FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT. . 45 
public and the general administration of the Park. In fact, dur- 
ing the entire year, it has not been found necessary to make any 
changes in either set of regulations. 
WORKING FORCE. 
There have been but few changes in the permanent force, be- 
yond the promotion of four helpers in the animal departments to 
keepers’ positions. The work of caring for and exhibiting the 
living animals has been as well systematized as the imperfect 
facilities available would permit. The lack of the service build- 
ing has been a most serious drawback in caring for the property 
of the Park and food supplies, in the preparation of food, etc. 
However, that much-needed building is now under construction, 
and its completion about June Ist will be of great advantage to 
the entire administration. 
COLLECTIONS. 
During the past year, many new species of living creatures were 
added to the collections. The Director’s desire to have the col- 
lections of mammals and birds represent as many as possible of 
the most important species, led him into what he now regards as 
an error, in accepting species for which no proper accommodations 
had been prepared. In more senses than one, it was a mistake 
to acquire animals properly belonging in the Lion House, Ante- 
lope and Monkey Houses, when none of those buildings were in 
existence. Our attempts to keep carnivorous animals in tempo- 
rary quarters have resulted in too many losses by death. The 
temporary Small Mammal House has admirably preserved its 
living contents, but in cold weather it is filled to overflowing, 
which necessitates the placing elsewhere of numerous animals 
that require constant warmth. The Florida otters, which could 
not have survived a Northern winter in the Otters’ Pool, have 
usurped the marine turtles’ tank in the Reptile House, where all 
their wants are well provided for, but where they themselves are 
quite out of place. 
The Buffalo House has been fitted up with stalls and stoves, 
and is now occupied by the tropical deer, peccaries, and other 
animals requiring artificial heat. About one-half of the wall 
cages of the Bird House are occupied by a miscellaneous gather- 
