TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT 43 
During the year, 2,587 specimens were purchased by the Zoo- 
logical Society, and 166 were presented. In addition to these, 
two millions of fish eggs were received from the U. S. Bureau 
of Fisheries, which were hatched in the Aquarium and later dis- 
tributed in public waters. 
ALTERATIONS TO AQUARIUM. 
It is proposed to apply to the City for $100,000 for the 
alteration of the present Aquarium Building so as to remove 
the boilers from the present quarters which are monthly flooded 
by the full-moon tides dangerously close to the actual fires. The 
existing conditions compel our men to work in most unsanitary 
surroundings and at a great disadvantage, in addition to loss of 
heat and power in the pumps and engines. If these boilers were 
removed to the cellar under the front of the building, the space 
now occupied by the machinery could be devoted to additional 
exhibits. A third story on the front of the building is also need- 
ed to provide additional space for administration and for re- 
search work in connection with the scientific utilization of the 
mass of material now available. 
COAL SHORTAGE AT AQUARIUM. 
The Aquarium during the winter of 1917-1918 has been 
several times seriously imperilled by the coal shortage. We are 
at present without bunker facilities for the storage of a reserve 
supply of coal, and we are dependent on the deliveries at least 
every two days. While we hope to be able to maintain the Aqua- 
rium during the winter, this condition has become intolerable. 
As soon as the City’s financial condition permits, every effort 
will be made to secure the appropriation needed for the altera- 
tion of this institution. 
Park.—The sum of $199,560 was provided by the City for 
the maintenance of the Zoological Park for the year 1917, and 
by dint of the strictest economy, the year closed without a deficit 
in this fund. The food supply of the animals was supplemented 
by farming on Park land by volunteer labor from our employees 
and the Executive Committee wish to take this opportunity to 
express its appreciation of the willingness and patriotism of its 
Park staff. 
