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While the amount expended during the year for animals 
was greater than usual, the increase was more than offset 
by the sale of duplicate specimens, most of which were bred 
in the Garden. 
The cost and difficulty of obtaining representative living 
animals is becoming greater every year. This is due not 
only to the general tendency towards higher prices and to 
depleted sources of supply, but to legislation, both here and 
abroad, for the protection and conservation of wild life, 
and to the stringent regulations of our Government to pre- 
vent the introduction of disease by imported animals. 
By curtaihng the running expenses of the Garden in its 
executive department and the strictest economy in other 
directions the Society was enabled to make a number of 
permanent improvements and to repair and improve some 
of the older buildings. 
A cage for the Alaska Bears was constructed with ele- 
vated rockwork at the back, well suited for the display of 
these magnificent animals. 
The Monkey House was greatly improved by the addi- 
tion of a skylight, over the back of the cages, and diffusing 
and ventilating sash. It is now one of the best lighted and 
ventilated buildings in the Garden. A useful addition to 
the cage equipment of this building was made by the con- 
struction of six cages for small and delicate species. 
Part of the carriage shed which, since the advent of the 
automobile, has served no useful purpose, was changed into 
a much-needed storage house. 
The old music pavilion was altered into an outdoor cage 
for monkeys and has proved to be admirably suited for the 
purpose. 
With the object of displaying the American porcupine to 
better advantage than is possible in an ordinary cage, a 
large crabapple tree was cut down and erected in a desir- 
able location and surrounded by a fence with an overhang 
to prevent escape. The exhibition of porcupines in this 
cage has been so successful that other native animals will 
be shown in a similar manner. 
All of the snake cases and tables in the west wing of the 
