52 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



of the walls without corners or seams, has undoubtedly exercised 

 a great influence on the general cleanliness of the building, and 

 absence of odors. 



It is a great satisfaction to be able to report that, were we to 

 build next year a new house for primates, it would be very diffi- 

 cult to suggest even one important improvement upon the present 

 structure. That the building is crowded with visitors during 

 Saturdays and Sundays of the season when visitors are most 

 numerous, need cause neither surprise nor regret; for were the 

 structure five times as large as it now is, it would, during those 

 periods, be crowded precisely as it is now. So long as apes and 

 monkeys are in good health, and perform their usual antics on 

 horizontal bar and trapeze, just so long will people pack six deep 

 in front of their cages, and stand until they are compelled by 

 policemen and keepers to move on. 



PRACTICAL WORKING OF THE LION HOUSE. 



The Lion House has now been in actual use a little more than 

 one year, during which time it has been thoroughly tested. Thus 

 far but two defects have been revealed, both of which are of so 

 simple a character that they can easily be remedied, and the 

 necessary substitution of materials will be accomplished at an 

 early date, with no disturbance to the daily routine. The Lion 

 House may be described as a handsome domicile joined to an 

 elaborate but smoothly-working machine. It appears to be the 

 verdict of the public that in view of the fine facilities it affords 

 for the exhibition of its animals, for their management and care, 

 and for the general comfort of the public, this building is worth 

 all that it has cost. 



Beyond question, the animals are as contented, as happy and 

 as active in their cages as such animals ever could be in captivity. 

 The wire cage-fronts have proven an unqualified success, and 

 the color-scheme of the cage interiors is almost everything 

 that could be desired for the exhibition of large felines. The 

 elevated balconies and the high steps leading up to them are used 

 by the majority of the animals to a gratifying extent, and beyond 

 question, the climbing done by the animals from day to day is 

 beneficial to their health and spirits. It has been noticed, with 

 particular pleasure, that the lions born and thus far reared in 

 the Lion House use these steps and balconies very freely, quite 

 as if they appreciate the climbing privilege more than those ani- 

 mals which matured elsewhere without similar opportunities. 



