NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. 37 



of Burrowing Rodents, also disappeared temporarily, because of 

 the necessity to renew all the wire-work of the cages, put in con- 

 crete floors, and rebuild the rockwork. Next year, however, the 

 complete restocking of these installations will show a marked in- 

 crease in our total number of species and specimens on exhibition. 

 The collections now comprise 1,802 specimens with 436 species. 



MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 



During the year 1904 the Medical Department, under the direc- 

 tion of Dr. Harlow Brooks and Dr. W. Reid Blair, has continued 

 to maintain the high medical standard at the Park, and their dis- 

 coveries during the year of the causes of cage paralysis, a much 

 dreaded disease among animals in captivity, are set forth in their 

 report in this volume, together with illustrations of great interest. 

 As heretofore stated, data of this character are being accumulated, 

 and will be published under the direction of the Society, and will 

 ultimately form a valuable addition to medical science. 



The increased knowledge and experience in the prevention and 

 treatment of diseases and the careful system of quarantine for 

 new animals now provided by the Park has resulted in a con- 

 stantly declining death rate. The improvements in the installa- 

 tion for our animals, and the replacement of temporary quarters 

 by permanent installations has also resulted in the generally 

 healthy condition of the collections. 



MEMBERSHIP. 



The membership of the Society on January i, 1905, was as 

 follows : 



Founders ~5 



Associate Founders n 



Patrons 45 



Life Members 1/9 



Annual Members 1.3 14 



Total ^574 



Total last year 1.333 



Increase -4^ 



Showing a substantial increase over last year in spite of a large 

 number of deaths. Efforts were made to increase the member- 



