NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. 39 



two hours longer each day during the summer season, and that 

 the Society has discontinued the closing of the building on 

 Thursday forenoons. 



The collections of the building have been larger and more 

 varied than heretofore; profitable exchanges having been made 

 with the new aquarium at Detroit and the Government aquarium 

 at the St. Louis Exposition. At the close of the Exposition the 

 greater part of the Government collection was transferred to 

 the New York Aquarium, through the courtesy of the Bureau 

 of Fisheries. 



The improvement of the building from the proceeds of the 

 $30,000 of bonds by the city has been continued. 



The large reservoir for pure sea-water has been completed 

 and only awaits the installation of the filters, in order to be 

 placed in commission. 



The work on sky-lights, painting and certain alterations has 

 been finished. 



A further bond issue, granted by the city in the spring of 

 1904, of $40,000 has permitted the continuance of work con- 

 nected with the more complete equipment of the building for the 

 carrying on of its work as a notable public institution. 



Pipe galleries under the main floor are now being constructed, 

 and this work will be followed by the introduction of a much- 

 needed heating and ventilating system. 



Among the improvements made from the maintenance may 

 be mentioned the introduction of electric lights over all wall 

 tanks, for the illumination of the exhibits on dark days. This 

 improvement has been a most satisfactory one. 



The collection of invertebrates has been enlarged by the plac- 

 ing of eighteen thirty-inch aquaria on the coping of the cen- 

 tral pool ; while the collection of turtles has been accommodated 

 in nine three-foot aquaria, placed on the main floor between the 

 pillars. 



The w^ork of labeling exhibits has been continued. A photo- 

 graphic room has been built, and additional rock-work has been 

 placed in various tanks. 



The fish-hatchery was in operation throughout the winter 

 season, and proved a constant source of interest to visitors. 

 Fish eggs were furnished by the Government, and the young 

 fish turned over to the New York Fish Commission for the stock- 

 ing of State waters, as usual. During the fish-hatching season 

 the eggs and young of eight species of food fishes were kept 

 on exhibition. Small fishes and marine invertebrates from the 



