EEPOET OP THE SECEETAEY. 83 



was already provided with a tank of sufficient size, and, by extending 

 the exterior wall, ample floor space was secured. The female hippo- 

 potamus, which had outgrown her temporary quarters, was trans- 

 ferred to the new and much larger cage, and the cage vacated was 

 used for a young male that had been obtained at an unusually favor- 

 able price. Both animals have access to the outdoor yard and the 

 large pool which it contains. A new inclosure and shelter house 

 for Arabian camels were built near the sheep and deer inclosures 

 and two new yards were added to the series for wolves and foxes. 



A yard 40 by 56 feet, with 10 breeding pens inclosed in it, was 

 built to provide for the breeding and study of mink in cooperation 

 with the Department of Agriculture. 



During several years predatory animals living at large in the 

 park had at times forced their way into the flying cage and caused 

 considerable loss among the birds. In order to prevent this the 

 guardrail about the cage was rebuilt, using between the posts a wire 

 netting with small mesh and at the top a sheet-iron hood. This has 

 proved to be effective against both rats and larger vermin. 



A small temporary toilet for men was built near the entrance from 

 Adams Mill Road. 



A hot-water heating plant was installed in the office building, 

 which had up to that time been heated, rather unsatisfactorily, with 

 stoves. At the same time new floors were laid on the main floor of 

 the office and some other much-needed repairs made. In order to 

 provide for more convenient and economical use of the machines in 

 the workshop, two additional electric motors were installed there. 



The drinking fountains with attached cups were removed and seven 

 " bubble " fountains set in their places. Several of these are fitted 

 with faucets for the accommodation of visitors who bring cups or 

 desire to obtain water for picnic purposes. 



Two tennis courts were constructed in the lower end of the park 

 where there is level ground that is not as yet available for other 

 purposes. 



The cost of these improvements was as follows : 



Fitting up old elephant barn and building yard $1,325 



Completing yard and pool for tapirs 300 



New quarters for hippopotamus '650 



Inclosure and shelter house for Arabian camels 390 



Additional yards for wolves 400 



Quarters for breeding mink 325 



New guard rail, with foundation wall, at flying cage 750 



Small toilet house for men 200 



Heating plant and new floors in office building 950 



Additional motors in workshop 350 



"Bubble" drinking fountains 200 



Two tennis courts 150 



