130 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



collecting boat. When the space now occupied by machinery is 

 converted into exhibition space the collections can be further 

 increased by one-fifth. 



The collection of fishes now numbers 3,525 specimens and 

 138 species. Of reptiles there are 253 specimens and 23 species. 

 There are 38 amphibians of 8 different species ; and of mammals 

 6 specimens and 2 species. The invertebrates number 2,893 

 specimens, representing 20 species. The total number of speci- 

 mens is 6,715, representing 190 species. 



The fishes on exhibition may be classified as follows : tropical 

 (Florida and West Indies), 48 species; northern marine, 44 

 species; native fresh water, 38 species; and foreign fresh water, 

 8 species. 



The collection of amphibians and reptiles cannot be ma- 

 terially enlarged until more favorable conditions for keeping 

 them can be provided. The same is true with regard to inverte- 

 brates which need a separate system of sea water. The present 

 reservoir of stored sea water is tempered for the accommoda- 

 tion of tropical forms, and the cool sea water pumped from the 

 harbor is now too impure for Aquarium purposes. 



The most interesting gift to the collections was from Mr. 

 Henry Whiton of New York, who presented several giant or 

 alligator garfish. The specimens were brought from south- 

 western Louisiana on one of the steamers of the Union Sulphur 

 Company by authority of Mr. Whiton. These fishes averaged 

 about four feet in length, and as the species attains a length of at 

 least eight feet and is very hardy, there is promise of further 

 growth in captivity. 



Early in January the Fairmount Park Aquarium in Phila- 

 delphia presented two female California sea lions about four 

 years old. They occupy one of the large floor pools and at the 

 close of the year remain in good condition. 



Important donations of fishes were made by the New York 

 Conservation Commission and the New Jersey Fish and Game 

 Commission. 



An exchange of marine fishes was made with the Detroit 

 Aquarium whereby the New York Aquarium received 151 fishes 

 of 23 species. 



