VI PREFACE 



Our wild creatures are not immortal ; and, like human be- 

 ings, they live out their allotted lives and pass away. The 

 great majority do not perpetuate themselves in captivity, 

 and the depleted ranks must be filled by new gifts and 

 new purchases. Gifts of specimens, and funds for pur- 

 chases, must constantly be forthcoming. 



The Executive Committee makes grateful acknowledg- 

 ment of the loyal and generous support it has constantly 

 received from the Board of Managers and the members of 

 the Zoological Society, and from the Government of the 

 City of New York. Thanks to a judicious union of these 

 forces, the development of the Zoological Park has gone 

 forward rapidly and satisfactorily. Although the actual 

 period of construction has been remarkably short for so vast 

 an undertaking, everything constructed is of the most per- 

 manent character. It is only just to note the fact that 

 while the Zoological Park is an institution of national in- 

 terest and importance, and free to all the world, with the 

 exception of a few gifts of animals it has been created and 

 is maintained wholly by the citizens of the City of New 

 York. The State has contributed nothing. 



THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



