TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT 49 



of a new concrete dock at the expense of the Privilege Depart- 

 ment was authorized. This work consists of the erection of a 

 concrete wall, the filling in of the space between the wall and 

 the shore line and the placing on of a concrete surface. It is 

 estimated that the total cost will be $3,000. The expenditure 

 of $481.41 has been incurred during 1915, and the balance is to 

 be charged against 1916. 



ELEPHANT YARDS. 



After a long delay, funds at last became available for addi- 

 tions to certain elephant fences. The two southwesterly ele- 

 phant yards at the Elephant House have been strengthened by 

 means of heavy steel braces behind the posts and railroad iron 

 on the top bar of these fences, and are now strong enough to 

 hold the largest and most mischievous elephants. 



ELEPHANT HOUSE. 



During 1911 and 1912 great injury was done to the Ele- 

 phant House by leakage, resulting from the imperfect condition 

 of the roof. The building was constructed by Nesbit & Co., 

 for the City. This corporation refused to make good the dam- 

 age when requested to do so, and suit was thereupon brought 

 by the City with the assistance of the Society, against Nesbit 

 & Co., and the surety on their bond. Recovery was had in 

 the amount of $4,500, of which $2,250 was received in cash, 

 and $2,250 in an approved claim against the People's Surety 

 Company. This is the first time that the City has actually col- 

 lected damages against a city contractor for defective work in 

 the Park, and it is hoped the result will be a warning to all who 

 attempt to evade strict compliance with contracts. 



In the meantime, the repairs necessary had been made 

 under an additional appropriation from the City, at a cost of 

 $5,865. 



ANIMAL HOSPITAL. 



During the year, the contract for the heating work in the 

 Animal Hospital building was awarded in the amount of $1,337, 

 which with the general contract $15,300, the plumbing contract, 

 $800, and the architects' commissions, about $900, will make 

 the total cost of this building $18,337. The amount available 

 for this work is $22,518.32. The balance will be used for the 

 construction of the necessary yards. 



