TWENTY-FiIFTH ANNUAL REPORT MAS) 
Exhibition Tanks.—The circle of glass-fronted masonry 
tanks on the main floor has been under improvement for three 
or four years. 
These tanks, originally constructed with their rear walls 
only four feet back from the heavy plate giass fronts, have been 
enlarged to nearly three times their original capacity by setting 
the rear walls eleven feet back. In some cases the tanks have 
been further enlarged by removing dividing walls and combining 
two tanks in one. The improvements thus effected have already 
been described in former reports and in the Zoological Society 
Bulletin. During the past summer eleven more tanks were en- 
larged, a fund of $2,440 having been provided by the Zoological 
Society for that purpose. The four remaining tanks of the 
original size cannot be enlarged on account of their position. 
The enlargement of the ground floor series of tanks has made 
possible not only a great improvement in appearance and an in- 
crease in exhibits, but has contributed very decidedly to the com- 
fort and health of the inmates of the tanks. Much of this work 
has been done from time to time by the employes of the Aquarium 
without aid from the city or the Zoological Society. 
Proposed Improvements.—Early in November the Executive 
Committee of the Zoological Society decided to undertake, at the 
expense of the Society, certain improvements of the building 
which have long been needed. It is now proposed to remove the 
pumping plant and other machinery from the rear of the 
Aquarium to the unused front basement and make available for 
exhibits the space now occupied by pumps, boilers and filters. 
The basement to be enlarged by excavation will afford more room 
for machinery than is now available in its present position and 
relieve the Aquarium of the long-standing trouble due to a fur- 
nace room periodically flooded by the tides. On February 5 the 
tide rose higher than ever before, almost touching the furnace 
fires. Steam heat was cut off the building owing to the entire 
submergence of the return pump for three hours. 
Another improvement to be undertaken without delay is the 
addition of a third story to increase office space and provide 
laboratory facilities which the Aquarium has always lacked. 
The Collections.—The living exhibits of the Aquarium are 
now more numerous and varied than at any time in the past. 
This is due to the enlargement of tanks and the possession of a 
