty trees have been blown down 

 by wind storms. About 1,500 trees have been treated for preser- 

 vation, and 2,015 new trees have been planted up to January, 

 1905. During the spring of 1905 many hundred additional trees 

 will be planted. About 4,526 vines and shrubs have been planted, 

 and 4,608 perennials have been set out. In some places where 

 the need of shade was imperative, quick-growing maples and pop- 

 lars have been planted for temporary purposes. At the same time, 

 more desirable species, but of slower growth, such as pines, oaks 

 and tulips, have been set out in order that as soon as the latter 

 have attained satisfactory size, the temporary plantings can be 

 cut out. 



The original plan of the Park was laid out with reference to 

 the approach of the largest number of visitors from the north- 

 west corner, by way of the Harlem Railroad and the Manhattan 

 Elevated road. The Rapid Transit system, unexpectedly ter- 

 minating at our southern border, at West Farms, has necessi- 

 tated a complete reconsideration of the Park approaches from 

 the southeast. The plans for these approaches have been re- 

 ferred by the Executive Committee to a subcommittee on plans, 

 consisting of ^Messrs. Barney, Osborn and Grant, in conjunction 

 with Mr. James L. Greenleaf, who had been engaged by the 

 Society as Consulting Landscape Architect in January, 1905. 



It is the intention of the Executive Committee to provide for 

 an entrance at the extreme southeast corner of the Buffalo 

 range, so that visitors can enter the enclosed area of the Park 

 within two short blocks of the actual terminus of the Rapid 

 Transit system. From this new entrance a walk is planned 

 through the Buffalo range and joining the Beaver \^alley Walk 

 to Baird Court. This, in connection with Osborn's Walk, will 

 make a diagonal line of highly attractive paths from the north- 

 west corner to the southeast entrance of the Park. From the 



