SECRETARY'S REPORT 153 



gaur, in the elephant house, was remodeled to make it suitable for the 

 forest-dwelling okapis. 



Nine new picnic tables were made in the mechanical shop and set 

 out in various parts of the grounds. 



The work of the gardener's force has been mainly that of removing 

 dead trees, which are a menace to both animals and visitors, and 

 replacing them with young trees. The animal department is fur- 

 nished with forage which is very beneficial for animals. In an ex- 

 change with the Park Department of Norfolk, Va., we supplied a few 

 animals for the Zoo there, and received a large shipment of azaleas 

 and camellias, which add greatly to the attractiveness of the Park. 



Although the greater part of the Park is kept as natural woodland, 

 there are 22 acres of lawn, which require 128 man-hours to mow, using 

 the present equipment. 



The accumulation of trash is still a major problem. After days of 

 heavy attendance, such as Easter Sunday and Monday, 5 to 10 days 

 are required to sweep walks, rake lawns, and make the Park present- 

 able again. 



PLANS FOR THE FUTURE 



Owing to lack of appropriated funds, no major improvements 

 were undertaken during the fiscal year. The old buildings continue 

 to deteriorate, and even the newest exhibition building is now 20 

 years old and needs painting and repairs. Ten enclosures, including 

 the pools for exhibition of aquatic mammals, have been abandoned 

 for nearly 10 years. It is hoped that in the near future funds will 

 be appropriated for the following badly needed new construction and 

 improvements : 



Buildings. — A building to house antelopes and other hoofed ani- 

 mals that require a heated building. The present structure, built in 

 1898 for $3,500 is inadequate, dimly lighted, and poorly ventilated. 

 The rare and beautiful okapis had to be placed here when they ar- 

 rived last November. The building houses a miscellaneous collection 

 of cats, kangaroos, gaur, the rare agrimi goat, and others. The 

 Zoo has made it a policy not to purchase or accept antelopes, because 

 of the lack of housing for them. 



A new administration building to replace the 152-year-old historic 

 landmark, which is still in use as an office building but is not well 

 adapted for the purpose. Termites destroyed the photographic file 

 this year, and most of the Zoo library has now been moved to the 

 second floor of the building to postpone the day when the invaders 

 will attack this valuable collection of scientific books. A thorough 

 examination of the office was made by the District of Columbia De- 

 partment of Buildings and Grounds, which recommended that unless 



