TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT 89 



It was altogether impossible during the summer to secure the 

 use of a water boat to renew the supply. This was not accom- 

 plished until December, and at more than three times the former 

 cost. The water is obtained far enough out at sea to be free from 

 the pollutions which render the water of the harbor unfit for 

 aquarium purposes. 



Coal SJiortage in January. — The Aquarium was closed to 

 visitors from January 18 to 28 inclusive, in compliance with the 

 orders of the Fuel Administrator. Only enough fuel was used 

 to keep the pumps in operation and to warm water for the tropi- 

 cal collections. There was a saving in coal amounting to about 

 fifty per cent. The employes were on duty and kept warm by 

 engaging in vigorous house-cleaning. 



Exhibits. — The total number of specimens now in the Aqua- 

 rium is 3,925, and the number of species 156. These figures as 

 compared with those of the same date of the preceding year, 

 show a decrease in specimens on exhibition of 2,124 and of spe- 

 cies 30. Of fishes there are 2,628 specimens and 113 species; 

 invertebrates 1,094 specimens and 17 species; amphibians, 105 

 specimens and 9 species; reptiles, 96 specimens and 15 species; 

 and one mammal, a sea lion. 



The decrease has been chiefly in fishes, owing to the collect- 

 ing of fewer specimens. The exhibits of all aquariums are col- 

 lected directly from the waters, there being no purveyors of 

 aquatic animals. 



The collecting work of the employes was unusually diflficult 

 in 1918, owing to conditions resulting from the war and from 

 the epidemic of influenza. The transportation of tanks of speci- 

 mens by rail and by boat was hampered in various ways, while 

 the movements of small fishing boats about the harbor were un- 

 der many restrictions. The transportation of tropical fishes was 

 so uncertain that one of the customary shipments from Florida 

 v/as omitted altogether, 



A reduction in the number of employes, and later, illness 

 from influenza, served further to retard the usual work of col- 

 lecting. An interruption of the field work of a public aquarium 

 necessarily results in decreased exhibits. 



Tropical Fislies. — The additions to this exhibit were fewer 

 than usual owing chiefly to difficulties in transportation by steam- 

 er and to increased expense. In bringing these fishes from Flor- 



