Appendix IV. 



REPORT OF THE ACTING MANAGER OF THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL 

 PARK FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1893. 



Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the 

 National Zoological Park for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893. 



By act of Congress dated August 5. 1892, the sum of $50,000 was appropriated to 

 maintain and improve the park. As no provision was made by this act for the pur- 

 chase of animals, calculations were made as to the cost of maintaining the collection 

 already on hand and plans for further improvement were based upon the balance 

 then available. The buffalo, elk, and other native wild animals have naturally 

 received the most attention. Effort has been made to place them as far as possible 

 in natural conditions hy extending the paddocks assigned to them. While it has 

 not been practicable to give them large ranges, many acres in extent, as was at 

 first intended, since it is now found desirable that they be kept where they can be 

 readily viewed by the public, yet the inclosures are of considerable size. The 

 accompanying engraving represents a group of buffalo now in the Park. 



In the preceding year it was necessary to place in the large animal honse the 

 animals requiring heat, although that house was still in an unfinished state. During 

 the present year it has been completed, except the outer cages, .and a tile roof 

 has been substituted for the temporary one. The plans for the house contem- 

 plated additions to the main structure, and as more room was urgently needed and 

 the available funds were insufficient for a stone addition, a frame extension has been 

 built conforming to the original plan in size and form. A row of permanent cages 

 occupies either side of this extension and a large tank in the middle of the room 

 accommodates aquatic animals. By this means it has been possible to give the animals 

 comfortable and suitable quarters where they can be easily seen by the public. It 

 is, however, a matter of great regret that the entire structure was not built of stone 

 and nothing but pressing necessity can excuse the erection of the present extension. 



On the meadow upon the right bank of the creek paddocks have been inclosed 

 and a small thatched barn built to shelter a small herd of llamas. These animals 

 were purchased last year in South America through the kindness of Col. W. P. 

 Tisdel, of the Bureau of American Republics. 



The plan submitted by the landscape architects provided for a large pond for 

 waterfowl and other aquatic animals at the bend of the creek below the bridge. 

 This pond has been excavated, but fencing and shelters are needed before animals 

 can be put in it. 



The principal road through the park was last year completed only to the hill in 

 front of the buffalo house. From this point to the park limit, near Connecticut 

 Avenue Extended, an old wood road had been used, but it was of too steep a grade. 

 A new road has therefore been projected and begun. This road will wind around 

 the spurs of the hill sloping downward toward Rock Creek, bringing to view some 

 of the most beautiful natural scenery of the park, and as it will lead by easy and 

 gradual ascent toward the roads that connect the western entrance with the Wood- 

 ley road it can not fail to be a favorite and much frequented drive. 



There is great need of some easier access to the park than now exists. From the 

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