7 
of which classes of animals our own country is peculiarly 
rich. The building in its present condition is so unsuited 
to the purpose that an almost total neglect of that interest- 
ing branch of zoology has been necessitated. 
Plans have been prepared and adopted by the Board, 
having in view the erection of wings on two sides of the 
present structure, each measuring thirty- two feet in width 
and twenty-four in depth, of such construction as to be 
simply modified hothouses in winter, and affording condi- 
tions of light, heat, and moisture which will admit of the 
exhibition of specimens in cages containing their natural 
surroundings of plants and shrubs — such conditions being 
those most necessary to the life of the animal, and at 
the same time giving to the interior more the appearance 
of a conservatory than of a reptile house. Although the 
estimated cost of this improvement is somewhat less than 
$5000, that amount cannot at present be spared from the 
income of the Society, and unless forthcoming from outside 
sources the work will have to be indefinitely delayed, al- 
though it seems certain, from the experience of zoological 
gardens elsewhere, that an extensive and properly displayed 
collection of these animals would materially increase the 
patronage of the Garden. 
The Board has to announce with regret the loss of two of 
its members by death. Mr. Henry Lewis, one of the vice- 
presidents, and Mr. Joseph E. Temple, one of the directors. 
The following is a report, in detail, of the admissions and 
receipts for the year : — 
Adults (paying twenty-five cents at gates) .... 108,167 
Children (paying ten cents at gates) 32,870 
Members (including Life and Annual Members, 
loan-holders' annual, and complimentary annual 
tickets) 2,123 
Loan-holders' single tickets 29,257 
Free admissions (charitable institutions, donors' 
tickets, &c.) 2,413 
Coupon tickets 5,557 
Excursion tickets 15,647 
196,034 
