102 ANNUAL EEPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1922. 



IMPROVEMENTS. 



The work of grading in the west central part of the park, com- 

 menced six years ago but discontinued during the war, was again 

 taken up and the major part of the leveling and filling, as originally 

 planned, was completed during the year. A large area of ground 

 is now available for comparatively level paddocks for the exhibition 

 of hoofed animals, and the way is opened up for decided improve- 

 ments in the main roadway traversing the park. Many trees re- 

 moved during this work were cut into logs and, during the winter, 

 sawed into lumber of suitable grades for regular use. 



The entire western wall of the antelope house, involving the cages 

 and yards, long in a bad state of repair, was entirely rebuilt. The 

 lower part was extended out, with concrete walls and new roof. 

 The platform and approach to the eastern entrance were also re- 

 modeled. The building has been greatly improved in appearance 

 and the animals have been given much more satisfactory quarters. 



The older bear dens near the Harvard Street entrance were thor- 

 oughly repaired, provided with new concrete floor, tank, and gutter, 

 and the ironwork painted. 



Three large outdoor cages for hawks, owls, and Australian grass 

 paroquets were constructed ; the Henderson outdoor parrot cage was 

 covered with new wire and painted; the inside quarters for hippo- 

 potamuses and tapirs repaired and enlarged; a concrete storehouse 

 for paints and oils was built near the machine shop; the tennis 

 courts were improved; repairs were made to the heating service in 

 the monke}^ and lion houses; an electric pump and motor was in- 

 stalled at the pelican pond so that water from the creek can be 

 used; and the gap in the boundary fence along the southern border 

 of the park was closed by a new wire fence. 



At the close of the year considerable progress had been made in 

 a complete rebuilding of the old wolf yards and fox dens below the 

 sea-lion pool. 



ALTERATIONS OF BOUNDARIES. 



There is available for the purchase of a narrow strip of land near 

 the Adams Mill Road entrance, between the present park boundary 

 and Adams Mill Road, $4,903.66. On March 24, 1921, the atten- 

 tion of the Secretary of the Treasury was called to the provisions 

 of the sundry civil act relating to the purchase of this land. The 

 matter was referred to the United States attorney's office, and, the 

 owners having declined to sell within the limits set by the act for 

 purchase hj agreement, steps were taken toward the institution of 

 proceedings of condemnation. During the past year no further 

 progress has been reported. 



