Chapter 577, Laws of 1907. DEBIT. 1907. Dec. 5. Received from State Treasurer.. Dec. 18. Received from State Treasurer. 1908. $50 00 50 00 Jan. 27. Received from State Treasurer.. 50 00 50 00 $200 00 CREDIT. 1907. Dec. 9. Wm. Ten Eyck, Stony Point, keeper, $50 00 Dec. 19. Wm. Ten Eyck, Stony Point, salary for 50 00 1908. Jan. 29. Wm. Ten Eyck, Stony Point, salary for 50 00 Feb. 29. Wm. Ten Eyck, Stony Point, salary for 50 00 WATKINS GLEN STATE RESERVATION. Watkins Glen State Reservation comprises about 100 acres of land at the head of Seneca lake, adjacent to the village of Watkins, embracing the famous glen named in the title. It is in the custody of this Society. This property was purchased pursuant to chapter 676 of the Laws of 1906, which appropriated $50,000 for the purpose. Of that amount, owing to the generous consideration of the heirs of the Hon. Andrew H. Green (the founder of this Society) the property was conveyed to the State for its actual cost to the estate, namely, $46,512.50, and the balance of the appropriation reverted to the State treasury. Chapter 578 of the Laws of 1907 appropriated for salary of keeper and permanent repairs and betterments a total of $18,007. Of this amount, $8,783.61 had been expended up to February 1, 1908, as accounted for below. The Society's first concern in beginning the improvements was to make the paths and bridges in the Glen temporarily safe for public use, until the permanent improvements could be made. The rock paths were widened and scaled off so as to afford a more secure footing, loose rock overhead removed,* and the wooden footbridges and railings reinforced. The plan of permanent improvements contemplates the changing of the old path through the Glen | so as to give better viewpoints and permit the removal of some of the unsightly bridges crossing the glen and marring the vistas. The Society has also adopted the general plan of reinforced concrete for stairs and bridges, thus securing in these structures safety, permanence and harmony with the scenery. Wooden railings are being abolished as rapidly as possible and iron railings, on inward-curving standards, after the unique design used at Niagara Falls, substituted in their places. The stone abutment at the south end of the Suspension bridge has been removed and a new one of reinforced concrete put in. A reinforced concrete dyke twenty-two feet high, commencing at the Entrance Cascade and extending eastward 200 feet, has been built and is complete except the hand rail and three feet of back filling. Two reinforced concrete walls have been constructed from Lookout Point to Swiss Cottage, complete except the railing. At Lookout Point a concrete platform, surrounded by reinforced concrete rail forty-two inches high, has been built. * The method of removing overhanging rock is illustrated in the accompanying picture. Watkins Glen Reservation. Indian Trail looking toward Lookout Point, illustrating the character of the new guard rail and concrete stairs which have been erected. (See page 24.) From the head of the Long Stairs a new path with easy grades and short flight of reinforced concrete stairs have been built. From the end of the Indian Trail, connecting Lookout Point, another flight of reinforced concrete stairs has been built, complete except the hand rail. The slide of gravel near the entrance to the Glen has been effectually checked by placing in it logs and brush fastened with. No. 6 wire. A supply of drinking water has been provided at the entrance to the Glen from the village mains and at Suspension bridge from springs. These and many other minor changes have already greatly increased the safety and facility of traversing the Glen, and have been greatly appreciated by the public. In the absence of mechanical means for counting the visitors to the Glen, their number can only be estimated. In the opinion of the superintendent, at least 45,000 persons went through the Glen last season. Following is a statement of expenditures to February 1, 1908. Dec. 8. C. B. Frost, souvenir card privilege.... 15 00 2,386 55 216 12 |