( 300 ) 
cavations for the foundations early in the spring and has 
since prosecuted work continuously. In consultation with 
commissioner Moebus, Mr. Ulrich, Mr. Lincoln Pierson, of 
the Lord and Burnham Company, architects of these build- 
ing, and with experts summoned by the commissioner and by 
the architects, it was deemed desirable to modify the contract 
so as to permit a strengthening of the girders of the large 
Central Palm House beyond that originally planned and also 
to add some columns in the two end houses of the range to 
give their roofs more certain support. It was also decided to 
be advantageous to substitute rubble masonry in the walls of 
the subway connecting the Power House with these build- 
ings, and also in the walls of the trenches extending under 
the buildings, for the brick walls originally specitied. After 
much consultation it was decided to allow Mr. Sheehan the 
sum of $2,000 extra on account of this modification, fixing 
the amount to his contract at $112,000 instead of $110,000, 
the considerable additional cost of the iron work being 
partially offset by the reduction effected in the change from 
brick to stone in the subway and trench walls. 
The modification in the iron work caused a delay of three 
months in the framing of the central Palm Dome and this 
has only recently been completed; the other seven houses 
covered by the Sheehan contract are completed, including 
their glazing, with the exception of their interior fittings ; 
work on these is being prosecuted. 
The Propagating Hfouses. Detailed plans for the small 
greenhouses for propagating and experimental purposes, 
together with specifications, have been completed by the Lord 
and Burnham company and the buildings may be erected as 
soon as funds for the purpose become available. 
Drainage and Sewerage. Early inthe year it was deemed 
necessary to effect the connection of the Museum Building 
with the Williamsbridge and Bronx Park sewer, and begin- 
ning in March, a 12-inch vitrified pipe was laid from a point 
25 feet in front of the west wing of the Museum down the 
steam subway trench for 140 feet, thus taking advantage of ex- 
