REPORT OF THE- SECRETARY. 87 



In other countries the most significant scientific function of col- 

 lections of living animals has been the advancement of our knowl- 

 edge with regard to the structure, habits, and activities of animals. 

 Most of the knowledge which has been acquired with regard to the 

 structure of animals has been gained from zoological collections of 

 precisely similar character to those which we have in the National 

 Zoological Park. 



I may note, for example, that in the Jardin des Plantes, at Paris, 

 investigations have been carried on since the middle of the eighteenth 

 century by men who are among the most famous scientists that have 

 ever lived. I will mention, among others, Duverney, Daubenton, 

 Buffon, Cuvier, Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, and Milne-Edwards. In the 

 same way great names are associated with the Zoological Society of 

 London. I may mention in this connection the names of Owen, 

 Flower, Huxley, Sclater, and the present prosector, Beddard. The 

 garden at Berlin has been noted for the work of Hartmann, and in 

 the garden at Amsterdam Fiirbringer brought to a conclusion his 

 monumental work upon the structure of birds. I mention a few 

 names among many. It would be easy to extend the list very con- 

 siderably. 



In order to properly utilize the material that comes to the park 

 from the death of the animals, it would be necessary to establish an 

 anatomical and pathological laboratory. This would, of course, in- 

 volve a considerable expenditure, but I am of the opinion that it 

 would be a wise thing for the Smithsonian Institution to consider the 

 question and to arrange to have the park advance along that line of 

 growth. A proper structure for the purposes above mentioned suit- 

 ably fitted with the necessary simple apparatus would probably cost 

 $15,000. 



Lunch andTest house. — The visiting public is by no means properly 

 served at present in the park, which is rather remote from restaurants 

 or other places where food can be obtained, yet so extensive that a 

 proper view of the collection occupies at least half a day. Very many 

 visitors would be greatly benefited if there were a properly equipped 

 lunch stand where food could be purchased at reasonable prices. 

 This is so generally understood in other places that the lack of such 

 facilities in the park is always a matter of surprise. There is at 

 present only a very inadequate counter, kept on an exposed pavilion, 

 which has to be closed up whenever the weather is inclement. Be- 

 sides this, persons are not infrequently taken ill or become fatigued 

 while at the park, and there should be means for meeting such emer- 

 gencies. It is thought that a suitable structure for this purpose, con- 

 taining the necessary cooking range, rest rooms, and water-closets, 

 can be built for $15,000. 



