130 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
collecting boat. When the space now occupied by machinery is 
converted into exhibition space the collections can be further 
increased by one-fifth. 
The collection of fishes now numbers 3,525 specimens and 
138 species. Of reptiles there are 253 specimens and 23 species. 
There are 38 amphibians of 8 different species; and of mammals 
6 specimens and 2 species. The invertebrates number 2,893 
specimens, representing 20 species. The total number of speci- 
mens is 6,715, representing 190 species. 
The fishes on exhibition may be classified as follows: tropical 
(Florida and West Indies), 48 species; northern marine, 44 
species; native fresh water, 38 species; and foreign fresh water, 
8 species. 
The collection of amphibians and reptiles cannot be ma- 
terially enlarged until more favorable conditions for keeping 
them can be provided. The same is true with regard to inverte- 
brates which need a separate system of sea water. The present 
reservoir of stored sea water is tempered for the accommoda- 
tion of tropical forms, and the cool sea water pumped from the 
harbor is now too impure for Aquarium purposes. 
The most interesting gift to the collections was from Mr. 
Henry Whiton of New York, who presented several giant or 
alligator garfish. The specimens were brought from south- 
western Louisiana on one of the steamers of the Union Sulphur 
Company by authority of Mr. Whiton. These fishes averaged 
about four feet in length, and as the species attains a length of at 
least eight feet and is very hardy, there is promise of further 
growth in captivity. 
Early in January the Fairmount Park Aquarium in Phila- 
delphia presented two female California sea lions about four 
years old. They occupy one of the large floor pools and at the 
close of the year remain in good condition. 
Important donations of fishes were made by the New York 
Conservation Commission and the New Jersey Fish and Game 
Commission. 
An exchange of marine fishes was made with the Detroit 
Aquarium whereby the New York Aquarium received 151 fishes 
of 23 species. 
