(7) 
scribed in the report of the Plans Commission of the Garden * 
it was recommended: ‘All these pipes are located along the 
proposed roads, rather than under them ; they are so arranged 
that hydrants can be placed along the roadsides at intervals, 
so that by using hose any parts of the roads, walks and plan- 
tations can be reached.” 
After a careful study of the method by watering-carts I am 
convinced that this method of watering the roads and walks 
by hose would save much money and be far more efficient. 
In order to bring it into operation for the Garden grounds 
about 6,000 feet of 6-inch cast-iron water-pipe and 3,000 
feet of water-pipe of smaller diameters, together with hose- 
taps at intervals of about 150 feet, are required. 
Buildings 
A contract for the construction of the boiler house and the 
subway connecting this house with the new public conser- 
vatories was awarded early in the year by the Park Depart- 
ment to the firm of Kelly and Kelley and work was begun 
in the spring. These structures are now nearly completed, 
the cost being $25,600. 
Another contract awarded by the Park Department to the 
same firm during the summer provides for the construction of 
five of the glass houses, costing $62,796; during the autumn 
the excavations for cellars for these buildings were made and 
the foundation walls partly constructed. Both these contracts 
will presumably be completed by midsummer so that the five 
new greenhouses will be ready for use at that time; they will 
supply a much needed relief to the crowded condition of the 
first range of public conservatories, and as soon as they are 
completed the necessary grading in the vicinity can be taken 
up. As already stated, the driveway and path approaches 
to these buildings have been partially built, and a water-main 
laid for their supply. 
Accounts of the maintenance and repairs of buildings will 
be found in the report of the First Assistant and in that of 
the Superintendent of Grounds, hereto appended. 
~ *Bull. N. ¥. Bot, Gard. 1 :" 43. 
