74 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



So far as we are aware, this is the first well-equipped viva- 

 rium of vertebrates ever provided for a school, and the experi- 

 ment has attracted the attention of many educators. The keen- 

 ness and thoroughness with which Principal McAndrew and 

 Miss Sage entered into the promotion of this feature not only 

 commanded respect, but it inspired co-operation. 



PENSIONS FOR PARK EMPLOYEES. 



For many months it has been in the mind of the Director 

 that steps should now be taken to create a pension fund suf- 

 ficient to provide old age and service pensions for the men and 

 women who are spending their lives in the service of the Zoo- 

 logical Park. In view of the great number of employees to be 

 provided for, the task is one of considerable magnitude. It is 

 already under consideration by the officers of the Park, and the 

 Executive Committee is ready to receive the suggestions and 

 proposals that now are being formulated. 



Naturally, the men of the Park force do not expect that a 

 fund can be created and disbursed for their benefit without any 

 sacrifices on their part. They are prepared to contribute sys- 

 tematically to any fund that may be created. Unfortunately 

 the matter has been so long postponed that it will be difficult 

 to amass an adequate fund without very substantial help from 

 the Zoological Society. Surely this cause would successfully ap- 

 peal to the public for which the Zoological Park has been 

 created. 



PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS. 



In permanent improvements for the animals, two important 

 items are to be mentioned. One is the Yak Shelter, finished, and 

 the other is the new Hospital for animals, ordered late in the 

 year. 



Ever since the walks were constructed along the southern 

 and eastern sides of the original Bison Range, there has been a 

 pronounced dearth of animals between the West Farms Entrance 

 and the bison herd. Incoming visitors were obliged to walk 

 a long distance inside the Park before coming to any animals 

 of interest and importance. 



At last that unsatisfactory condition has been improved, 

 by the building of a low, rustic stone structure that for con- 



