(175) 
The old wooden bridge below the water-fall, mentioned 
in my last annual report as now unnecessary since the 
building of the concrete bridge across the Bronx gorge 
nearby, has not yet been removed, but may be at such time 
as the Commissioner of Parks agrees to its demolition. 
Water Supply 
No change has been made during the year in the water 
supply system, inasmuch as no funds have been available 
for its extension. In our application for additional con- 
struction funds made a year ago, an item of $2,000 was 
included to provide funds to complete all necessary water 
supply to grounds and buildings, and when this sum becomes 
available the system may be completed. 
Buildings 
As the buildings become older, the necessary annual 
maintenance expenses increase. This is notably the case 
in the steam distribution system, aggregating many miles of 
piping. Almost the entire appropriation for repairs and 
renewals was required last year for this work; and replace- 
ments of steam pipe must go on continuously. A larger 
appropriation is available for this year. Part of the repairs 
necessary are made by our steam engineers, but we are 
obliged to call in help to remedy any serious breakdown. 
Provision is also made in the appropriation for 1913 for 
pointing portions of the museum building and resetting a 
part of its terra-cotta cornices. Interior painting of the 
museum halls has been continued and much painting has 
been accomplished on portions of the greenhouses and on 
fences and guard rails. 
Taken as a whole all structures are in reasonably good 
condition, and such defects as now exist should be mainly 
remedied by the expenditure of funds available during 1913. 
Plants and Planting 
Maintenance and development of the older plantations 
have been satisfactorily accomplished and material additions 
