By the act of Congress approved March 3, 1891, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to prescribe rules and regulations for the government and control of the bath houses receiving hot water from the Hot Springs Reservation, and to regulate the prices to be charged for baths at the different bath houses. Owing to the changing conditions, it is found desirable, from time to time, to change or revise the rules and regulations, in order to more nearly conform to present demands. Those under which the bath houses here for some time have been operated were approved by the Department October 15, 1897, and are as follows:

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ALL BATH HOUSES RECEIVING HOT WATER FROM THE PERMANENT RESERVATION AT HOT SPRINGS, ARK.

The superintendent of the Hot Springs Reservation is directed to enforce a prompt and faithful compliance with the following rules:

RULE 1. Rentals shall be paid quarterly, in advance, at the office of the superintendent, and if not paid within five days from the beginning of each quarter, the supply of water will be cut off.

RULE 2. No bath house or hotel shall be supplied with more than enough water for 40 tubs of the usual size, and vapor baths when especially agreed upon, and then only for so much hot water as said vapor baths absolutely require when used economically.

RULE 3. The constant flow of hot water for vapor or other baths, even during business hours, or the unnecessary waste of water in any manner is strictly prohibited, and will, if continued after written notice from the superintendent to stop such waste of water, be considered by the Department sufficient grounds for the canceling of the lease of such offending lessee.

RULE 4. The charge for baths at the different bath houses shall be the rates fixed by the Department, and no bath or ticket shall be sold for more or less than said rate. No bath or ticket shall be sold except at the office of the bath house issuing them, and must show the date when issued, the name of the purchaser, and the amount paid therefor. Bath tickets shall be redeemable for the same proportionate price for which they were sold when presented by the original purchasers together with satisfactory evidence of being able to use them. Application for a change of rates may be made through the superintendent to take effect at the beginning of the next quarter. A neatly printed copy of the rates for baths and attendant's fees shall be conspicuously posted in the office of each bath house.

RULE 5. Bath-house attendants shall be allowed to charge not exceeding 15 cents for a single bath, 75 cents per week, or $2.25 per course of 21 baths, payable weekly in advance. It shall be optional with the bathers whether they employ attendants or not. Bath-house attendants may be required to make good any breakage or damage caused by his or her negligence or dereliction of duty, but shall not be required to pay any part of the operating expenses of the bath house.

RULE 6. The payment of any sum of money, or anything of value, directly or indirectly, by any bath-house owner, manager, clerk, or attendant, as a compensation for drumming customers to said bath house, or allowing any hotel or doctor drummer to show persons through or to loiter ill or about any bath house, is positively prohibited by the Department, and upon satisfactory proof of the violation of this rule, the superintendent may shut off the water from any bath house and report the case to the Department for action upon the facts.

RULE 7. The superintendent may cause the discharge of any bath-house manager, clerk, or attendant for drumming or for making false statements about any other bath house; and when said persons are so discharged, they shall not be employed by the same or any other bath house without the consent of the superintendent.

RULE 8. The payment of any sum of money or anything of value for drumming, the giving away of single bath complimentary tickets, the frequent visits of hotel or doctor drummers, whether licensed or not, or those known to work with them as inside men, or hotel or boarding-house proprietors or those employed by them, or by any doctor employing drummers, or the sale of bath tickets through brokers or otherwise than at the office of the bath house, is positively prohibited.

RULE 9. All bath houses shall be kept in a neat, cleanly, and good sanitary condition, and all sewerage and waste water properly conducted away, and all under drainage kept in perfect order. The water-closets shall have sufficient and free connection with the public sewers, and be kept in the host order and with the best plumbing, furnishings, and appliances. Each bath-house lessee on the permanent reservation shall, under the direction of the superintendent, cultivate and maintain a part of the bath-house park in front of their respective bath houses, the space for each to cultivate to be allotted by the superintendent.

WM. J. LITTLE,
Superintendent of the Hot Springs Reservation.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
October 15, 1897.

Approved.

CORNELIUS N. BLISS, Secretary.

The prices which the different bath houses may charge for baths are subject to approval and revision by the Secretary of the Interior, and are in all cases regulated by the class of bathing accommodations each house is in position to furnish, the newer and better equipped houses of course being allowed to charge higher prices than those of less modern build and inferior equipment. The scale of prices in force at present are fixed prices, and may not be deviated from by any bath house. The price per course of 21 baths and for single bath is set forth in the following table:

ELECTRIC BATHS.

Electric baths and massage treatment may now be had at several of the bath houses, for which they are allowed by the Department to charge as follows:

MASSAGE TREATMENT.

The services of bath-house attendants are intended to cover all the necessities of the bath, except laundrying bath robes, rubbing mercury, and handling helpless invalids. They are allowed by the Department to charge for their services, as follows: For a single bath, 15 cents; one week's attendance, 75 cents, and for a course of 21 baths, $2.25. Extraordinary service may be had by agreement with the attendants themselves or the managers of the bath house.

Of the whole number of leases for hot water in force at this time only eighteen bath houses have been operated continuously from June 30, 1898, to June 30, 1899. From the operations of these I submit a table showing the cost of each, the number of tubs, the rate per course charged for baths, the number of baths sold, and the amount received therefor; also the percentage of gross earnings, the income per tub, the number of attendants employed and the average amount earned by each.

From the foregoing table it will be seen that the bath houses have made considerable gains over the business of last year, the gain in the number of baths given being 37,925 and in the receipts for baths $10,495.50, while the average gross earnings have been increased from 20-1/2 to 23 per cent. The gross amount paid for baths and attendants' fees has increased $13,066.40. The total number of baths given in Hot Springs during the past year, including 147,713 given at the free bath house, has been 509,945. The estimated number of baths given during the year would have been 556,265 had the free bath house remained open the entire time. These results show conclusively that Hot Springs is rapidly gaining confidence and favor with the public. The number of visitors who come for pleasure and for the use of the hot waters is rapidly increasing from year to year, not alone in numbers, but in the wealth and intelligence of a very large portion of those who have been coming for the past several years. There can be no doubt but that these desirable results have been brought about largely by the reservation improvements and the prudent Government control of the bath houses.

INTERSECTION OF HOT SPRINGS AND NORTH MOUNTAIN ROADS.

FREE BATH HOUSE.

The free bath house is operated under the provisions of the act of Congress approved December 16, 1878, which provides that the superintendent shall supply a sufficient number of free baths for the indigent poor. The hard usages to which this house has been put for the past several years has necessitated extensive repairs, which have been made during the past year under plans and specifications approved by the Department June 29, 1898. After advertising for bids in Hot Springs and St. Louis contracts for the work were let and approved by the Department July 2, 1898. From September 25, 1898, until the repairs were completed, December 20, 1898, the house was closed and no baths given. Since it was reopened until now it has been in constant use, and the demand for free baths has been almost equal to the capacity of the house. I am now able to offer much better bathing facilities than heretofore. The addition of two new bathing pools and much needed floor space enable us now to have four separate bathing departments, each consisting of a bathing pool and cooling or dressing rooms attached, all of which are reached through the main office. Being thus able to furnish separate accommodations to colored and white people, great satisfaction has been given to those of both races who use the baths and to the public generally, and has allowed the business of the house to be carried on in a much more quiet and satisfactory manner.

The character of the persons furnished baths since my last report has been much the same as that previously described, being as a rule the paupers and very poor people from all over the United States, in many cases sent here by the charity of the communities in which they lived. They come suffering from all manner of diseases and without the means of procuring medical advice or medicines or even shelter after they arrive but the continue to come and bathe in the hot waters, and a large majority of them get well. I have stated in my annual reports for the past several years that we either cure or greatly benefit 75 per cent of all the persons to whom we furnish baths at the free bath house. I see no reason to change this estimate now unless it would be to increase it.

The free dispensary, for some time operated under the patronage of Maj. H. O. Perley, surgeon in charge of the Army and Navy General Hospital, in connection with the free bath house, has been of great benefit to persons, as a great assistance in the man using the free baths as well as assistance in the management of the bath house. Considerable notoriety has for some time been attracted to the free bath house on account of the large number of persons in the advanced stages of syphilis and other horrible diseases bathing there. A morbid desire to see these people during the bath has obtained among visitors and others to an extent that has interfered with the management of the bath house and caused serious complaint from those using the baths. To correct this as far as possible it has been found necessary to deny admission to the bathing departments during bathing hours except upon written permission from the superintendent, and these permissions are restricted as nearly as possible to physicians; newspaper correspondents, and others in the pursuit of public or scientific knowledge. Bathing is suspended on Wednesday of each week at 12 o'clock noon and the house thrown open for public inspection, and is always visited by a large number of people on these days.

The repairs and additions to the house have consisted of three brick additions to allow two new bathing pools and outside stairway to reach the rooms of the free dispensary, complete new heating plant, new floors and partitions to form the bathing departments, partially new roof, new plastering, and general repairs to nearly all parts of the building, and entirely new painting, the aggregate cost of which has been $3,885.80. The house is now in a good state of repair and is being operated almost to its capacity.

The whole number of baths given during the year has been 147,713, the daily average for the time during which the house was open for bathing being 528, divided as follows: White men, 344; white women, 31; colored men, 117; colored women, 36.

The operating expense for the year, exclusive of the repairs, has been:

The house is operated under the personal supervision of the manager, whose time is constantly employed in receiving applications, issuing and punching tickets, and such other duties as are incident to handling a large crowd of people, while such matters of administration, as from time to time seem necessary have attention from the superintendent.

The following rules and regulations approved October 15, 1897, under which the house is at present being operated, seem to meet the requirements in this respect:

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FREE BATH HOUSE AT HOT SPRINGS, ARK.

These baths are provided and maintained for indigent persons only; neither the manager nor attendants are authorized to supply them to others.

The manager of the free bath house is required to enforce a strict observance of the following rules and regulations:

RULE 1. No baths will be supplied except on written applications made on blanks furnished at the office of the bath house, making full answers to the questions therein propounded, when, if the applicant is found to be indigent, the manager will issue a ticket good for 21 baths, which may be reissued on the same application, if necessary.

RULE 2. Persons using the free baths are required to maintain quiet and orderly deportment while in or about the bath house; to abstain from the use of tobacco, either by chewing or smoking, while in the pool rooms or dressing rooms; not to scatter rags or paper on the floor, or to loiter in or about the building after bathing.

RULE 3. The wanton exposure of person or entering any of the front rooms in a nude state, the use of loud, vulgar, or profane language, the use of rags, paper, soap, or any foreign substance in the pool rooms is positively prohibited.

RULE 4. Persons using these baths are not allowed to stand or sit on or in any way interfere with the water pipes or valves, or to stand on the chairs or benches. All persons entering the house are required to clean their feet at the door and avoid as much as possible bringing dirt or mud on the floors. Boys over 5 years of age will not be allowed in the female department during bathing hours.

RULE 5. Any wanton or repeated violation of these rules, or any disorderly or contemptuous conduct, will subject the person so offending to suspension or expulsion, at the discretion of the superintendent of the reservation.

RULE 6. Neither the manager nor attendants shall be allowed to receive or become responsible for any valuables or to accept any fees or other remuneration for any service rendered to persons using the baths or others.

RULE 7. The manager is required to enforce all the foregoing rules and to maintain good order in and about the bath house, to see that all indigent persons applying are supplied with baths, and to make a written report to the superintendent each week on blank forms supplied for that purpose. He may reject any application for free baths if he has reason to believe the applicant has made false answers in his written application, and refer the same to the superintendent of the reservation.

WM. J. LITTLE,
Superintendent of the Hot Springs Reservation.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
October 15, 1897.

Approved.

CORNELIUS N. BLISS, Secretary.

FREE DISPENSARY.

By direction of the Secretary of the Interior the rooms in the second story of the free bath house, then occupied by the bath-house attendants, were vacated, suitably refitted, and placed at the disposal of Dr. H. O. Perley, surgeon in charge of the Army and Navy General Hospital, for use as a free dispensary. He assumed charge of them on May 1, 1898, since which time, except during the period while the building was undergoing repairs, the dispensary has been in constant operation.

Under Dr. Perley's direction a staff of physicians was organized, consisting of himself, Dr. J. Cabel Minor, U. S. A., Dr. Eugene C. Hay, Dr. Gaston A. Hebert, and Dr. Paul Turner Vaughan, and it has been with the assistance of these able physicians that the dispensary has since been successfully carried on. The organization being such as to allow some one of the number to be on duty during certain days and hours, which has allowed those seeking medical advice opportunity to find a dispensary physician on duty at almost any time. It is due to the gentlemen comprising the staff of this dispensary to say that their services have been honestly and faithfully given, not with any hope of pecuniary reward, but as their tender of charity to that portion of suffering humanity which so numerously finds its way to Hot Springs.

Year after year since the inception of the free bath house it has cured hundreds upon hundreds of helpless, indigent people and put them on the road to become again at least self-sustaining if not useful citizens. When the additional benefits to be derived from the free dispensary are joined to those of the free bath house the charity in this way extended to the indigent people becomes at once the greatest and most far-reaching of any charity in the United States, and one of which the Government has great reason to be proud. The small store of medical supplies and medicines at the free dispensary are kept up by contributions from charitably disposed persons, benefit entertainments, and such other sources as can be commanded from time to time for this purpose. The actual operations of the dispensary are set forth in the annual report of Dr. H. O. Perley for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, which is herewith submitted:

ARMY AND NAVY GENERAL HOSPITAL,
Hot Springs, Ark., June 30, 1899.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report upon the work done by the members of the staff of the Hot Springs Free Bath House Dispensary for the part of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899.

The rooms, six in number, in the second story of the free bath house were put in good order, completely fitted up, and turned over by you to me on the 17th of December, 1898.

From that date to the present day one of the members of the dispensary staff has been in daily attendance to examine, vaccinate, and treat the poor who apply for free baths.

Under your orders none have been allowed to bathe before they had had a careful medical examination. The wisdom of the order is shown by the fact that 362 were found to be afflicted in such a way that the baths would be injurious to them and they were refused the permission to bathe.

Every patient was required to be vaccinated, and, altogether, 3,084 persons were either vaccinated or revaccinated. The virus used was the best that could he obtained in the market, and was furnished by the health officer of this city. The benefits to be derived from this compulsory vaccination, both to the city and the surrounding country, can not be overestimated. The wandering class of poor, both black and white, who seek Government aid here, come from all over the country. This class of people spread smallpox, and it is surprising to note how few of them have ever been vaccinated. Two cases of smallpox in its early stages were detected at the dispensary this year and turned over to the health authorities of the city.

One thousand two hundred and thirty-one patients have been treated in the different departments, as follows:

General medicine and nervous diseases, under the charge of Drs. H. O. Perley, United States Army, and Gaston A. Hebert, 729 patients.

Diseases of women and children, under charge of Dr. J. Cabell Minor, United States Army, 83 patients, of whom 64 were discharged cured or greatly improved, 10 unimproved, and 9 were under treatment June 30, 1899.

Department of general surgery and diseases of the genitourinary organs, under the charge of Dr. Eugene C. Hay, 320 patients.

Department of the eye, ear, nose, and throat, under the charge of Dr. Paul Turner Vaughn, 99 cases, divided as follows: Diseases of the eye, 32; diseases of the ear, 9; diseases of throat and nose, 58. All of the above cases have been discharged cured or improved except 8 remaining under treatment.

One thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine prescriptions have been compounded at the dispensary and given free to the patients. The contributions of our friends, both citizens and visitors, have been sufficient to pay all the necessary expenses and leave a small balance in our treasury.

In conclusion, on behalf of all the members of the staff of the dispensary, I desire to express their thanks to you for your unfailing courtesy and assistance on every occasion.

Very respectfully,

H. O. PERLEY,
Major end Surgeon, U. S. Army, President of the Dispensary Staff.

Col. WILLIAM J. LITTLE,
Supt. U. S. Reservation, Department of the Interior, Hot Springs, Ark.

VIEW FROM NEAR OBSERVATORY POINT, HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN.

HOT SPRINGS CREEK ARCH.

It is gratifying to be able to report that during the year but little damage from floods and freshets has accrued to the Hot Springs Creek arch. The repairs made heretofore have Stood the test of some heavy volumes of water since they were put in, and I am encouraged to believe that the weak points have been located and repaired, and that hereafter but little care and expense will be necessary to keep the arch in good condition. The difficulty heretofore experienced has been that at times of heavy rains large volumes of water pass very swiftly through this arch, washing the earth or any imperfect masonry from under the walls of the arch, where they were not originally founded solidly on the rock. When repairs are necessary, they have to be made under considerable difficulty on account of the heat caused by the close proximity to several hot springs and the hot water discharged from the bath houses, which make it impossible for men to work in the arch more than a few minutes at a time. Such repairs as have been found necessary during the year have been made, and the arch is at this time in good condition. On December 20, 1895, an allotment of $500 was made for the repairs to the creek arch, from which expenditures have from time to time been made amounting to $319.30, leaving at the date of my last report an unexpended balance of $180.70; expended and reported since last report, $22; leaving a balance to the credit of the allotment of $158.70, which I respectfully recommend be continued at the disposal of the superintendent for current repairs and cases of emergency, if any should arise.

RESIDENCE BUILDING

This building, heretofore known as the office and residence building, has received such repairs during the year as have been necessary for the preservation of the building. Under authority of Department letter of October 12, 1898, some repairs were made to the roof, which was never a good one, and is again somewhat out of condition. And the plastering, which had been badly broken up from the settling of the building—such portions of this as needled to be—was removed and the balance repaired, so as to admit of papering the rooms and halls, which has been done. Under this authority I have also reupholstered a portion of the furniture and replaced a portion of the carpets, rugs, and curtains, which had become worthless through long use.

The house is now in fairly good condition, except the need of painting the woodwork outside and some mending incident to the proper care of such buildings, the particular items and estimates of which will be submitted under the head of recommendations.

PUMPING STATION.

The building heretofore known as the pumping station, now occupied in part by the superintendent as an office, was erected under the provisions of an act of Congress, approved October 2, 1888, appropriating $31,000 for the construction of reservoirs, piping, and machinery necessary to the economical distribution of the hot waters. At about the period of the completion of the work of laying pipes, constructing reservoirs, and installing machinery in this building, necessary to carry into effect the provisions of the act above referred to, the act of Congress, approved March 3, 1891, providing that the authority heretofore conferred upon the Secretary of the Interior to collect the hot water upon said reservation, shall be so construed as to require water to be collected only where such collection is necessary for its proper distribution, and not where by gravity the same can be properly utilized, rendering the act of October 2, 1888, inoperative, except, in so far as it provided for the collection of hot water not available for use by gravity, and the impounding reservoir which is situated on the same lot and in close proximity to this building.

Since this time, until December 19, 1898, this building has served no useful purpose for the Government, except as shelter for the pumping machinery contained therein. Under authority of Department letter dated October 12, 1898, I have removed the pumps and other machinery contained in the north portion of this building and stored the same in the boiler room, where it is now put away in such manner as to protect it from rust and other damage incident to machinery not in use, and have refitted that portion of the building from which it was removed for an office, and have occupied it for such purpose since December 19, 1898. This has afforded much relief from the cramped quarters in which the office was previously located, besides adding greatly to the convenience of those having business with the superintendent.

The changes and improvements made in the building have consisted of, first, removing the large pumps and other machinery into the south half of the building, where the boilers and large smokestack are still located, and dividing the portion thus vacated into rooms suitable for the convenience of this office. No inside finish had ever been made to the building, and it was found necessary to lay floors, set up partitions, plaster the walls, add overhead ceilings, and generally such finishings in woodwork as are incident to completely finishing the inside of a building. The woodwork is of native yellow pine finished in hard oil the plastering rough finished for painting, and steel ceilings of suitable design. The painting and decorating is in light leather shades. The offices are lighted by both electricity and gas and heated by steam taken from the plant of the Lamar bath house near by. They furnish every convenience necessary to the transaction of the Department's business at Hot Springs, and are much appreciated by those having business with the superintendent, on account of being more accessible than heretofore.

The cost of the improvements made and such additions to the office furniture as was allowed by the allotment for this purpose has been $990.56.

RESERVE PARK.

This park is the distinguishing feature of Hot Springs and embraces the most notable objects to be found here. It has a frontage of nearly 1,700 feet on Central avenue, which is the main business street of the city, and recedes back from that, taking in the entire Hot Springs Mountain, a considerable portion of the west side being already under cultivation as a park. It embraces all the hot springs, the free bath house and ten other bath houses, the reservation residence and office, and the Arlington Hotel. It has 3 miles of pleasant mountain drives, which connect with 3 miles more on North Mountain, and about 2 miles of graveled walks. All the handsome hot-water drinking fountains are located along the front of this park, which is traversed by a broad concrete walk, 15 feet wide, along its entire front.

The general plan off improvement has been to begin at the Central avenue front, making as many finished improvements as possible each year, and extending back as circumstances would permit toward the summit of the mountain. The most notable improvements yet made to this park is the Grand Central entrance, designed by Capt. Robert R. Stevens, United States Army, which consists of two massive stone columns flanked by heavy cut stone exedra walls inclosing two marble drinking fountains; from this the second terrace is reached by a succession of cut stone steps and landings, terminating in a handsome cut stone pavilion. Next in importance after this comes the marble and stone drinking fountains, which are placed along and at either end of the broad walk, the marble fountain at the south end of the walk being named the John W. Noble fountain, in honor of ex-Secretary John W. Noble, while the stone fountain at the north end of the walk is named the Hoke Smith fountain, in honor of ex-Secretary Hoke Smith. The alum spring, which has been improved by the erection of a small (though handsome) cut-stone pavilion over it, is also located on this walk. These improvements, together with the more advanced stage of cultivation in this part of the park, renders it very attractive, and makes it the subject of favorable comment by strangers and others from all parts of the country.

The improvements to the park during the past year have consisted of extending the walks, planting additional shrubbery and grass, and preparing additional grounds for cultivation next year, and generally exercising such care as has been necessary to the grounds heretofore brought under cultivation. The cultivated grounds of this park, which have assumed considerable proportions, and Whittington Park now requires most of the time of the regular force of foresters and gardeners for their proper care and cultivation, leaving but little time or means of making considerable extension to the cultivated grounds. I am making the further improvement and extension of this park a matter of special study, and will in a short time submit plans in detail and estimates for the improvements which seem most desirable to be made next. By your letter of October 12, 1898, $900 was allotted for the maintenance and improvement of this park, of which amount $422.94 has been expended and previously reported, leaving a balance still to the credit of the allotment of $477.06.

WHITTINGTON PARK.

The improvement of the Whittington Avenue Reservation, which comprises 11 acres, was completed last year and has since been in general use, and has afforded much pleasure and recreation to both visitors and citizens. The improvements of these grounds have consisted in building two small lakes and a park, the area of the first lake being 43,600 square feet and having capacity for 1,800,000 gallons of water. The second lake is somewhat smaller, having only an area of 35,400 square feet, with capacity for 930,000 gallons of water. A considerable portion of the excavation, to get sufficient depth for both these lakes, had to be made in solid rock, which increased the cost to some extent, but has proved beneficial in that it developed several springs which add materially to the lakes by way of furnishing the water during the hot weather. At the head of each of these lakes are placed two sets of cut-stone steps which lead down to the water's edge, terminating on a large flat stone suitable for a boat landing, the intention at the time being to provide two small pleasure boats for each lake; but I have not yet received authority to provide these boats or to allow others to put them on. I have all along thought it advisable to allow the privilege of boating on these lakes, inasmuch as it may not be had at any other place near Hot Springs.

I again respectfully recommend that authority be granted to some suitable, trustworthy person to place, at his own expense, not more than two small pleasure boats, of suitable and tasteful design, on each of these lakes, with permission to charge small fees, such as may be allowed by the Department, for his service and the use of the boats. But little danger of accident or drowning could result from the use of boats, as the water in the lakes is not over 5-1/2 feet deep. The lakes are inclosed by a substantial iron fence, inside of which on top of the banks a graveled walk extends entirely around. The sloping banks are fairly well set in Bermuda grass and planted in water-growth trees which will soon afford ample shade and very greatly add to the appearance of the lakes. Whittington Park, which comprises the balance of these grounds not taken up by the lakes, is about 6 acres in extent and has been improved by first grading the grounds, straightening, widening, and securing the banks of Whittington Creek, which passes through it; building suitable bridges to furnish easy access to all parts of the grounds, music and shelter pavilions, park gardeners' cottage and tennis grounds, in connection with which are two other shelter pavilions with seating capacity for 100 people; all being inclosed by substantial iron fence.

The South Whittington Avenue carriage entrance to this park is somewhat elaborate, being formed by six white limestone columns the two larger or center ones forming the carriage entrance proper and supporting the massive iron gates. To the right and left of these are two smaller columns and gates, forming the entrance for pedestrians. Still to the right and left and somewhat in front of these are placed the last two columns, the spaces between being filled by semicircular stone walls surmounted by an ornamented iron fence, the whole forming a somewhat imposing entrance. On the north side of the park, opposite to this, is another carriage entrance supplied with massive iron gates and side entrances, but of much less costly design. The park itself is supplied with ample drives and walks and is well set in grass, but is yet somewhat deficient in shrubbery. I have been very successful in the cultivation of flowers in this park, having now about one thousand rose cuttings in first and second year's growth. The large flower beds have attracted much attention and added greatly to the beauty of the park; this, with the abundant growth of native trees, makes Whittington Park not only restful and attractive, but in reality a beautiful little park. It is one of the attractions of Hot Springs and is much appreciated and used by both strangers and citizens.

The total amount of funds allotted for the Whittington avenue improvements have been $30,000. Of this amount $29,590.08 was expended, leaving a balance at the date of my last report of $409.92.

October 12, 1898, $200 was allotted for grass and flower seeds, irrigating hose, etc., of which $74.87 has been expended, leaving an unexpended balance at this time of $535.05, which I respectfully recommend be continued, subject to the disposal of the superintendent, for the improvement and maintenance and for removing the accumulation of sediment from the bottom of the lakes, which should be done on the approach of cold weather. It is not possible at this time to furnish an estimate of the cost of this work, for the reason that it must be hauled out a considerable distance in wagons, and the quantity to be removed can not be ascertained until the lakes are drained, which it is not thought advisable to do in warm weather.