REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 79 



The old waterfowl pond near the creek was filled in with earth 

 and crushed rock, though no grading was done. Some planting was 

 done in that area. It is planned to utilize this space for parking of 

 cars and also to make part of it available for picnicking. 



Work was begun on remodeling the west side of the antelope build- 

 ing, and at the close of the year it was about two-thirds completed. 

 A cage is being constructed to house the pair of reticulated giraffe. 

 This will give them a cage with a higher ceiling as well as a larger 

 outdoor enclosure. 



The restaurant constructed by the P. W. A. under an allotment 

 of $90,000 was completed in the fall of 1940. It is of the Virginia 

 tavern type of stone construction. The main dining room is beauti- 

 fully decorated with murals of carved lacquered linoleum, executed 

 and mounted by Domenico Mortellito. This, with the outside ter- 

 races overlooking the new waterfowl ponds, has proved to be a 

 popular luncheon and dining place for the public. The new con- 

 cessionaire, L. G. Leech, opened the restaurant for busilness on 

 March 29, 1941. 



The area about the new restaurant was landscaped with evergreens 

 and other trees and shrubs. An azalea garden of about 300 plants was 

 laid out on the hillside west of the restaurant. This will greatly 

 add to the beauty of the surroundings, especially when the plants 

 are in bloom. In addition, about 200 wild azaleas, more than 100 

 dogwoods, and about 40 redbuds, as well as other trees and shrubs, 

 were planted about the grounds. 



It is with pleasure that we take this opportunity to thank C. A. 

 Logan, of the Beltsville Agriculture Center, for the more than 350 

 trees and shrubs that were obtained from their C. C. C. nursery. 

 These included shade trees, flowering plants and shriibs, fruit- and 

 nut-bearing types, and others suitable for ornamental purposes. 



NEEDS OF THE ZOO 



Proper buildings continue to be the chief need of the Zoo. Struc- 

 tures most urgently needed which would complete its development 

 are a new building to house antelope, deer, wild hogs, and kanga- 

 roos ; one for monkeys ; and one for carnivores to replace the present 

 building, which is no longer suitable for the exhibition of these 

 animals. 



Since the closing of the W. P. A, project, and with the increase 

 of exhibition areas, the existing personnel is inadequate to maintain 

 the grounds in a presentable condition. It is therefore important 

 that the maintenance personnel be increased by at least 10 men. 



