46 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
ing of land birds, which have displaced an equal number of water 
birds belonging there. These, being duplicate specimens, have 
been provided with a heated shelter-house that was hurriedly 
erected in the animal yard. 
To accept specimens for which there are no satisfactory quar- 
ters, is to invite difficulty ; and it would seem to be wise to return 
to our former policy of resolute refusal of all animals for which 
suitable homes have not yet been provided. 
DEPARTMENT OF MAMMALS.—J. Alden Loring, Assistant Curator, 
in Charge. 
The collections of quadrupeds were increased during the year 
by 113 gifts and 315 purchases. The special efforts put forth 
for the increase of these collections were almost wholly directed 
to the securing of important and representative American forms; 
and it was found that some of the most desirable species were the 
most difficult to obtain. Of mammals from the eastern half of 
the United States, a very good selection was brought together, 
but the Rocky Mountain region, and westward thereof, proved to 
be a field very difficult to exploit by correspondence. Accord- 
ingly, in October, the Society instructed the Director to make an 
official tour to and through the West and Northwest, to purchase 
desirable animals, and establish relations with resident collectors 
which will yield permanent supplies of desirable species. Al- 
ready that effort has produced a gratifying number of mule deer, 
antelope, Columbian black-tailed deer, moose, and many smaller 
animals, with a reasonable certainty of future supplies. 
Regarding two important species, the Society has had annoy- 
ing experiences. It was believed that a reasonable amount of 
effort would secure, either by gift or purchase, a sufficient number 
of beavers to stock the Beaver Pond, and several otters for the 
Otter Pools. Both those installations were completed several 
months ago, and although the efforts to secure animals for them 
have been persistent and unremitting, and standing orders have 
been placed in the hands of at least twenty men who have asserted 
their ability to fill them, during 1900 not one beaver was received, 
and until last November no otters were secured. 
Once, indeed, in Maine, two fine beavers actually in hand were 
offered to the Society at a satisfactory price, accepted forthwith, 
and two cages were made in which to ship them. At the last 
