BEPOKT OF THE SECRETARY 103 



sion of the collection and the numbers of beautiful and curious birds 

 from all parts of the world that are presented to the park, the col- 

 lection is constantly growing. The old bird house was built as a 

 temporary structure many years ago and, in addition to being in a 

 bad condition, is entirely too small either to accommodate the crowds 

 of interested visitors or to show to advantage the birds. Many rare 

 specimens, as a matter of fact, can not regularly be placed on ex- 

 hibition because of lack of room. It is greatly to be hoped that a 

 new bird house may be provided for in the near future. 



Funds for purchase of animals. — The park has never had sufficient 

 funds for the purchase of animals. Eare specimens are from time to 

 time offered for sale that would fill distinct gaps in the collection, 

 but because of lack of funds for their purchase these are frequently 

 lost to the park. Two conspicuous forms of mammal life — the In- 

 dian rhinoceros and giraffe — may be mentioned as examples. Oppor- 

 tunities to purchase good specimens of these spectacular species do 

 not often come, but because of lack of money for their purchase the 

 park has had to decline the few offered in recent years. In order that 

 special opportunities may be taken advantage of promptly, there 

 should be available from year to year a reasonable sum for the pur- 

 chase and transportation of animals. 



Respectfully submitted. 



N. Hollister, Superintendent. 



Dr. Charles D. Walcott, 



Secretary, Smithsonian Institution. 



