KEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



71 



dition. This is not easy, as the descent iuto the valley of the creek is so abrupt 

 that the surface of the roads and walks is washed away at every heavy rain. 

 Considerable damage of this kind is done every year, and this entails a constant 

 expense for the repair of the roads and walks. Some of the walks on the 

 steeper slopes should be laid in concrete, which, although more expensive, would 

 be cheaper in the end. 



The portion of the park about the Quarry road entrance is in very bad con- 

 dition, owing to the fact that the roads and grades exterior to the park have 

 been recently changed and that no permanent improvements can be made 

 within the park until the exterior changes are completed. It is hoped that 

 sufficient funds may be appropriated to permit the park to take up the work 

 effectively and place all the roads and walks in a suitable condition. 



Shade trees and forestry. — Owing to the pressure of other matters, but little 

 attention has been paid to the natural forest in the park. This should, however, 

 be carefully gone over and properly thinned and preserved, as it is one of the 

 principal attractions sought by the public. The trees planted for the shade of 

 the walks and seats are not at present sutHcient, and considerable additional 

 planting should be done. It is highly desirable that this should be accomplished 

 as soon as possible, as the trees would Increase in beauty and size year by year. 



Schools, etc., visiting the park. — Since October 15, 1904, a record has been 

 kept of the various schools and other organizations visiting the park. Up to 

 June 30, 1905, there were 65 classes from normal and other schools, including 

 from out of town, with 1,551 pupils ; 7 classes from Sunday schools, including 

 2 from out of town, with 481 pupils ; and 20 miscellaneous organizations, 

 including 4 from out of town, with 595 persons. 



Aniiuals in the collection. 



Accessions during the year. 



Presented 90 



Purchased and collected 223 



Lent 6 



Received in exchange 37 



Born in National Zoological Park 134 



Received from exhibit at Louisiana Purchase Exposition 128 



Cost for purchase, collection, and transportation of above, $3,100. 



