70 REPORT OF THK SECRETARY. 



To remedy tliis state of affairs it seemed necessary to place footways upon the 

 bridge, to relieve the main roadway hy making side roads and walks, to enlarge the 

 ground plan of the animal house, and to provide more ample means of exit. It 

 seemed hest also to remove from the house as many animals as could be properly ac- 

 commodated in quarters outside, both for the convenience of the public and the health 

 of the animals. 



The limited means at the disposal of the j^ark did not permit the full completion 

 of this plan. New roadways were cut out and new sidewalks built, an addition to 

 the animal house was commenced in the shape of a large wooden shed situated on 

 the north side. None of these were entirely completed at the close of the liscal year. 



A grading plan for a portion of the park was furnished by Mr. F. L. Olmsted. 

 This contemplated the excavation of a large jiond for aquatic animals upon the 

 meadow west of the bridge, the shaping up of the banks of the creek and their pro- 

 tection from erosion by means of riprap and the formation of a smaller pond to the 

 north of the road near the main entrance. But little of this could be done during 

 the year, the expenses of preparing the winter quarters of the animals being such 

 that all surplus funds were exhausted. It was indeed found necessary to limit the 

 expenditures to the barest necessities, and although an additional apiiroi)riation of 

 $1,000 was made by Congress it was with difficulty that the park was maintained 

 until the end of the year. The force of employes was reduced to the lowest possi- 

 ble number, and every device was used to insure the strictest and most parsimonious 

 economy. 



The scantiness of the resources of the park made it necessary to j)08tpone any pur- 

 chases of animals, and the collection has therefiu'e increased but slowly. There were 

 on .Tune 30, 448 living animals in the collection, of which .S20 were mammals, 63 birds, 

 and 65 reptiles. A catalogue of the additions made is appended hereto. Ninety-six 

 animals have been presented to the park during the year, of which 43 were mam- 

 mals, 26 birds, and 27 reptiles. 



The insufficient nature of the temporary quarters in which it has been necessary to 

 keep the animals has led to a considerable mortality. Besides this, it is found that 

 many specimens do not survive the fiitigue and excitement of the journey necessary to 

 reach the park, and they succumb shortly after their arrival here. The most alarm- 

 ing mortality has been that of the ])ears, two of which died from injviries received, two 

 others from pulmonary trouble. While the bear yards are certainly ]nctures(jue and 

 elfective from the landscape architect's point of view, it is believed that they are not 

 now proper sanitary dwellings for the animals, as they are constantly damp, are too 

 cold in winter and too hot in summer. It is intended to take measures to remedy 

 their defects. 



Owing to the small number of watchmen necessarily employed, one of the bears 

 escaped by climbing up a nearly perpendicular wall over .50 feet high. He was pur- 

 sued and an attempt was made to capture him. This was, however, unsuccessful and 

 it was found necessary, finally, to shoot him. 



The elephants have continued constantly to gain in weight since arriving at the 

 pai'k. "Dunk" now weighs 7,260 ])ounds, having gained 1,110 pounds. " ( lohhiust" 

 weighs 4,920 pounds, having gained 860 pounds. 



