TENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 105 



sity of installing new boilers in the winter season and unavoidable 

 delays connected with the lead-lining of iron pipes, which discolor 

 the water. 



It is expected, however, that the work of bringing the Aquarium 

 up to date in equipment will soon be completed and the new water 

 system be put in operation. Until this is done it will be impossi- 

 ble to exhibit the ocean forms of life, which the present obsolete 

 brackish-water system renders impossible. 



IMPROVEMENTS FROM THE MAINTENANCE FUND. 



This fund has proved sufficient for the operating expenses of 

 the Aquarium and has permitted of some minor improvements, 

 among which may be mentioned alterations for the purpose of 

 increasing light, the addition of numerous seats for the greater 

 comfort of visitors, and the introduction of a bronze water heater 

 to prevent the discoloration of water by iron rust. A moderate 

 amount of painting and carpentry work and the introduction of 

 large plants have increased the general attractiveness of the inte- 

 rior, which has been favorably commented upon by many visitors. 

 No unfavorable comment has come to the notice of the Director. 



A new supply of rock has been secured for the purpose of plac- 

 ing additional rock-work backgrounds in the larger exhibition 

 tanks. 



The work of labelling the collections will soon be completed. 

 The information presented on the labels has been pronounced by 

 many visitors to be very full and satisfactory. 



COLLECTIONS. 



The exhibits in the Aquarium have not changed materially 

 since last year. They have been varied to some extent, but as 

 all tank space is constantly occupied, it is not possible to greatly 

 increase the number and variety of specimens without rejecting 

 good material. When fishes and other water animals are doing 

 well in the limited space afforded by aquaria tanks, it is inad- 

 visable to disturb the balance of conditions already giving good 

 results. 



The capture and transportation of fishes necessarily involve 

 expense and loss of specimens. In the report for 1904 there was 

 published a list of 213 different species of fishes and other aquatic 

 vertebrates on exhibition during the year. About 150 of these 

 are to be seen in the Aquarium at any time. The total number 



