REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 93 



It was again urged in 1914 as follows : 



Attention has been called for several years past to the importance of erecting 

 a suitable house for the care and preservation of the birds of the collection, 

 most of which are now housed in a low wooden temporary structure which is 

 by no means suitable for the purpose and has to be constantly renewed by 

 repairs. The matter has been repeatedly urged upon Congress and an appro- 

 priation of $S0,000 asked for a new structure. This is by no means an extrava- 

 gant SUM, as the aviaries of most zoological collections cost considerably more 

 than this. 



Also, in 1915 : 



Progressive deterioration of the temporary bird house again made repairs 

 necessary there. The wooden floor, which had already been rebuilt twice, was 

 replaced with concrete, as was also a part of the wooden foundation. The cost 

 of this work was $700. This building is an example of the ultimate costliness 

 of cheap temporary construction. 



An aviary building is still a most urgent need, and repeated efforts have been 

 made to secure an appropriation for this purpose. 



It has been with great difficulty that the collection of birds has 

 been kept in a fairly presentable condition. The building in which 

 they are housed is a very common frame structure that has been 

 repaired several times. The birds are crowded and not exhibited to 

 advantage. In view of the fact that fine aviaries have been built at 

 New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago, it seems most unfor- 

 tunate that the national collection should have to be housed in this 

 manner. It has been most unfavorably criticised by visitors. 



The urgent needs of the park will be by no means satisfied bj^ the 

 construction of an aviary only. There are other buildings urgently 

 needed for the proper housing and exhibition of the animals and the 

 comfort of the public. Among these are the following mentioned in 

 the report of last year : 



A building for elephants, hippopotami, and similar animals. — The 

 park has at present several interesting animals belonging to this 

 group, including two species of elephants, two fine hippopotami, 

 four tapirs, and other specimens. Some of these animals are large and 

 powerful, and it is difficult to keep them safely in the insecure quar- 

 ters to which it has been necessary to assign them. It is also reason- 

 ably certain that other similar animals wdll be added to the collection 

 within a short time. A house for this group should be substantially 

 constructed and occupy a space of at least 170 by 88 feet, with cages 

 on both sides, 80 feet deep on one side and 60 feet on the other. 



A public comfort building and restaurant. — This should be a 

 building about 80 feet b}^ CO feet, including porches and a rest room 

 for ladies. It is urgently needed, as the park is a considerable dis- 



