REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 87 



portant one, and a suitable bird house would without doubt prove one 

 of the most attractive and instructive features of the park. 



Reptile house.- — A properly constructed reptile house would, it is 

 certain, prove almost as attractive to the public as a bird house. The 

 comparatively small collection of reptiles now kept in crowded quar- 

 ters in the lion house is very popular. 



The most urgent need of the park is a substantial increase in the 

 general appropriation. When the amount provided was raised to 

 the present figure, seven years ago, it was recognized that there was 

 necessity for a considerable sum above the cost of actual maintenance, 

 in order that improvements could be made and the grounds and 

 buildings be kept in a good state of repair. Owing to the steady 

 advance in the price of supplies and to the additional expense neces- 

 sitated by the constantly increasing number of visitors, the point has 

 now been reached where the entire appropriation does not cover 

 actual maintenance expenses. It is only by rigid economy, and by the 

 elimination of some things really necessary, that the cost of operation 

 can be kept within the amount. 



Respectfully submitted. 



N. HOLLISTEK, 



Superintendent. 

 Dr. Charles D. Walcott, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



