58 REPOET OP THE SECRETARY. 



to construct a new fence of sufficient strength to withstand the attacks of their 

 teeth, one was built of vertical steel rods, i% inch in diameter, curved inward at the 

 top, so as to prevent any possibility of climbing over. This is believed to be per- 

 fectly effective in preventing their escape. 



During the year the scope of the operations of these animals has been greatly 

 increased, and they have now constructed three large dams, oue of which is at least 

 4 feet hio'h. Each of these has been built wholly by the beavers themselves, either 

 from trees felled by them within the inclosure or from branches furnished them for 

 food. They cut this material into suitable lengths, which they drag to the water, 

 float to the dam, and there combine with mud and twigs to form a compact structure. 

 In connection with each dam they have built houses, together with several smaller 

 burrows in the bank. The entrance to the houses is always under water and can 

 only be reached by diving. 



The animals have become quite accustomed to the presence of man, and it is 

 believed that imder proper restrictions the public may be allowed to see them at 

 work. The paddock in which they are inclosed should be somewhat enlarged, as it 

 is now so small that the different families interfere with each other, and the weaker 

 ones can not escape from their pursuers. 



On September 29, 1896, the city of Washington was visited by one of the severest 

 storms that ever occurred in this region. The velocity of the wind reached for a 

 short time 80 miles per hour, and its force was terrific, unroofing and blowing down 

 houses and uprooting trees, so that the whole vicinity was a scene of wreck and dev- 

 astation. Within the park hundreds of trees were laid prostrate, and a portion of the 

 roof of the Holt house, where the office is situated, was blown off. The roads were so 

 blocked with fallen trees as to be impassable, and the fences of the elk and buffalo 

 inclosures were, by the same cause, crushed in, so that for a short time there was 

 considerable danger that the animals might escape. Fortunately, this did not occur ; 

 none of the animals were seriously injured, and no very serious damage was done to 

 any of the buildings. The cost of clearing away the wreckage from this storm was 

 over $500, and the repairing of the roof of the Holt house cost $100, sums that could 

 ill be spared from the limited appropriation at the disposal of the park. 



The accessions to the collection during the year have not been very numerous. As 

 no purchase of animals was allowed, all additions must be by gift, by births, by col- 

 lections from the Yellowstone National Park, or by exchange. 



A list of all the animals donated is appended hereto. Especially valuable and 

 welcome additions from this source were four harbor seals {Plioca vituUna), presented 

 by Mr. J. H. Starin, already well-known for his generosity; a mule deer (Cariacus 

 macrotis), presented by Mr. Frank Maumey, of Telluride, Colorado, and a brush- 

 tailed rock kangaroo {Petrogale jyenicillaia), presented by Mr. M. J. Flood, of Sydney, 

 Australia. Other valuable animals presented by Mr. Flood unfortunately died en 

 route. 



The most important births have been those of two sea lions {Zalophus calif ornianus), 

 a buffalo (Bison americanus), a zebu (Bos indicus), and two beaver {Castor fiber). 



From the Yellowstone Park there has been received during the year one consign- 

 ment, comprising, among other animals, six yotmg prong-horn antelopes {Antilocapra 

 americana). These beautiful creatures were captured when very young, and fed by 

 hand until sufficiently well-grown to endure transportation. They are quite accus- 

 tomed to the sight of men, horses, and even dogs. They have been placed in a small 

 paddock at the western side of the park, and have thriven well since their arrival, 

 a fact of considerable interest when it is remembered that much difficulty has been 

 experienced by others in rearing them in captivity. 



As surplus stock of any particular species accumulates in the park, effort is made 

 to exchange it for other auimals, and thus produce a greater variety of exhibits. 

 By this means several most important accessions have been obtained. Among these 

 were an African ostrich (Siruthio camelus), an Indian antelope (Antilope cervicapra), 

 and two of the exceedingly rare West Indian seals {Monaclius tropicalis). Unfortu- 



