REPORT OF THE 

 DIRECTOR OF THE AQUARIUM 



TO THE BOARD OF MANAGERS. 



THE exhibits at the New York Aquarium during the year 1913 

 have been as extensive and varied as the character of the 

 building permitted. It will not be possible to enlarge the pres- 

 ent collections until a larger building is available. By adapting 

 the collections to the limits of the four water systems available it 

 is now possible to keep a fairly good collection of aquatic ani- 

 mals, with losses reduced to the minimum. No additional water 

 systems for the keeping of other kinds of aquatic exhibits can 

 be installed under present conditions. Not only is all exhibition 

 space fully occupied, but there is no space available for addi- 

 tional pumps, piping or other equipment. 



The Aquarium is entirely lacking in a system of cold, stored 

 sea-water suitable for the keeping of northern marine inverte- 

 brates. Such animals of this kind as are exhibited are main- 

 tained in the cold, but otherwise brackish and impure, water 

 pumped from the harbor and this water supply has its limita- 

 tions. 



The interior of the exhibition hall has been improved some- 

 what by additional painting. Expenses for the repair and im- 

 provement of the extensive plumbing of the building have been 

 larger than usual. These included extensive repairs to the re- 

 frigerating plant. Boilers, pumps and pipe lines are now be- 

 lieved to be in good condition. 



Early in the summer it was thought best to eliminate gas 

 from the building and add more electric lights, with the result 

 that the exhibits in the tanks can be seen to better advantage on 

 dark days at no greater cost. 



During the summer season the Aquarium was kept open 

 until six o'clock in the evening, by a special arrangement with 

 the attendants, without extra cost for this service. 



In December the plans for the new building were accepted 

 by the city and placed on file in the Department of Parks, the 

 architect receiving from the city full payment for his services in 

 connection with the plans prepared. Copies of the more impor- 



