FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 89 



PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN PROFITS OF PRIVILEGES, 

 FROM 1906 TO 1910. 



26% increase in 1906 over previous year. 

 19% increase in 1907 over previous year. 

 14% decrease in 1908 from previous year. 

 8% increase in 1909 over previous year. 

 19% increase in 1910 over previous year. 



Auditing of Privilege AcconnU. — The accounts of the Privi- 

 lege Department having grown to such proportions, it was 

 thought wise by the Executive Committee to arrange for their 

 auditing, and the Audit Company of New York was engaged for 

 the work. The accounts were carefully checked for a period of 

 seventeen months prior to August 1, 1910, and found to be in a 

 satisfactory condition. 



The system of reports and accounting now in use was devised 

 by the Chief Clerk and his assistant when the development of the 

 privileges began. From time to time it has been revised and ex- 

 tended to meet the demands of the business. It is entirely prac- 

 tical, and is as complete as is consistent with the very small ac- 

 counting and office expense. Certain changes that were sug- 

 gested have been made. 



Soda Water. — The arrangements for tables and chairs for 

 parties at the various soda stands last season, were continued and 

 increased to keep pace with the demand. Ice cream cones were 

 added to the usual soda service. They proved extremely popu- 

 lar with the children and as they have no wrappers or refuse to 

 be thrown on the walks, their sale was encouraged until it reached 

 large proportions. Special care was taken to secure cones com- 

 plying with the pure food laws, without regard to their cost. 

 Arrangements have been made to make our own cones next sea- 

 son so as to insure their being served fresh. 



The Soda Pavilion near the Bird House was again kept open 

 during the winter months, and the service extended to include 

 sandwiches. Tables and chairs, with muslin curtains at the win- 

 dows, made the pavilion attractive. In seasonable weather, a 

 good business was done, without interfering with the restaurants. 



Removal of Soda Stand Near Bear Dens. — Owing to the lo- 

 cation of the new series of Bear Dens along the rock ledge north- 

 west of and parallel to the present dens, it was necessary to re- 

 move the soda stand that for several years had occupied that 

 location. A new site was chosen a short distance south of the old 



