TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT 93 
and degrees of destructiveness were carefully considered, and 
met as far as possible. The tops of the cages were sloped to 
facilitate cleaning, and built of sheet iron and heavy corrugated 
glass, making the entire upper tier much lighter than before. 
Each cage was supplied with a triangular sleeping box that 
can be removed for cleaning purposes, and while these of neces- 
sity were made of wood, they were reinforced on all exposed 
edges and corners by heavy strips of sheet metal, to prevent 
their destruction by the teeth and claws of the animals. 
These rebuilt cages, fifty-eight in number, are a vast im- 
provement in appearance and comfort, as well as from a sanitary 
point of view. With proper care, they should last as long as 
the building itself. It is expected that early in 1917, work will 
be commenced on the eighteen larger cages on the east side, so 
as to finish them before the busy season commences. The cost 
of the work in the Mammal House during 1916 was $1,880.82. 
Elephant House Wire-Guards.—To prevent visitors from 
throwing food, ete., into the stalls, and also to prevent possible 
injuries to visitors by the animals, a high guard of wire netting 
was erected above the railing in front of the stalls of the rhin- 
oceros and the African elephants. The cost of the work was 
$100. 
West Roof, Reptile Howse-——The western section of the 
roof of the Reptile House developed leaks and became somewhat 
dangerous on account of dry rot in the wooden rafters. This 
was due in part to faulty construction, and in part to the ex- 
cessive amount of moisture from the evaporation of the water 
in the Conservatory and the Alligator Pool. The very large 
metal skylight, and the decayed rafters, roofing, and interior 
sheathing were removed and rebuilt in a better manner, and the 
slate laid upon a foundation of heavy bituminous paper. Snow 
guards were also installed in order to prevent the breaking of 
the glass of the Conservatory by the avalanches of heavy snow 
and ice, which have sometimes occurred after extra heavy snow- 
falls in previous winters. 
Concrete Piers and Floor for Large Shelter Pavilion The 
large Shelter Pavilion near the Wolf and Fox Dens had been 
thrown out of line by the forces of the elements, and owing 
to the decay of the post bases and heavy floor sills had become 
dangerous. To make the foundation floor of this building more 
