FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 121 



to bring in three tank-steamer loads of water, aggregating fully 

 30,000 gallons, to supply the deficiency. This water is secured 

 outside the Ambrose Channel lightship and is the purest that can 

 readily be obtained. That it is satisfactory, both from the stand- 

 point of purity and of salinity, is shown by the fact that no spe- 

 cial difficulty has arisen in keeping Bermuda fishes, seahorses, 

 etc., since this reservoir was filled and the circulation put in run- 

 ning order. 



There is a constant small loss of this water, due to usage, 

 that cannot be prevented ; but this would amount to only a few 

 thousand gallons a year at most. 



The principal loss during the past year was due to the break- 

 ing of the seven inch suction pipe leading from the reservoir. 

 This break occurred in a portion of the pipe fitted with screwed 

 connections. Another break occurred in the salt-water feed-pipe 

 supplying the reserve tanks on the salt-water side, but occasioned 

 no great loss of water. This pipe was also joined with screwed 

 connections at the point of the break. While all this piping is 

 lead lined, the lead often does not fit closely enough at the joints, 

 in screwed connections, to prevent the salt water from coming in 

 connection with the iron, and the gradual disintegration of the 

 pipe results. Most of this series of piping had already been taken 

 up and fitted with flanged connections, and in repairing the above 

 breaks flanged joints were installed. The entire stored water 

 system, with a few exceptions, is now fitted with flanged connec- 

 tions, obviating the rusting out of joints, with the consequent 

 loss of water and possible damage to the collections. While 

 these and other repairs have been under way, the collections have 

 been carried without loss by the aid of the air pumps. 



A new cross connection has been installed between the iron 

 pumps, making it possible to place either of these pumps on the 

 harbor water as well as on the stored water circuit, in case it 

 becomes necessary from a breakdown of one of the other pumps. 



A new fresh water heater has been placed on the circuit 

 supplying the West Indies seal pool. 



The repairs to the roof, mentioned as being under way in the 

 last report of the Director, have been completed in a satisfac- 

 tory manner. 



Five additional skylights, of an oval shape, have been placed 

 in the ceiling over the main hall, materially adding to the illum- 

 ination. While this work was in progress, it was found that the 

 ceiling was much in need of strengthening and this was attended 



