FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 129 



be removed, this would at once become possible and would in- 

 crease the exhibition space about one-sixth. 



During the past summer the only entrance for visitors was, 

 as a rule, uncomfortably crowded. Another entrance is badly 

 needed. With the removal of the machinery the large rear 

 doors opening on the sea-wall promenade, could be made avail- 

 able and would increase the safety of the public in case of acci- 

 dent when the building is crowded. 



The Aquarium therefore needs an outside boiler and pump 

 house in order to secure increased exhibition space and to allow 

 for entrances proportionate to our phenomenal attendance. 



The removal of machinery would give the Aquarium one- 

 sixth more exhibition space. This would, however, mean only 

 temporary relief, no provision being made for future growth. 

 The building should really be enlarged so as to at least double 

 the present exhibition space. This could be accomplished by 

 increasing the height of the entire building as well as the front 

 section. A pyramidal form would accomplish this without ex- 

 cluding light from the lower tiers of tanks. 



We need a large class room for school work, space for a 

 small working library, a marine laboratory, a medium sized as- 

 sembly hall, a collecting boat, a wagon, a couple of trained zoo- 

 logical assistants and at least half a dozen more attendants. 

 Our present working force is insufficient for the care of machin- 

 ery, the proper care of our crowded exhibits of living creatures 

 and the proper cleaning of the building necessary with our great 

 crowds of visitors. 



With a view to placing these important matters clearly be- 

 fore the Board of Managers, I include in this report a tentative 

 plan for the enlargement of the building as shown by the archi- 

 tect's preliminary sketch, page 126. 



It is quite possible to add two rooms to that section of the 

 building now used for office purposes by a slight extension at 

 each end of the second story fronting on Battery Park. This 

 would supply increased office and library space. A third story 

 on top of this section would afford space for a laboratory, class 

 room and assembly hall. These changes would also greatly im- 

 prove the external appearance of the building. 



Up to the present time the improvements which have been 

 made possible through the Improvement Fund granted by the 

 City have necessarily been limited to the new water system and 

 the piping and machinery connected with it. The tentative 



