TIIIRTKEXTIL ANNUAL REPORT 71 



finished work is largely due to the hi^^h character of the con- 

 tractors' superintendent, Mr. John C. Cotifey. Mr. Cotfey is now 

 rendering- similar service on the Administration liuilding-. 



Tlie total cost of this buildin;^ is $165,546.25, and it is a very 

 fine structure to have been obtained with that amount of money. 

 It was occupied by its animals and opened to the public on No- 

 vember 19, 1908. 



The Elc pliant House ]'anis. — Xo modern elephant house is in 

 any sense complete without a series of yards enclosed by heavy 

 steel fences, in which the animals may enjoy exercise in the 

 open air and sunlight. With the exception of the serpents and 

 a few small monkeys, it has been the rule of the Zoological So- 

 ciety that each animal in the Park should have a comfortable 

 yard connecting with its in-door quarters. To provide play- 

 grounds for adult elephants and rhinoceroses is a very serious 

 task, and involves heavy expenditures. 



In addition to the heavy interior fences designed to keep the 

 animals from the visitors, another strong steel fence, six feet 

 outside it, is necessary to keep the visitors from the animals. It 

 is necessary also that a complete series of gates should be pro- 

 vided in order that wagons may drive through the yards, com- 

 pletely around the building. 



The yards for elephants and rhinoceroses must be heavily paved 

 with stone, or concrete, in order that they may easily be cleaned, 

 and also in order that those heavy and powerful animals may not 

 be able to dig up the surfaces of their enclosures. In view of the 

 many difficulties involved in saving the valuable trees in the en- 

 closures surrounding the Elephant House, it was imperatively 

 necessary that all work on the surfaces of the yards should be 

 performed by laborers and foremen under our own immediate 

 supervision. 



Steel Fences for Elephant Yards. — During October, 1908, a 

 contract for furnishing and erecting all fences and gates for the 

 yards surrounding the Elephant House was let to McHarg-Bar- 

 ton Company at $13,700. Work began promptly, was prosecuted 

 vigorously, and completed within the contract time. The fences 

 themselves, and the gates are of good materials and have been 

 excellently made. As stated elsewhere, much trouble was ex- 

 perienced with the sub-contractor on the concrete work and the 

 setting of the posts. The setting of the posts in the changeable 

 and inclement weather of December and January made a great 

 deal of trouble for all concerned, but the hurry was necessary and 

 unavoidable. 



