132 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
some of the paddocks by such treatment and tilling as may seem 
upon investigation most expedient. Not only should it be pos- 
sible to secure a more desirable grazing texture throughout the 
Park, but the deep tilling and working will materially facilitate 
the drainage of this peculiarly impervious soil after the neces- 
sary conduits are in place. 
Since, up to the present time, it has been found impossible to 
successfully keep mule deer on the ranges, I am glad to be able 
to state that resort has been had to stone-bottom paddocks and 
dry feeding for the two recently arrived mule deer. In view of 
the eminently successful results from a similar experiment with 
the caribou, we have every reason to hope for success in the 
case. 
The number of deaths from pneumonia each winter among the 
peccaries and Southern otter in exposed enclosures warrants me 
in suggesting the advisability of providing these animals with 
indoor quarters during the cold months in future; the same might 
apply to the Virginia deer, at least during the months of De- 
cember, January, and February. 
The time has happily arrived when births among the animals 
are becoming more and more frequent, and, since the successful 
rearing of animals is the best possible index of success in animal 
collections, I would suggest that all dates of matings become a 
part of the daily medical reports of this department for scientific 
purposes,and more especially that a system of quiet, comfortable, 
and sanitary isolation be provided for such animals as are about 
to give birth; this to apply more particularly to the larger 
carnivora. 
In closing this report I wish to express my appreciation of 
the hearty co-operation and support received from the executive 
officers of the Society, the Park officials, also of my fellow- 
workers, Dr. Harlow Brooks, and our asistant, Dr. W. R. Blair, 
whose well-directed efforts have been of great value to us in all 
matters pertaining to the work. 
Respectfully submitted, 
FRANK H. MILLER, 
Veterinarian N. Y. Zoological Park. 
