REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 79 



IMPORTANT NEEDS. 



New bridge. — The log bridge that crosses the creek on the main 

 driveway in the lower part of the park has for some time shown signs 

 of weakness. A careful examination, by the engineer of bridges of 

 the District of Columbia, showed that several of the logs were in an 

 advanced stage of decay and that the whole structure would soon be 

 unsafe. It was therefore recommended to Congress that an appro- 

 priation of $20,000 be made for a permanent structure. At the time 

 of writing it is known that such an appropriation was made. The 

 construction of the new bridge will therefore be part of the work 

 for the coming year. 



Aviary. — In spite of all efforts the fine collections of birds in the 

 park is very far from adequately housed. The wooden building in 

 which the larger number are kept is too small, too low, insanitary 

 and really unworthy of a national institution. It was built in the 

 cheapest manner to meet an emergency and although considerable 

 sums have been spent on it for repairs it is far from satisfactory. It 

 is desired to build a suitable aviary in the western part of the park 

 and to group about this the cages for the eagles, vultures, condors 

 and owls now scattered somewhat irregularly about the grounds. It 

 is believed that a suitable structure can be built for about $80,000. 



Hospital. — The statistics given above show that the animals are 

 not exempt from diseases. Infective disorders are sometimes brought 

 in by animals that have been kept in insanitary conditions on ship- 

 board or in the collections of dealers. Even with the utmost care 

 pathological conditions are likely to arise clue to changes of habit 

 due to captivity. Animals brought to the park from any place not 

 known to be sanitary and free from disease should be properly 

 quarantined. Sick animals should also be isolated, both on their 

 own account and to prevent the spread of disease. This has been 

 done imperfectly, in the only way possible, by keeping them in ex- 

 posed cages back of the stable and excluding the public. A small 

 building to serve as quarantine and hospital is urgently needed. 



Public comfort house. — -There is at present no satisfactory pro- 

 vision for the comfort of visitors who come to spend some time in 

 viewing the collection. The park is located at a long distance from 

 any available restaurant, there is no suitable place where women or 

 children can rest, or be quiet if fatigued, or taken suddenly ill. This 

 offers an unpleasant contrast to the arrangements usually seen in 

 other zoological gardens. It is desired to construct a permanent 

 building in a central locality to serve as a rest house and refectory. 



New paddocks. — The deer and other ruminant animals confined 

 near the western entrance to the park have worn the ground so much 

 by the constant attrition of their hoofs that their paddocks are almost 



