40 NKW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



DEFICIT IX 1900. 



No plan has yet been suggested, either by the Executive Com- 

 mittee or by the City authorities, to meet the inevitable deficit for 

 the year 1900. The matter is under careful consideration by the 

 Executive Committee. The expenses have been cut down to the 

 lowest point, and even now the Committee feels that the Society, 

 owing to this enforced economy, may be held sul)jcct to criticism 

 for insufficiently caring for the Park. 



CONCLUSION. 



In addition to the above, the work of your Committee, in co- 

 operation with the Director and his staflf, has comprised plans for 

 the future treatment of the forest, for the purchase and care of 

 animals, for the scientific classification and labelling of the ex- 

 hibits, formulation of rules for the policing and care of the Park, 

 obtaining reduction of freight rates and facilities for the proper 

 transportation of animals consigned to the Society. 



In conclusion, the Committee cannot speak too highly of the 

 services of the Director of the Park, Mr. William T. Hornaday. 

 His ability, energy, and devotion to the interests of the Park have 

 rendered possible the rapid progress of the past year. He has 

 been efficiently aided by the Assistant Curators, Messrs. Ditmars, 

 Loring, and Beebe, in charge of Reptiles, Mammals, and Birds, 

 respectively ; by Messrs. Puffer and Beerbower in the construc- 

 tion department ; by Mr. Mitchell in the department of accounts ; 

 and by Mr. Merkel, Chief Forester, in the important work of 

 grading and seeding, hothouse and nursery work, Park service 

 and general forestry. In fact, the whole administrative system 

 which has been built up and systematized in the Park during the 

 past year seems to be beyond criticism. 



Constant difficulties are met in new enterprises of this character, 

 far too numerous to be reported upon. Their name is legion. As 

 fast as one scries is grappled with and put out of the way, new 

 difficulties appear. But this condition is inherent in the progress 

 of all public works of this character; and all obstacles must be 

 met with constant alertness and courage. 



The Committee appreciates the continued confidence and sup- 

 port which has been afforded by the members of the Board and of 



