92 ANNUAL EEPOET SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1916. 



Consequently after June 30, 1915, there was nothing available to 

 defray the purchase of the land. 



An item for an additional appropriation and for a reappropria- 

 tion of the original sum appropriated by the act of June- 23, 1913, 

 was submitted to Congress, but was not favorably considered by the 

 House of Eepresentatives. It was introduced in the Senate as an 

 amendment to the sundry civil bill, but was dropped by the confer- 

 ence committee. 



A similar item was offered in the Senate as an amendment to the 

 District of Columbia appropriation bill, was accepted in Committee 

 of the Whole, but thrown out finally in consequence of an appeal 

 for retrenchment. 



It is greatly to be regretted that this appropriation failed, as it is 

 exceedingly desirable that the anomalous and inconvenient situation 

 of the park should be remedied as soon as possible. It now fronts 

 on no principal thoroughfare and attains none of the dignity which 

 an institution controlled by the Government should have. 



IMPORTANT NEEDS. 



Aviary huilding. — Attention has been called to the need for this 

 building in almost every annual report since 1908. The following is 

 an extract from that document : 



The temporary bird house is crowded during the winter far beyond its 

 proper capacity, and it is impossible to care for the birds satisfactorily. When 

 it was built, and also at the time that additions were made, the funds available 

 for the purpose were so small that it was necessary to build in the cheapest 

 manner possible, so that the house has already required considerable repair 

 and will very soon have to be largely rebuilt. The park has a good collection 

 of birds, including a number of rare, interesting, and valuable specimens, 

 sufficient to fill at once a large aviary and make one of the most important 

 and attractive features of the park. 



In the report for 1909 will be found the following : 



The need for a structure of this character is evident to any intelligent visitor 

 to the park. Only a part of the collection cau now be exhibited to the public, 

 because of lack of room. A number of outdoor shelters and cages should also 

 be provided for the exhibition of hardy birds. 



Again, in the report for 1912 will be found : 



In spite of all efforts the fine collection of birds in the park is very far from 

 being adequately housed. The wooden building in which the larger number 

 are kept is too small, too low, insanitary, and really unworthy of a national 

 institution. It was built in the cheapest manner to meet an emergency, and, 

 although considerable sums have been spent on it for repairs, it is far from 

 satisfactory. It is desired to build a suitable aviary in the western part of the 

 park and to group about this the cages for the eagles, vultures, condors, and 

 owls, now scattered somewhat irregularly about the grounds. It is believed 

 that a suitable structure can be built for about $80,000. 



