84 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION^ 1913. 



wide and 24 feet long, and the adjoining inclosure, which is nearly 

 circular, is about 100 feet in diameter. 



A new inclosure, with a pool, for wood ducks and nearly related 

 species, was built in the valley near the flying cage. 



The suspension footbridge across Kock Creek near the northern 

 entrance to the park having, become unsafe, a new bridge of similar 

 construction was built there. 



A bridle path was laid out near the bank of the creek throughout 

 its entire length in the park, and a rustic walk, mainly parallel to the 

 roadway, was built from the concrete bridge to the north entrance. 



Early in the year the first section of a retaining wall was built 

 in the ravine opposite the point at which Ontario Road reaches the 

 park, and later a second section was built above this, giving the wall 

 a total height of 18 feet. 



A small retaining wall was built, also, at the mouth of the little 

 run at the northern edge of the park near Klingle Road to prevent 

 further erosion there and protect valuable forest trees which are 

 being undermined. 



A small amount of riprapping was done at three places on the 

 banks of the creek. 



Just before the close of the year work was begun on the old ele- 

 phant bam to fit it and the adjoining yard, then occupied by ta^birs, 

 for the temporary accommodation of the two young African ele- 

 phants which had been secured from the zoological garden at Giza. 

 A new yard, with a pool, for the tapirs was built next to the new 

 elephant house, the work on this being well under way at the close 

 of the year. 



The cost of these improvements Avas as follows : 



Food house (from 1913 appropriation) $3,050 



Inclosure and shelter for ostriches 450 



Inclosure and pool for wood ducks 200 



New suspension footbridge 400 



Bridle path and rustic walk 775 



Retaining wall at Ontario Road 425 



Retaining wall near Klingle Road 175 



Riprapping banks of creek 275 



Alterations of old elephant barn and inclosure 850 



Total 6,600 



Through the generosity of Mr, John B. Henderson, jr., there was 

 completed in the autumn of 1912 an outdoor cage for parrots which 

 had heretofore been confined in the bird house. The cage is 24 by 

 40 feet, and about 26 feet high, has a steel framework and is covered 

 with strong wire netting of special construction. Several species 

 of cockatoos and macaws, and one species of Amazon parrot, in all 28 

 specimens, were placed in the cage, and, with few exceptions, have 

 been thrifty and appear to enjoy their outdoor freedom. 



