22 
A number of the South American Boas, purchased in Sep- 
tember, with several which liad previously been in the Garden, 
have died during the winter from disease showing a diptheretic 
condition of the alimentary canal, and which there is some 
reason to believe is contagious in its nature. Several modes of 
treatment have been applied with no avail, and as destruction 
of tissue may proceed to a considerable extent in the lower 
classes of vertebrates without evident impairment of the vital 
powers, it appears probable that in these animals, before the 
symptoms of disease become apparent, it has progressed so far 
that medical treatment is useless. 
A number of carcases of animals which have died in the 
Menagerie have been purchased by various scientific institutions 
and individuals, and others have been deposited in the museums 
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the 
University of Pennsylvania. 
During the spring and early part of the summer, the large 
Indian Elephant was put in a course of training and was daily 
exercised at carrying passengers in a howdaii on her back. 
This means of diversion was opened to the public on the 23d of 
July and continued daily as long as the season permitted. As 
had been anticipated, it became extremely popular with all classes 
of visitors and furnished a small source of revenue to the Society. 
With the exception of such current repairs as have been 
urgently required, and a small amount of grading towards the 
south and eastern end of the grounds, no work has been under- 
taken at the Garden. 
Accompanying my report will be found a complete list of the 
additions to the Menagerie from all sources during the year. 
Respectfully, 
ARTHUR E. BROWN, 
Superintendent. 
Zoological Gakden, March 1st, 1880. 
