214 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1888. 



Cariacm columhianus, Columbian Black-tailed Deer. Pnrcliased at Media, Wash- 

 ington Territory. 



Vulpes fulvus decussatus, Cross Fox. Gift of John Melville, Portland, Oregon. 



Cariacus ynacrotis, Mule Deer. Purchased at Mountain Home, Idaho. 



Taxidea americana, (2) Badger. Gift of Dr. C. W. Higgins, Salt Lake City, Utah. 



Valpes fulvus fulmis, Red Fox. Gift of Dr. C. W. Higgins, Salt Lake City, Utah. 



Aquila chrysaetos, Golden Eagle. Gift of Dr. C. W. Higgins, Salt Lake City, Utah. 



Lynx maculatus, Spotted Lynx. Purchased of Dr. C. W. Higgins, Salt Lake City, 

 Utah. 



Cynomys ludovicianus, (4) Prairie Dog. Purchased at Cheyenne, Wyoming Ter- 

 ritory. 



This collection filled up all the available space in the car on its return 

 trip, and the transportation of so many large objects was only possible 

 through the disinterested courtesy and untiring co-ojDeration of Mr. 

 Ellis and his assistant, Mr. R. S. Johnson. 



Upon the arrival of this collection at the Museum it was decided to 

 assign space for it in one end of a temporary wooden structure that had 

 just been erected on the south side of the eastern wing of the Smithso- 

 nian, of materials from the old demolished New Orleans annex build- 

 ing. Its dimensions were 25 by 106 feet. This rough building was fitted 

 up with heating apparatus, a number of temporary cages were made, 

 the collection duly installed, and opened to the public on December 31, 

 1887. It immediately became quite popular with the public. Many 

 valuable gifts were offered and accepted, and a number of desirable 

 small objects, which were offered to the Institution at nominal prices, 

 were purchased and added to the collection. Among the earliest gifts 

 were an unusually large and fine jaguar from Mr. J. W. Eiddle, of Eagle 

 Pass, Texas, and two black bears from Mr. J. J. E. Lindberg, of El Paso, 

 Texas. 



By the end of January the collection had increased to a total of fifty- 

 eight specimens of mammals and birds, many of which were rare and 

 valuable. It was found that the collection demanded the constant 

 attention of an experienced keeper, not only for the proper care and 

 feeding of the animals, but also to protect them from annoyance at the 

 hands of a certain class of visitors. Accordingly, on February 1, Mr. 

 K. R. Wood was engaged to do duty in the above capacity. 



During the months of February and March the collection nearly 

 doubled in point of numbers, and rendered it absolutely necessary to 

 occupy the whole of the building in which it was temporarily installed. 

 A bear pit was, built for the black bears at the western end ; a large 

 cage was built in the center for the cinnamon bear, and beside it a 

 still larger cage with several compartments was constructed to accom- 

 modate the large birds of prey — eagles, owls, and vultures. As gifts 

 were received temporary cages were hastily constructed for their ac- 

 commodation, and ev^ery effort was made to make the best showing 

 possible under the circumstances. 



With the rapid increase in the size and value of the collection came 

 an increase in the amount of labor and attention it absolutely required. 



