Appendix IV, 



KEPORT OF THE HUl'EKlNTENDENT OF THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL 



PARK. 



Siu: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the 

 National Zoolofjical Park for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894: 



The progress of the park has been along the lines already indicated in former 

 reports. The appropriation granted by Congress being insutficient to permit the 

 construction of any important new structures, attention has mainly been given to 

 perfecting the accommodations already established and to improving the means of 

 access enjoyed by the public. 



The location of the deer paddocks, on the eastern bank of the little stream that 

 flows through the park, was found unfavorable, they being situated there against 

 the boundary fence, and the deer being consequently endangered by the presence of 

 dogs roving in the vicinity of the park. The sight of a dog frightened them to such 

 an extent as to cause them to injure themselves in their efforts to escape. Several 

 of them were killed, breaking their necks by running violently against the fence, 

 others broke their legs by becoming entangled, and still others, after leaj)ing a fence 

 eight feet high were recaptured with much difficulty. The force of watchmen at the 

 park being insufficieni; to fully guard against such accidents, it was thought best to 

 remove the paddocks to a protected situation within the park, at a suificient dis- 

 tance from the boundary fence to prevent disturbance of the animals. A site 

 was ■ selected a short distance below the llama house, and a suitable barn or 

 shelter was constructed of rough beams and thatch, as shown in the accompanying 

 illustration. The paddocks were inclosed by light wire fencing 8 feet in height. 

 No further trouble has arisen with the deer since this change was made. The 

 approximate cost of the house and paddocks was $600. 



It being desirable to place the beavers in a locality suitable for their habits, 

 a retired valley was selected from which the public could be excluded, and the 

 animals were allowed to build undisturbed. These results were even more satis- 

 factory than were expected, as the animals at once commenced to cut down trees of 

 considerable size, and to construct a dam and a lodge. It is hoped that others may 

 be secured, and that they may be partially domesticated so as to carry on their 

 interesting operations under the observations of the public. 



The large pond for waterfowl and other aquatic animals, situated south of the 

 meadow near the bridge, has finally been completed, but is not yet fenced in so as to 

 retain the animals. A smaller pond on the left bank of Rock Creek, near the Quarry 

 road entrance, has been prepared for swans. This will prove a picturesque feature 

 at this point, as water can be led into and out of it by a series of small cascades, 

 which will aff"ord a pleasing variety. 



The site of the prairie-dog town, among trees upon the top of a gravelly knoll, is 

 found to be unsatisfactory. It seems probable that when a large number are 

 confined in a limited space for a considerable length of time, the ground becomes 

 impregnated with injurious matters. It has been noted that the number of these 

 animals has been gradually decreasing, and it is estimated that the total has fallen 

 off by as many as 75 during the year. As soon as funds are available for the purpose, 

 it is intended to remove them to a healthier situation, and to arrange so that they 

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