TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT 119 



nish steam for heating the building, and warming water for 

 tropical fishes. They require attention only at the commence- 

 ment of each eight-hour watch, the fireman then being available 

 for other work about the building. In summer the heating plant 

 can be shut down, while between seasons it can be operated with 

 one boiler. The work of operation, in both furnace and pump 

 rooms, has been greatly lightened. The force on each eight- 

 hour watch can hereafter be utilized part of the time for plumb- 

 ing, cleaning and general repair work. 



Additioyial Exhibition Tanks. — The removal of the old heat- 

 ing and pumping plant, soon to be abandoned, will make avail- 

 able much space for new exhibits. It is planned to clear the 

 passage between the old boiler and pump rooms, and make it a 

 point of exit, thus relieving the entrance passage of much crowd- 

 ing. On either side of the exit there will be a glass-fronted tank 

 of larger size than any now in the building, both extending 

 to the present fresh and salt water lines of tanks. The space 

 above will also be cleared of machinery and added to the lines 

 of tanks occupying the balcony. This space will be prepared for 

 special exhibits not hitherto maintained for lack of proper 

 equipment, chiefly the smaller and more delicate forms of fresh- 

 water life. 



New Third Stori/. — On December 28, the city provided 

 funds amounting to $86,000 for the construction and equipment 

 of a third story at the front of the building above the present 

 office section. This will give the Aquarium facilities for adminis- 

 tration which it now lacks, providing office, library, laboratory, 

 photographic room, lavatories, feed room, repair shop, tool room 

 and storage for supplies and publications. Plans for this addi- 

 tion have already been prepared by the architects. It is believed 

 that the improvements now provided for, can be completed dur- 

 ing the coming year. 



The Collections. — The glass-fronted exhibition tanks en- 

 circling the main floor and balcony of the Aquarium measure 

 455 linear feet. Those on the main floor, with four exceptions, 

 are from eight to seventeen feet in length, with a depth back 

 from the glass of eleven feet. All are of brick or re-enforced 

 concrete. The tanks in the balcony series are of wood with 

 cement lining. They measure three and a half feet to five and 

 a half feet, with a depth back from the glass of two feet, ten 

 inches. When the glass-fronted tanks are installed in the space 



