REPOKT OF THE SECRETARY. 87 



A series of outdoor, unheated cages and shelters should also be pro- 

 vided to replace the series of unsightly old wooden cages along the 

 hilltop north of the bird house. 



Additional ponds for waterfowl. — Additional lakes to be used for 

 waterfowl in summer and for skating in winter could be provided at 

 comparatively small expense both in the open flat near the Harvard 

 Street entrance and near the pelican pond across the road. Exhibits 

 of waterfowl are very popular and instructive, and the skating 

 privilege is much appreciated by the public in winter. 



Aviary building. — The park reports have for a number of years 

 urged the appropriation of funds for a new bird house. That such a 

 structure is badly needed is apparent. The building now used for 

 the birds was erected in the cheapest manner possible for temporary 

 use and is now in a bad state of repair. The collection is an im-' 

 portant one, and a suitable bird house would without doubt prove one 

 of the most attractive and instructive features of the park. 



Reptile house. — A properly constructed reptile house would, it is 

 certain, prove almost as attractive to the public as a bird house. The 

 comparatively small collection of reptiles now kept in crowded quar- 

 ters in the lion house is very popular. 



The most urgent need of the park is a substantial increase in the 

 general appropriation. When the amount provided was raised to 

 the present figure, seven years ago, it was recognized that there was 

 necessity for a considerable sum above the cost of actual maintenance, 

 in order that improvements could be made and the grounds and 

 buildings be kept in a good state of repair. Owing to the steady 

 advance in the price of supplies and to the additional expense neces- 

 sitated by the constantly increasing number of visitors, the point has 

 now been reached where the entire appropriation does not cover 

 actual maintenance expenses. It is only by rigid economy, and by the 

 elimination of some things really necessary, that the cost of operation 

 can be kept within the amount. 



Respectfully submitted. 



N. HOLLISTER, 



Superintendent. 

 Dr. Charles D. Walcott, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution* 



