REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 83 



boundary. Numerous shrubs, small trees, canes, and grasses were 

 planted to supplement the fine growth of larger trees already on the 

 area. Visitors walk along one side of the lake only and as the thick 

 vegetation virtually hides the fence on the opposite side at all points 

 the effect is that of a wilderness breeding lake for ducks and geese. 

 As completed, the inclosure provides almost natural conditions for 

 the waterfowl of numerous species and forms a very attractive ex- 

 hibit. It has been given over entirely to North American species, 

 and it is hoped that a large representation of the ducks, geese, and 

 other aquatic birds commonly associated with them native to our 

 continent may be kept here. On June 30, no less than 130 North 

 American waterfowl, of 24 species, w^ere to be seen on the lake. The 

 natural surroundings and the fact that only American species are 

 shown here makes this waterfowl lake of special interest to school 

 classes, sportsmen, and bird lovers, and it has become one of the 

 popular features of the park. A cement walk was extended from 

 the bridge near the Harvard Street entrance along the south side of 

 the road to the crossroads, to connect with the cinder path bordering 

 the lake. 



The work of grading and filling around the old buffalo house and 

 the remodeling of the building for other uses, which was commenced 

 last year, has been completed. As reconstructed the building makes 

 an ideal shelter of pleasing design and furnishes house space for the 

 animals occupying the six large paddocks that surround it. The 

 Canadian Eock}'- Mountain sheep, the elands, and the Kashmir deer 

 are provided for in this group of yards. 



An outdoor cage and shelter, summer quarters for the chimpanzee, 

 were built near the north entrance to the lion house. This provides 

 not only for the better health of this interesting trained ape, but 

 makes it possible for larger crowds to gather about at the time his 

 meals are served. 



New paddocks were provided for ungulate mammals on the piece 

 of ground recently leveled by grading northwest of the llama yards. 

 Much-needed repairs were made on the wolf dens and to the lion 

 house roof. 



A considerable portion of the pasture land near the office was 

 plow^ed as an addition to the garden, in an effort to decrease the cost 

 of feed for the animals. For the same reason horseflesh has been 

 substituted for beef as food for the carnivorous animals, with the 

 prospect of saving at least $6,000 on this item alone during the next 

 fiscal year. A portion of the nursery was fenced and breeding pens 

 for quail and other game birds were installed within the inclosure. 

 It is hoped that most of the quail of various species needed for park 

 purposes may be reared in this place and that important experiments 

 in the breeding of game birds may at the same time be conducted 

 without additional expense. 



