manent improvements of the Reservation. The architectural design of the two pavilions is peculiarly appropriate to their surroundings, and the work of the contractors was in all respects most satisfactory. WORK ON THE ROADS. During May and June work on the roads was carried on with the remainder of the $5,000 road appropriation from the year before. A portion of the Riverway, much wider than was necessary for park purposes, was narrowed to a proper width and a new stretch of road built in front of the new public comfort station at the Cave of the Winds. Much repair work was also accomplished and all roads were oiled in due season with heavy asphalt oil. OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORK. During the latter part of the summer a trail has been built running from the Horseshoe Fall up along the south bank of Goat island toward the Three Sister islands, gradually rising from the level of the river to that of the main path and the road above. It makes accessible many points from which new and charming views of the Horseshoe Fall and Canadian Rapids may be obtained and completes the circuit of trails on Goat island. Four years ago a storm which inflicted great damage on the forest on Goat island destroyed a fine stand of hemlock on the Second Sister island, and periods of high water have washed a large portion of that island bare of soil. A retaining break-wall has been built along the lower side of the island and soil filled in back of it so that tree growth may be restored. Four thousand dollars were appropriated by the Legislature of 1911 to supply the new comfort station on Goat island with water and with electric power for heating that these buildings may be kept open and available for public use in the winter. The construction work, now under way, will be finished before freezing weather and with its completion there will be five sets of toilet conveniences on the Reservation in service throughout the year. APPROPRIATIONS. Niagara Falls is perhaps the most widely known of scenic wonders. It attracts more than a million people annually, which is at least double the number officially recorded as visiting all the National parks and reservations in the entire country. In the one hundred and ten acres of the State Reservation at Niagara, the State of New York is on exhibition to the world. The roads on the Reservation should be the best in the country — an object lesson of perfect construction. The lawns should be well cared for, fresh and green during the entire season. There should be the best of modern comforts and conveniences for the visiting public, and the humblest tourist should receive ample protection against imposition of every kind. Much of this has been achieved since the Reservation was established in 1885. For twenty-six years conditions have been steadily improving, but year by year the burden of proper maintenance has become more exacting and more costly. With the increase in automobile traffic the macadam roads need more frequent repairs; with the increase in the number of visitors the roads are more quickly worn down and require renovation; with the growth in the number of shade-trees and their insect enemies greater care and greater expense are required to hold these pests in check. In the forests dead and dying timber must be replaced by young trees. The damage from storm and ice, from gradual erosion and natural wear must be replaced without waiting for the hand of time to do the work. The buildings and bridges must be repaired or replaced as they become unsanitary or unsafe, and new buildings for the public convenience are constantly needed as the multitude of visitors becomes more insistent. There is ever increasing need of additional work to meet growing needs. The Commissioners ask for an increase in the maintenance appropriation for the coming year of $3,200, of which $1,700 is for greatly needed police protection. There will also appear in our estimate for this year the sum of $10,000 for road and walk construction, which is urgently needed. The improvement of the Loop pond should be undertaken this year. An appropriation for this purpose was vetoed by the Governor last year. This pond is filled with a rich deposit of river silt which if removed would be very valuable for use on certain parts of Goat island where the soil is of insufficient depth and fertility for tree growth-but in the pond it is in the suminer the cause of a most unwholesome condition of affairs and from its location in close proximity to the best residential section of the city it amounts in hot weather to a menace to the public health. This work should not be neglected until the Department of Health is forced to demand it. Respectfully submitted, CHARLES M. DOW, THOMAS P. KINGSFORD, EUGENE CARY, WILLIAM B. HOWLAND, THOMAS W. MEACHEM, Commissioners. TREASURER'S REPORT. The Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara, in account with WILLIAM E. HARRIES and C. H. ATWOOD, Treasurers. 1910. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1911. Jan. IN ACCOUNT WITH WILLIAM E. HARRIES, Treasurer. Payment by State Comptroller on account: 6. Chapter 513, Laws of 1910... Chapter 212, Laws of 1908. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 15. Chapter 432, Laws of 1909.. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910.. 26. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. Chapter 432, Laws of 1909.. 10. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910.. 22. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910.. 6. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 22. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. $887 63 75 00 1,397 49 76 60 1,213 98 1,398 94 464 85 1,566 71 1, 890 74 1.053 28 2,055 33 Payment by State Comptroller on account: 1,020 93 1,246 13 1,054 76 1,010 78 1,394 34 13. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910.. 26. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. Feb. 10. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 25. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. March 7. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 27. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. April 10. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 25. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 12. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910.. 25. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 14. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910. 29. Chapter 512, Laws of 1910.. 14. Chapter 513, Laws of 1910. Chapter 513, Laws of 1910.. May June 1, 341 31 1,224 20 1,531 78 1,031 24 1,906 86 904 40 1,697 90 414 71 1,062 90 |