72 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



in the most careful manner, and undoubtedly will perform their 

 functions admirably. 



While it is impossible to forecast the date of the completion of 

 this building it seems reasonable to suppose that the structure 

 will be in our possession by October i of the present year. The 

 plans and specifications for the fences to form the yards surround- 

 ing the Elephant House are in the hands of the Park Department, 

 and it is hoped that a contract for them will be awarded at an 

 early date. It is necessary, however, that the actual erection of 

 those heavy fences of structural steel and wrought iron should be 

 deferred until the walls are finished, and the space surrounding 

 the building can be occupied by new materials and other workmen. 



The Boat House. — Early in 1907 the Boat House, near West 

 Farms, was completed by Guidone & Galardi, at a cost of 

 $34,235, and occupied by the Department of Privileges. 



The Small-Deer House, begun in 1906 by Guidone & Galardi, 

 ($41,543), was completed in June, 1907, and immediately filled 

 with animals that long had needed the new accommodations. 

 The verv extensive series of fences and }-ards surrounding this 

 building were constructed wholly by the "Ground Improvement" 

 force of the Park, and thereby all the delays and other troubles 

 incident to contract w^ork were entirely avoided. 



Pelhaiu Aveuue Eutrance, Concourse and Approach. — The con- 

 tract for these improvements, entered into in (Jctober, 1906, with 

 the John V. Schaefer. Jr., Company, ($58,379.50), is still incom- 

 plete, although its finish is not far away. The macadam roadway, 

 the retaining w^all and open balustrade, and the two pavilions and 

 stonework of the entrance are practically finished. The iron gatei 

 remain to be erected. While it is reasonably certain that this con- 

 tract will be completed in the spring or summer of 1908, it will 

 not be possible to open the Pelham Avenue Entrance for use by 

 visitors until the sidewalk surrounding the roadway has been 

 constructed. On account of the disturbed financial situation, the 

 bids offered for the sidewalk construction have thus far been 

 held in abeyance without action. 



IVestcrn Approach to Baird Court. — This nmch-needcd im- 

 provement was included in the contract described al)Ove, antl in 

 the months of July, August and Septeml)er it was undertaken and 

 very satisfactorily ])erformcd. It was finished in time to be used 

 for the first time on August 29, the day of the visit of the Inter- 

 national Zoological Congress. The fine cut-stone work adds 

 greatly to the architectural effect of the western steps that lead 

 up to the central area of the Court. 



