SECRETARY'S REPORT 123 



Over a period of years there has been a gradual increase in the 

 amount of trimming of trees necessary along the roads, walks, and 

 paths and in the exhibition area. Because of disease or age, some of 

 the trees are dying and must be cut down. Others must be trimmed 

 to i-emove dead or broken limbs that might fall and injure people 

 or animals, or damage automobiles or structures. 



The job of cleaning up the grounds is a major undertaking. Using 

 all available manpower, it usually takes 5 to 10 days to pick up the 

 trash and restore the park to a fair degree of presentability after 

 Easter Sunday and Monday. This work has of necessity been reduced 

 to a minimum, with the result that the Zoo has been criticized by cor- 

 respondents and the press for the condition of the grounds. 



The lawns, shrubs, and trees cannot be kept in as attractive condi- 

 tion as they might be because of lack of maintenance fmids. However, 

 curtailment of this work results in less harm than does the neglect 

 of structures and fences. 



During the year Congress provided money for the employment of 

 a veterinarian but the position had not been filled at the end of the 

 year. However, a veterinarian has now been appointed and will be 

 on duty early in the fiscal year 1956. 



Temporary policemen were employed this year to assist the regular 

 police during days of heaviest attendance or when the force was 

 short-handed. This is a satisfactory arrangement and much more 

 economical than employing additional full-time policemen when the 

 permanent personnel now authorized is adequate for a large propor- 

 tion of the time. 



From time to time during the year earth has been received for the 

 fill across the road from the large-mammal house. After the fill is 

 completed a sidewalk will be laid on that side of the road, providing 

 a greater measure of safety for the public. Until the fill settles, the 

 area will be used for a car-parking site, and later paddocks will be 

 placed on it. 



NEW BUILDING 



The rest-room building, with headquarters for the police and office 

 and storage space for the gardener, should be finished during the fiscal 

 year 1956. The building was designed by the Department of Build- 

 ings and Grounds of the Government of the District of Columbia in 

 accordance with provisions of law. Inasmuch as bids under the 

 original specifications exceeded the appropriations by about $30,000, 

 it was necessary to prepare new plans and specifications, omitting 

 about $30,000 worth of desirable but least-needed features, and to 

 readvertise. This delayed final letting of the contract until April 

 19, 1955. 



