60 ^'EW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



and various species of tortoises, the latter ranging in size from 

 specimens six inches long to the ponderous giant tortoises from 

 the Galapagos and Aldabra Islands. Here, for the first time in the 

 Park, it was possible to properly exhibit the iguanas, monitors, 

 and tegus which, even in the best indoor cages, are compara- 

 tively dull and listless. Placed outside they soon become quite 

 different creatures, rushing about at surprising speed, and dis- 

 playing all the ferocity, cunning, and hunting instincts of the 

 warm-blooded beasts of prey. When naturally and unreservedly 

 displayed, their habits are in marked contrast to many former 

 records of these creatures, from which it would seem as if many 

 of those records had been based on theories, only. In our sunny 

 yards, with the large iguanas enjoying practical liberty, we 

 have noted that they are by no means "largely herbivorous." They 

 are markedly carnivorous, sometimes even inclining toward can- 

 nibalism ; and for this reason we are careful to stock our yards 

 with specimens of almost uniform size. 



To add to the natural aspect of the Lizard and Tortoise Yards. 

 a small cedar tree was planted in the iguana enclosure ; and on 

 sunny days it was decorated with clusters of the South American 

 and Alexican tree iguanas, singularly striking in their display of 

 various shades of green. Some large cacti and other plants of a 

 similar nature furnished hiding places for the smaller species that 

 live chiefly upon the ground. During the cold months all the 

 lizards and tortoises are kept in the glass-covered annex of the east 

 end of the Reptile House, where a generous supply of heating 

 pipes, and dift'used sunlight throughout the day, maintain a high 

 temperature. 



The collection of crocodilians has grown substantially, not only 

 in the number of individuals and species exhibited, but in the 

 size of the specimens. Observations on the growth of these rep- 

 tiles have been of much interest, and that subject is treated at 

 length elsewhere in this volume. The ten-inch alligators installed 

 in the Reptile House at the opening of the Park, over seven 

 years ago, have constantly and rapidly increased in growth. The 

 specimens first outgrew their section of the turtle crawl, after that 

 a lobby cage, then a double lobby cage, and finally the large tank 

 at the east end of the Reptile House on the main floor. 



Last summer they were placed outdoors, in the rock-bound 

 pool formerly occupied by the sea-lions. In this commodious pool 

 they basked in the hot sun, and grew until the approach of frosty 

 Aveather, when an embarrassing situation was presented. It was 

 discovered that these alligators had outgrown all available ac- 



