86 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1914, 
tion 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 mat- 
ter has been repeatedly urged upon Congress and an appropriation 
of $80,000 asked for a new structure. This is by no means an ex- 
travagant sum, as the aviaries of most zoological collections cost con- 
siderably more than this. 
Reptile house.—The park has never had an adequate exhibition of 
the interesting and varied domain of reptiles. A few alligators, some 
Galapagos tortoises, boas, anacondas, and a few native species are 
kept in the lion house in quarters which are entirely unsuitable for 
their proper exhibition and comfort. It is thought that a proper 
reptile house, where the specimens could be kept in approximately 
natural conditions, could be built for about $50,000. 
Pachyderm house.—There are now in the collection a considerable 
number of pachydermata or thick-skinned animals, including an 
Indian elephant, two African elephants, two hippopotami, and four 
tapirs. These all require special treatment in the way of bathing 
pools, strong walls, etc. These animals are at present nearly all 
housed in quarters that are too small and weak. Some of them are 
young and rapidly growing and it will soon be a difficult matter to 
confine them. It is also likely that other species will be added to 
those now on hand. To properly exhibit and care for them a new 
house should be built. It is thought that this can be done at a cost 
of $100,000, which is much less than similar structures have cost in 
other cities. 
Hospital and laboratory.—The park has not at the present time 
any means for properly isolating and caring for the animals that 
may be injured or ailing. Sick animals are ordinarily exposed to 
the gaze of the public, to the detriment of the animals and the reputa- 
tion of the park. Quiet and repose are as necessary to animals as 
to man, and that can not be assured under the present conditions. 
Besides this, which seems required merely from humanitarian 
reasons, consideration should be given to certain scientific aspects of 
the matter. The diseases and parasites of animals are but im- 
perfectly understood, and investigations of them are important, both 
directly and for their analogy with those of man and their possible 
transmission to the human race. The animals received at the park 
have usually been kept in insanitary quarters and frequently bring 
in the germs of disease which they transmit to others. If a strict 
quarantine for a suitable time could be established, this danger could 
be avoided in a great measure and the death rate reduced. Further 
than this there is now no adequate utilization of the animals for 
scientific purposes. 
