27 
to its ability to supply factors favorable to growth, 
nutrition and reproduction; attention was also given 
to the changes necessary to make a satisfactory and ade- 
quate diet. 
Investigation revealed that in so far as calories, fats 
and carbohydrates were considered, the food was 
satisfactory, while it was poor both qualitatively and 
quantitatively in proteins, especially those containing 
phosphorus. Vitamine A was low, while Vitamine B was 
about correct. The mineral ash was insufficient, acid 
in reaction and improperly balanced, chemical analyses 
showing high magnesium, sulphur and potassium while 
sodium and iron were low and calcium and phosphorus 
very low. This indicates a distinctly acid diet which 
would make a drain upon the alkalies of the body, no 
provision for which is made in the food. These results 
are in accord with the chemical and practical tests of 
Steinbok, Ettiene and of Voit. It is however curious 
that Cebidse are more affected than other monkey 
families, a fact that can be explained only on the assump- 
tion that their basal salt metabolism is peculiar, since 
Macaques, fed upon the same diet, do not develop 
osteomalacia, or it would appear that incorrect diet is 
not the only factor in the causation of the disease but, 
in cases where salt chemistry is easily unbalanced, may 
predispose to it. 
Dr. Weidman's report on Animal Parasites. 
This year the number of animals showing parasites 
at autopsy has been about the same, expressed in per- 
centages, as in previous years, i. e., 11 per cent. 
Hookworms were found only once this year, in an ocelot 
(Felis chinigonazon) (No. 5104). It has been customary 
for us to find at least several cases every year, mostly in 
the canidae and felidae, and then rarely scattering as far 
out in the animal kingdom as the sea-lions and the giraffe. 
Sarcoptes mutanSf an itch-mite, has been demon- 
strated by Dr. Corson-White on the skin of a case of 
scaly leg'' in a pheasant (Phasianus torquatus) (No. 
5107). 
