SECRETARY'S REPORT 107 



The fight to eradicate poison ivy in the Zoo grounds is being con- 

 tinued. This pest has been almost completely eliminated in those parts 

 most frequented by the public, and control measures are being ex- 

 tended to more remote sections to keep it from spreading to areas 

 used by the public. Otherwise the long-established policy of leaving 

 the woodlands undisturbed is being followed. 



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

 amount of trimming of trees along the roads, walks, and paths, and in 

 the exhibition area. Because of their great age, some of the trees 

 are dying and must be cut down. Others must be trimmed to re- 

 move dead or broken limbs which might fall and injure people or 

 animals, or damage automobiles or structures within the grounds. 



During the year a system was inaugurated of appointing tempo- 

 rary intermittent policemen to serve on Saturdays, Sundays, and holi- 

 days during the seasons of unusually heavy attendance or to relieve 

 regular men when necessary. This plan is proving highly satisfac- 

 tory, as it makes more men available for the few days of the year 

 when they are most urgently needed without maintaining a large 

 permanent force. 



As in previous years the Zoo received gifts of various kinds of 

 food that could not be sold for human consumption but was suitable 

 for animals. This helps considerably to hold purchases to a minimum. 

 Among the many kinds of such foods were 37,000 pounds of frozen 

 skinned rabbits, frozen strawberries, frozen kale, and butter. Out- 

 standing aid in supplying such material was given by W. Bruce 

 Matthews, United States Marshal, who turned over food that was 

 condemned through the courts. A considerable assortment came 

 also from the Safeway Stores, Inc., which had suffered a fire at one 

 of its establishments. From other sources there came 21 bags of 

 English walnuts, 600 pounds of candy, 3,200 pounds of dog food, 25 

 cases of assorted baby food, 46 cases of egg noodles, 15 cases of maca- 

 roni, 100 cases of assorted dog and cat food, 450 pounds of turnips, 

 and some avocados. The General Services Administration donated 

 36 cases of prunes no longer suitable for human consumption. The 

 Fish and Wildlife Service sent the Zoo more than 200 four-week-old 

 chicks that had been used in certain experiments but were still suit- 

 able for animal food. The National Institutes of Health, Navy Med- 

 ical Center, and Army Medical Center gave mice, rats, guinea pigs, 

 rabbits, and other animals no longer suitable for their purposes. 

 The practice has been continued of picking up from grocery stores 

 in the vicinity of the Zoo quantities of discarded green material such 

 as cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, beet tops, and celery stalks. This 

 provides an abundance of greens for the animals and helps reduce 

 purchases of such foods. 



