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most zoological collections formed upon a large scale. In 
many groups, as in parrots among birds, and in reptiles of 
sluggish habit, it has not been found that cages, rela- 
tively extravagant both in space and cost, have added ob- 
servably to health or longevity ; in fact, with parrots, the 
best results have been reached in cages too small to induce 
the attempt to fly. On the side of the public, it is believed 
that both interest and instruction are better served by 
placing each species in a separate cage, than by mixing to- 
gether in larger inclosures, a number of different kinds 
which it is practically impossible for the uninstructed visitor 
to identify. 
Through the interest of a generous patron of the Gardens, 
means were provided for converting the upper portion of 
the stream in rear of the deer park, into a pond for otter, 
which has proved to be one of the most attractive features 
of the collection. At the lower end of the same stream, ad- 
joining the beaver, another inclosure has been made for 
wood ducks. 
Nearly all of the older buildings and enclosures were re- 
paired and painted, leaving no great amount of such work 
to be done during the coming year. 
The appropriation of §2500 for permanent improvements, 
made by the City Councils, through the Commissioners of 
Fairmount Park, was expended in renewing asphalt walks. 
The great extent of these paths, most of which were laid 
twenty-five years ago, now creates the necessity of a con- 
iderable outlay for repairs, compensation for which may 
perhaps be found in the fact that, so far as is known, in no 
other zoological garden is the public provided with walks 
clean and dry at all seasons. 
On a general review, it may be said that at no previous 
time have the Gardens possessed equal facilities for the dis- 
play of the collections, and it has rarely happened that the 
collections themselves have been more extensive or import- 
ant. This is especially true of small mammals, birds, and 
reptiles, although the second group was of necessity much 
scattered during the progress of the work at the Aviary, 
which occupied nearly the whole summer. 
