NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. 39 
two hours longer each day during the summer season, and that 
the Society has discontinued the closing of the building on 
Thursday forenoons. 
The collections of the building have been larger and more 
varied than heretofore; profitable exchanges having been made 
with the new aquarium at Detroit and the Government aquarium 
at the St. Louis Exposition. At the close of the Exposition the 
greater part of the Government collection was transferred to 
the New York Aquarium, through the courtesy of the Bureau 
of Fisheries. 
The improvement of the building from the proceeds of the 
$30,000 of bonds by the city has been continued. 
The large reservoir for pure sea-water has been completed 
and only awaits the installation of the filters, in order to be 
placed in commission. 
The work on sky-lights, painting and certain alterations has 
been finished. 
A further bond issue, granted by the city in the spring of 
1904, of $40,000 has permitted the continuance of work con- 
nected with the more complete equipment of the building for the 
carrying on of its work as a notable public institution. 
Pipe galleries under the main floor are now being constructed, 
and this work will be followed by the introduction of a much- 
needed heating and ventilating system. 
Among the improvements made from the maintenance may 
be mentioned the introduction of electric lights over all wall 
tanks, for the illumination of the exhibits on dark days. This 
improvement has been a most satisfactory one. 
The collection of invertebrates has been enlarged by the plac- 
ing of eighteen thirty-inch aquaria on the coping of the cen- 
tral pool; while the collection of turtles has been accommodated 
in nine three-foot aquaria, placed on the main floor between the 
pillars. 
The work of labeling exhibits has been continued. A photo- 
graphic room has been built, and additional rock-work has been 
placed in various tanks. 
The fish-hatchery was in operation throughout the winter 
season, and proved a constant source of interest to visitors. 
Fish eggs were furnished by the Government, and the young 
fish turned over to the New York Fish Commission for the stock- 
ing of State waters, as usual. During the fish-hatching season 
the eggs and young of eight species of food fishes were kept 
on exhibition. Small fishes and marine invertebrates from the 
