THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN 



437 



Fig. 3. Scene inside of Flyixg-cage. 



Some of the paddocks for deer, moose, caribou and the like are as 

 fine as can be found anywhere in the world, and the animals inhabiting 

 them are probably as contented and certainly as comfortable as their 

 relatives enjoying their freedom in their native wilds. One of my pic- 

 tures (Fig. 4) gives a view of one of these paddocks in which deer are 

 confined; it is just this side of the flying-cage, which may distinctly be 

 seen through the trees in the background. There is a beautiful bunch 

 of deer in sight, and it is easy to recognize the ideal conditions under 

 which these elegant animals are kept. Even the skeleton wire-fence 

 which surrounds their paddock fails to mar the general effect of the 

 naturalness of the locality, which is greatly enhanced by the attitudes 

 assumed by the deer, each being the very exemplification of alertness 

 and curiosity as to the intentions of the photographer. 



All the animals at the park, however, are by no means living under 

 such ideal conditions ; in fact, the lives led by some — altogether too many 

 of them — are fit subjects for the action of the Society for the Preven- 

 tion of Cruelty to Animals, and it is only a short time ago that the sec- 

 retary of the Smithsonian Institution was compelled to print in his an- 

 nual report that 



It has been possible to make some needed improvements in the roadways 

 of the park during the year, but many of the buildings are almost falling 

 down. The need of means to put a permanent shelter over the animals can not 

 be overstated. Mention has already been made in this relation of the aquarium 

 building, which consists of a literal barn, and which was brought here until 

 Congress could provide a special one; but although several years have elapsed, 

 none has yet been provided. The elephant house, a small wooden shed, put up 



