I-IRST AXNTAI. RHI'ORT. G:] 



morning, before the gates are opened to tlie public at eleven. At one 

 o'clock the artists are forced to cease work. Under no circumstances are 

 they allowed to assist themselves with cameras. As no building is set 

 apart for their work or convenience, the}- are at the mercy of the weather 

 at all times. For at least half the year, therefore, nine-tenths of the col- 

 lections are not available to the artist, and for only one-half of each day 

 in that half year is he allowed to work, and even then is dependent upon 

 the weather. 



As most artists are serious men, working for a living and anxious to 

 work all day, it seems to me that the}- are cruelly handicapped by these 

 numerous arbitrary regulations, besides being ignored altogether, while 

 students in other departments are provided with abundant conveniences. 



There is one objection that I can anticipate, and may as well meet 

 now. 



In condemning cage floors that are raised above two feet in height, 

 I will be told that they are necessary to enable the persons at the back 

 of a crowd to see the animals. So far as I have seen, such crowds 

 assemble only about the great carnivores, and here the difficulty is 

 usuall}- met by making raised steps at proper intervals. This plan 

 has alreadj- been incorporated in the provisional plans recently shown, 

 and, as I pointed out at the last meeting, the difficulty might be still 

 more effectively met by the addition of a slight iron gallery for specta- 

 tors. The only objection made to this was that it increased the difficulty 

 of lighting. If, however, the cages are well lighted in themselves, as I 

 have suggested, this difficulty will not exist. 



I hope that my numerous suggestions wall be found within the pale 

 of practicability and advisability, and I hope, also, that you will excuse 

 my prolixity in a subject which interests me so greatly. 



I am, sir. 



Yours very truly, 



Ernest Seton Thompson. 



