REPAIRS TO BRIDGES.

During the winter a coffer-dam was built around the southern pier of the Suspension bridge leading to the Third Sister Island so that it was possible to concrete the foundation as called for by the State Engineer. The foundation of the approach to the same end of the bridge has been reinforced in like manner, also all of the piers of the bridge leading to Terrapin Point.

EXAMINATION OF BRIDGES.

The State Engineer and Surveyor has caused an examination to be made of the twelve bridges upon the Reservation. The examination developed the fact that seven were in splendid condition, three needed slight repairs all of which could be done at slight expense and with our own help. The repairs on two have already been made as outlined above, the third will be attended to as soon as the coffer-dams can be constructed.

The two bridges leading from the mainland to Goat Island were found to be in need of extensive repairs "by reason of unequal settlement of the filling over of the arches and insufficient drainage."

His estimate of the probable cost is $8,000 for which an extra appropriation should be secured.

LANDSLIDES.

Early in the spring a landslide of considerable proportions occurred on Goat Island near the Biddle Stairway. In order to prevent additional sliding holes were drilled in the solid ledge rock and heavy iron pins placed in them with the upper ends projecting five or six feet. Back of these pins heavy cedar and oak logs were placed and the excavation filled with brush and soil.

LIGHTING SYSTEM.

By chapter 316 of the Laws of 1907, $14,000 was appropriated for installing the lighting system upon the Reservation.

Plans and specifications were furnished by the State Architect which provide for a complete underground system with ninetyfive poles, on each of which is a cluster of six thirty-two-candle

power incandescent lamps, the construction of a terminal building at Port Day, a transformer house above First street and a transformer room in the basement of the Administration Building.

The contract was let to the Buffalo Electric Contracting Company of Buffalo, the consideration being $13,731.

The work is rapidly nearing completion and we expect to be able to turn on the lights before January 1st, next.

TELEPHONE WIRES.

All telephone wires in Prospect Park have been placed in underground conduits provided for that purpose.

As soon as the new lighting system has been completed all of the balance of the overhead wires can be removed, thus adding greatly to the appearance and safety of the Reservation.

ELECTRIC HEATING PLANT.

An electric heating plant has been installed in the Administration Building.

HORSES AND WAGON.

We have added to our equipment by purchasing a team of draft horses and a modern dump wagon.

BARN.

For the accommodation of the horses the shop of Goat Island was enlarged, making an excellent barn.

PUMP.

A drilled well fifty-seven feet deep has been installed on Goat Island near the barn, to provide water for the horses during the winter months when the water system cannot be used.

ICEHOUSE.

A new icehouse has been built in the gravel pit on Goat Island. As it is of ample size we should be able to store enough ice for all purposes hereafter.

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SAFETY NETTING.

Heavy iron wire netting has been securely fastened to the guard railing about Prospect Point and on the bridges at the Three Sister Islands that children may not fall through into the river.

NEW ROAD.

The road leading from the Inclined Railway along the river to the foot of Falls street has been abandoned. The territory formerly occupied by it has been seeded and planted to trees, and a new road built which skirts the pond and connects with the Rapids Drive.

This not only gives us much needed additional territory but also eliminates a very dangerous section of roadway at a point where an accident to an automobile might cause loss of life.

NEW TRAIL.

A new trail has been constructed along the water's edge on Goat Island from the entrance to Luna Island Bridge by which many beautiful views heretofore inaccessible are thrown open to the public.

INCLINED RAILWAY.

In my last report information was given that the Inclined Railway could not be properly rebuilt with the funds available and a recommendation was made to secure at least $25,000 additional.

Efforts were made to secure such additional funds from the Legislature, but without success.

The State Architect was then requested to remodel his plans so that the construction could be accomplished within the amount of funds provided.

As the State Engineer and State Architect had declared that it would be unsafe to operate the railway after the beginning of the winter of 1906-7 it was closed down December 24th.

There being no possibility of being able to rebuild before fall, the State Architect and State Engineer were requested to have the railway and structure examined and report if same could be safely used during the summer months when the danger from ice had passed.