132 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



some of the paddocks by such treatment and tilling as may seem 

 upon investigation most expedient. Not only should it be pos- 

 sible to secure a more desirable grazing texture throughout the 

 Park, but the deep tilling and working will materially facilitate 

 the drainage of this peculiarly impervious soil after the neces- 

 sary conduits are in place. 



Since, up to the present time, it has been found impossible to 

 successfully keep mule deer on the ranges, I am glad to be able 

 to state that resort has been had to stone-bottom paddocks and 

 dry feeding for the two recently arrived mule deer. In view of 

 the eminently successful results from a similar experiment with 

 the caribou, we have every reason to hope for success in the 

 case. 



The number of deaths from pneumonia each winter among the 

 peccaries and Southern otter in exposed enclosures warrants me 

 in suggesting the advisability of providing these animals with 

 indoor quarters during the cold months in future ; the same might 

 apply to the Virginia deer, at least during the months of De- 

 cember, January, and February. 



The time has happily arrived when births among the animals 

 are becoming more and more frequent, and, since the successful 

 rearing of animals is the best possible index of success in animal 

 collections, I would suggest that all dates of matings become a 

 part of the daily medical reports of this department for scientific 

 purposes, and more especially that a system of quiet, comfortable, 

 and sanitary isolation be provided for such animals as are about 

 to give birth ; this to apply more particularly to the larger 

 carnivora. 



In closing this report I wish to express my appreciation of 

 the hearty co-operation and support received from the executive 

 officers of the Society, the Park officials, also of my fellow- 

 workers, Dr. Harlow Brooks, and our asistant, Dr. W. R. Blair, 

 whose well-directed efforts have been of great value to us in all 

 matters pertaining to the work. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Frank H. Miller, 

 Veterinarian .V. Y. Zoological Park. 



