22 
the specimens contained in it being of sufficient variety to 
give a comprehensive idea of the four liigher classes of ver- 
tebrates. Some of the larger groups are exceptionally well 
represented. The series of monkeys is large, and contains 
a number of species rarely seen in captivity, as well as six 
specimens belonging to the little-known group of lemurs, 
which have been })reviously referred to. These will all be 
shortly placed in the vacant chimpanzee cage, where they 
will be shown to better advantage than in the monkey 
house, and where it is hoped the black lemurs may be in- 
duced to breed. The collection of parrots is also worthy of 
special attention, and contains nearly fifty species. 
Among reptiles, the display of the larger serpents, belong- 
ing to the Pythonidx and Boidas is noteworthy, and arrange- 
ments have been made which, during the coming summer, 
will, it is hoped, result in an extensive collection of 
North American forms in all branches of this class, as 
well as among amphibians. 
Aside from needed improvements in the lighting and 
ventilation of some of the older buildings and extensions 
which are recj^uired in some cases, to meet the increasing 
needs of the collection, considerable alteration is greatly to 
be desired to many of the out-door enclosures. It should 
be an object constantly in view in ever}^ zoological garden, 
to represent in the surroundings of each animal, the condi- 
tions of its life under nature, with as much faithfulness as- 
is possible under the limitations of captivity — not alone for 
the benefit in health conferred upon the animal itself, but 
also for that resulting from the improved means of study 
off'ered to the observer. Somewhat of this has already been 
accomplished in our garden, notably and with success in 
the cases for tree-climbing snakes in the new reptile house. 
But improvements of this nature, to be worthily done, in- 
volve a considerable expenditure of money, and it is to be 
regretted that the limited income of the last few years has 
provided for little beyond the actual and urgent necessities 
of maintenance. Wherever repairs are needed, however, 
this object is aimed at, and with time may be measurably 
realized throughout the Garden. 
