(97 ) 
been made by the board of estimate and apportionment and the 
municipal assembly. Out of the moneys annually appropriated for 
the maintenance of parks, each commissioner may apply such sum 
as shall be fixed by the board of estimate and apportionment for the 
keeping, preservation and exhibition of the collections placed or 
contained in buildings or institutions now situated or hereafter 
erected in the parks, squares or public places under the jurisdiction 
of such commissioner.” 
Section 625 of the same Act provides that, 
The Commissioner for the Borough of The Bronx is au- 
thorized and directed to carry out the existing contract made 
between the former Department of Parks and the New York 
Botanical Garden, providing for the allotment for the use of 
said Garden of two hundred and fifty (250) acres of land or 
less in the northern part of Bronx Park, as shown upon Map 
numbered 568, signed by Messrs. Vaux & Parsons, and filed 
by the former Department of Parks. 
In closing, your Committee are glad thus to report that 
after many delays the work of construction is at last begun. 
We do not foresee any grounds for further delays. The time 
for the completion of the Museum building is fixed by the 
contract at 350 days. The new Commissioner of Parks for 
the Borough of The Bronx has expressed great interest in our 
enterprise, and we are confident he will give all needful and 
proper support to its future development. 
Appison Brown, 
Chairman. 
New York, January, 10, 1898. 
