TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT 129 



Exhibition Tanks. — The circle of glass-fronted masonry 

 tanks on the main floor has been under improvement for three 

 or four years. 



These tanks, originally constructed with their rear w^alls 

 only four feet back from the heavy plate glass fronts, have been 

 enlarged to nearly three times their original capacity by setting 

 the rear walls eleven feet back. In some cases the tanks have 

 been further enlarged by removing dividing walls and combining 

 two tanks in one. The improvements thus effected have already 

 been described in former reports and in the Zoological Society 

 BiiUctin. During the past summer eleven more tanks were en- 

 larged, a fund of $2,440 having been provided by the Zoological 

 Society for that purpose. The four remaining tanks of the 

 original size cannot be enlarged on account of their position. 



The enlargement of the ground floor series of tanks has made 

 possible not only a great improvement in appearance and an in- 

 crease in exhibits, but has contributed very decidedly to the com- 

 fort and health of the inmates of the tanks. Much of this work 

 has been done from time to time by the employes of the Aquarium 

 without aid from the city or the Zoological Society. 



Proposed Improvements. — Early in November the Executive 

 Committee of the Zoological Society decided to undertake, at the 

 expense of the Society, certain improvements of the building 

 which have long been needed. It is now proposed to remove the 

 pumping plant and other machinery from the rear of the 

 Aquarium to the unused front basement and make available for 

 exhibits the space now occupied by pumps, boilers and filters. 

 The basement to be enlarged by excavation will afford more room 

 for machinery than is now available in its present position and 

 relieve the Aquarium of the long-standing trouble due to a fur- 

 nace room periodically flooded by the tides. On February 5 the 

 tide rose higher than ever before, almost touching the furnace 

 fires. Steam heat was cut off the building owing to the entire 

 submergence of the return pump for three hours. 



Another improvement to be undertaken without delay is the 

 addition of a third story to increase office space and provide 

 laboratory facilities which the Aquarium has always lacked. 



The Collections. — The living exhibits of the Aquarium are 

 now more numerous and varied than at any time in the past. 

 This is due to the enlargement of tanks and the possession of a 



