REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, 27 



The nnml)or of exchange correspondents now aggregates 51,880, 

 or nearly J:,000 more than the number ten years ago. These are scat- 

 tered throughout every corner of the civilized world, and new centers 

 of scientific activity are opening up every year. It is largely through 

 the system of International Exchanges that the Institution realizes, 

 the catholicity of its founder's bequest, which contemplated the 

 diffusion of knowledge among all men. Moreover, this constant 

 exchange of courtesies among the learned institutions of the world 

 has not only served to enrich the universities, libraries, museinns, and 

 learned societies of our country and those with whom we exchange, 

 but has at the same time done much to promote friendly relations 

 among the nations themselves. 



NATIONAL ZOOLOdlCAL PARK. 



The annual appropriation made for the service of the National 

 Zoological Park was in the following terms: 



For continuing the construction of roads, wallas, bridges, water supply, sewer- 

 age, and drainage ; and for grading, planting, and otherwise improving the 

 grounds ; erecting and repairing Iniildings and inclosures and providing seats 

 in the park ; care, subsistence, purchase, and transportation of animals, including 

 salaries or compensation of all necessary employees ; the purchase of necessary 

 books and periodicals ; the printing and publishing of operations, not exceeding 

 one thousand five hundred copies, and general incidental expenses not otherwise 

 provided for, ninety-five thousand dollars. 



The collection of animals exhibited has increased, and comprised at 

 the end of the year over 1,300 individuals of all species. A consid- 

 erable number of these were born at the park, and 128 birds were 

 received from the exhibit made at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. 



The ncAv house for mammals, mentioned in last year's report, is 

 now approaching completion and will constitute one of the most 

 attractive features of the park. As this structure is necessarily built 

 from the general appropriation for the park, its progress is limited 

 by the amount of funds available for use. As the care of the animals, 

 the maintenance of the collection, the improvement and care of the 

 grounds, including the roads and walks, the repair of all structures, 

 fences, and inclosures must also be defraj^ed from this appropriation, 

 it is obvious that considerable economy must be exercised in order to 

 have any funds for the erection of buildings. 



The park exists, in the words of the act of Congress, '' for the 

 advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the 

 people." The first and primary object is never to be lost sight of, but 

 in pursuance of the second much is done to facilitate the visits of those 

 Avho seek the pleasant influences of rural scenery and open air. For 

 this reason it is thought that attempts should be made to enhance the 



