15 
The additions to the collection for the past year are 
slightly in excess of the year preceding, especially in the 
number of birds, which, being distributed in the new aviary 
and on the lake, present a decided and very handsome ex- 
hibit in this branch. 
A number of them being exhibited for the first time are 
deserving of mention. 
Early in March there was received by purchase a num- 
ber of pelicans, among which were specimens of the crested 
(P. crispus) and the white (P. onocrotalus), both from the 
Mediterranean, the latter being a bird of remarkable 
beauty. 
In April the society received from Hamburg a variety of 
snakes, chief among which were two two-lined pythons (P. 
bivittatus), and three West African pythons (P. sebse). These 
have improved materially since their arrival, and are now 
feeding freely and regularly. At the same time there was 
secured a fine Bengal tigress, which, with the male, pre- 
sents a pair of these interesting animals. 
There arrived in New York early in May six specimens 
of the sea elephant or elephant seal, which were immedi- 
ately purchased, being the only ones ever captured alive for 
exhibition purposes. They attracted universal attention, and 
afford a comparison with their close neighbors, the hair 
seals. 
Two greater vasa parrots were purchased at the same 
time. The dusky plumage of these birds affords a vivid 
contrast with their more brilliant feathered companions. 
A hooded seal, which was captured near South Amboy, 
New Jersey, was received in June, but from the rough 
handling it received in securing it, lived but a short time.. 
There was also acquired during this month a Tamandua 
ant-eater, a pair of cassowaries, and a specimen of the 
Peruvian thicknee. 
A sulphur-breasted toucan, was purchased in July, which . 
affords a pleasing contrast with those already in the aviary, 
and the population of the prairie dog village was increased 
by the arrival of twenty-three direct from the plains. 
