86 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, lOU. 



tion of the birds of the collection, most of which are now housed in a 

 low, wooden, temporary structure which is by no means suitable for 

 the purpose and has to be constantly renewed by repairs. The mat- 

 ter has been repeatedly urged upon Congress and an appropriation 

 of $80,000 asked for a new structure. This is by no means an ex- 

 travagant sum, as the aviaries of most zoological collections cost con- 

 siderably'^ more than this. 



Reptile house. — The park has never had an adequate exhibition of 

 the interesting and varied domain of reptiles. A few alligators, some 

 Galapagos tortoises, boas, anacondas, and a few native species are 

 kept in the lion house in quarters which are entirely unsuitable for 

 their proper exhibition and comfort. It is thought that a proper 

 reptile house, where the specimens could be kept in approximately 

 natural conditions, could be built for about $50,000. 



Pachyderm house. — There are now in the collection a considerable 

 number of pachydermata or thick-skinned animals, including an 

 Indian elephant, two African elephants, two hippopotami, and four 

 tapirs. These all require special treatment in the way of bathing 

 pools, strong walls, etc. These animals are at present nearlj^ all 

 housed in quarters that are too small and weak. Some of them are 

 young and rapidly growing and it will soon be a difficult matter to 

 confine them. It is also likely that other species will be added to 

 those now on hand. To properly exhibit and care for them a new 

 house should be built. It is thought that this can be done at a cost 

 of $100,000, which is much less than similar structures have cost in 

 other cities. 



Hospital and laboratory . — The park has not at the present time 

 any means for properly isolating and caring for the animals that 

 ma}'' be injured or ailing. Sick animals are ordinarily exposed to 

 the gaze of the public, to the detriment of the animals and the reputa- 

 tion of the park. Quiet and repose are as necessary to animals as 

 to man, and that can not be assured under the present conditions. 



Besides this, which seems required merely from humanitarian 

 reasons, consideration should be given to certain scientific aspects of 

 the matter. The diseases and parasites of animals are but im- 

 perfectly understood, and investigations of them are important, both 

 directly and for their analogy with these of man and their possible 

 transmission to the human race. The animals received at the park 

 have usually been kept in unsanitary quarters and frequently bring 

 in the germs of disease which they transmit to others. If a strict 

 quarantine for a suitable time could be established this danger could 

 be avoided in a great measure and the death rate reduced. Further 

 than this there is now no adequate utilization of the animals for 

 scientific purposes. 



