REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 97 



figures, is not only in a bad state of repair but is wholly inadequate 

 for the required service. The estimated cost of a suitable building 

 a year ago was $65,400. Since the park has now obtained, as men- 

 tioned above, a large quantity of first-class chestnut lumber, includ- 

 ing many heavy timbers, new plans have recently been drawn by the 

 municipal architect with the idea of utilizing this lumber to ad- 

 vantage. It is now believed that a restaurant building in every way 

 suitable to the demands of the place, and probably more in keeping 

 with the surroundings, can be constructed for $40,000. 



Small-mammal house. — A building properly constructed for the 

 exhibition of small mammals has long been needed, but never so 

 much as at the present time. Numerous small animals now in the 

 collection can not be shown for lack of quarters, and it is evident that 

 more and more interest is being taken by visitors in the smaller 

 species now on exhibition. 



Grading hanks and filling ravines. — During the present year some 

 progress will be made in continuing the work of grading in the west- 

 central part of the park. This work was begun five years ago but 

 was discontinued during the war. Not only will a large area of 

 comparatively flat space for deer yards and other paddocks result 

 from the work, but the filling in of a near-by ravine will make 

 possible the elimination of a dangerous curve in the main automobile 

 road. It is greatly to be hoped that it will be possible to complete 

 this work within the next year, so that the unsightly condition of 

 that portion of the park adjoining the principal highway of traffic 

 can be corrected and the ground utilized to advantage for the ex- 

 hibition of animals. 



Eespectfully submitted. 



N. Holllster, 

 Superintendent. 



Dr. Charles D. Walcott, 



Secretary, Smithsonian Institution. 



