TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT. 33 



grown satisfactoril}-. It bids fair to make a good representative 

 of this important species, specimens of which are very rarely seen 

 in captivity. 



Two young African elephants were purchased from Carl 

 Hagenbeck for $4,000, and have proved to be vigorous and 

 healthy. 



The bison herd has been increased during the year by the 

 birth of twelve calves, two of which, however, were born on the 

 Wichita Forest Reserve in the new Bison Range which has been 

 stocked by the Zoological Society. This represents a very high 

 percentage of births for the number of adult female bison on 

 hand on January i, 1907. With but one exception all these 

 young animals are living and doing well. 



Comparative tables showing the relative numbers of living 

 animals in our Park and in European Zoological Gardens appear 

 on page 55. 



FORESTRY DEPARTMENT. 



During the year 1907 the luost important planting operations 

 were the initial planting of the West Farms Block and around 

 the Boat House ; the completion of the planting at the Boston 

 Road Entrance, and the planting of the Italian Garden at the 

 north end of Baird Court. 



Of all the ornamental planting in the Park, the Italian Garden 

 is the most important and conspicuous. It consists chiefly of 

 ornamental evergreens banked against tall red cedars of varying 

 height, four groups of which surround an interior of flowers and 

 box hedges. 



MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 



The Medical Department continues to reap the benefits derived 

 from its constantlv increasing knowledge of the diseases of wild 

 animals. The death rate remains at the low mark of the past 

 few years, and no animal of great value was lost during the 

 past year. Aside from a mild epidemic of distemper among the 

 small mammals, which v/as quickl)' controlled, no serious disease? 

 have occurred. Tuberculosis among the primates still continues 

 to be an unimportant factor in the death rate. This good record 

 is due, in a great measure, to the careful quarantine regulations 

 enforced. The health of the hoofed animals has been excellent, 

 and the increased number of births among these aninials during 

 1907 is the best indication that a healthy environment has been 

 established. 



