98 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



nished one of the most exasperating examples of construction 

 work under the "lowest-bid" city contract system that ever 

 has been experienced in the development of the Zoological Park. 

 After all efforts to have the work completed by the contractor 

 had failed, the Commissioner of Parks was compelled to declare 

 the contract cancelled for non-fulfillment, and estimates were 

 obtained from several bidders for "completing and perfecting in- 

 terior work, in accordance with specifications." An order has 

 been placed accordingly, and the bills therefor are to be paid 

 from balance due the contractor. 



Rocking Stone Restaurant. — The improvements made in 

 this establishment during the last year have been of benefit both 

 in improving the service and increasing profits. While the vol- 

 ume of business fell considerably below that of last year, espe- 

 cially during the latter part of the season, the net profits were 

 actually in excess of those of the previous season. 



Soda Water. — There was a decrease of practically ten per 

 cent in the receipts for 1914, from this source, and a similar 

 reduction in the profits. As there seems to have been no de- 

 crease in the desire for soda water as a beverage, the reduction 

 in the figures can only be charged to general economies on the 

 part of the public. 



New Soda Pavilion. — It is now about fourteen years since 

 the erection of the temporary open pavilion in front of the Rep- 

 tile House. This old fountain is no longer adequate to properly 

 take care of the business that comes to it. A new structure, 

 with new equipment, is imperatively demanded. The new build- 

 ing need occupy no more space than is utilized by the present 

 structure, and it need be no more conspicuous; but it should 

 correspond in permanency to other Park structures, and afford 

 adequate room for taking proper care of the business resulting 

 from an annual attendance of between two and three million 

 visitors. 



Souvenir Books, Cards and Pictures. — While the sales of 

 souvenir books for 1914 were very well up to our expectations, 

 based on other items, it is perfectly evident that new ideas and 

 new pictures are needed in order to keep up the interest both of 

 our employees and the public. While there is a good stock of the 

 50-cent series on hand, the 25-cent edition is practically exhaust- 

 ed. The latter, being the more popular book, must be .renewed; 

 and the new books must be placed on sale early next season. 



