The Fallow Deer, (Dama vulgaris), is the type of a distinct group of deer which are distinguished by the possession of antlers widely palmated throughout the upper half of the beam. In some old Fallow bucks the antlers are quite moose-like, and give this small deer an imposing appearance far out of proportion to its actual size. The weight of a large buck in prime condition generally is between 180 and 200 pounds, and its shoulder height is between 36 and 40 inches. The largest antlers recorded by Mr. J. G. Millais, in his beautiful work on “The British Deer,” measured 29½ inches in length, 28½ inches spread, width of palmation 8 inches, and the number of points 14. The extinct Irish elk, with the most colossal antlers ever carried by a cervine animal, was a near relative of the two living species of Fallow Deer.

Although a native of northern Africa and the north shore of the Mediterranean, the Fallow Deer was acclimatized in England and northern Europe so long ago that the exact date records of the event have disappeared, and the species is now at home in very many European forests and game preserves. The deer parks in England possess many fine herds, but they sometimes exhibit one unfortunate result of long breeding in a semi-domesticated state—departure from the original type.

The typical Fallow Deer is in winter very dark brown, with light brown legs and under parts, and in summer light red with white spots—quite like the axis. From this standard, the variations run from pure white through the color of the wild type to jet black.

The fine herd in the Zoological Park is the gift of Mr. William Rockefeller. Six of its original members came from the donor’s herd at Greenwich, Connecticut, and six were purchased from one of the imperial parks of Russia, by consent of the Czar, and represent the most hardy stock obtainable.

The Burmese, or Eld Deer, (Cervus eldi), also known as the Brow-Antler Deer, is one of the rarest species to be seen in captivity. Living specimens are acquired only through special expeditions to northern Burma. Its most characteristic feature is the antlers of the male, which sends forward a very long and almost straight brow tine, while the main beam sweeps backward in the opposite direction, and describes a full semicircle. The antlers are both very heavy and long for the size of the animal. The specimens shown here, which are breeding satisfactorily, are the gift of Mr. William Rockefeller.

The Barasingha Deer, (Cervus duvauceli), also called the Swamp Deer, is to India what the mule deer is to North America. To my mind, the antlers of the former always suggests the latter species, and in size the two species are much alike. In summer the coat of the Barasingha is of a beautiful golden-yellow color, conspicuous from afar, and the antlers of old males reach a length of from 35 to 41 inches, with three bifurcations on each beam. The antlers sometimes are shed and renewed twice in twelve months. With us this species breeds very regularly, and the offspring mature well.

The Altai Wapiti, (Cervus canadensis asiaticus), is, in all probability, the parent stock of our American elk, but it happens to be a fact that our species was the first to be discovered by systematic zoologists, and described. To all visitors who are interested in deer, the Altai Wapiti—and also the Tashkent Wapiti—are a constant source of wonder, because of their well-nigh perfect similarity in all points to our own wapiti, or American elk. Our Asiatic wapiti are exhibited in ranges connecting with the western rooms of the Asiatic Deer House, where they have bred twice, and produced two fine fawns. In the rutting season the males are very cross and dangerous. They are hardy, and require no heat in winter.

The Indian Sambar, (Cervus unicolor), always suggests a tropical understudy of the Altai wapiti, clad with thin, coarse, bristly hair, and with shorter and smaller antlers, and a bristly mane all over the neck. Each antler possesses three points, only. Of all the Old World Cervidae, this species most nearly approaches the size of the Altai and Tashkent wapiti. It inhabits the hill forests of India, and in Burma, Siam and farther south it is replaced by the next species.

The Malay Sambar, (Cervus equinus), also called—most inappropriately—the “Horse-Tailed Deer,” very strongly resembles the preceding species, except that the bristly mane of the former is generally absent. The antlers of this species are shorter, also, but very thick in proportion to their length. The Malay Sambar is confined to the Malay Peninsula and the countries immediately above, and Borneo and Sumatra.

This species possesses many admirable qualities, and it might be introduced to advantage in our southern states. It is very even-tempered and sensible, easily handled, is a vigorous feeder, breeds persistently, and matures very rapidly; but in every New York winter, it requires some heat in its barn.

The Maral Deer, (Cervus maral), is in appearance like an extra large red deer or a small elk. It is a midway member of the Wapiti group, which extends in a somewhat broken chain from Colorado, northward across Bering Strait to Asia, and thence across Asia and Europe to Scotland. We have owned a fine pair of Maral Deer, from the Caucasus district, but they have failed to breed as expected.

The European Red Deer, (Cervus elaphus), is an understudy of the American elk, which it much resembles in form and in habits. Next to the elk it is the finest living deer, and for many generations has held its own against the dangers of in-breeding. In the parks and forest preserves of Great Britain and Europe, it exists abundantly, but only as private property, subject to the guns of the owner and his friends. This species has been successfully crossed with the American elk.

Other Asiatic Deer will be found in the Small-Deer House, in the southern end of the Park.

THE LION HOUSE, No. 15.

As a spectacle of captive animal life, there is none more inspiring than a spacious, well-lighted and finely-appointed lion house, filled with a collection of the world’s greatest and handsomest wild beasts. To build an ideal lion house, and to fill it with a first-class collection of large felines, are matters involving no little time and much money; but the sight,—for the millions of visitors,—of lions, tigers, jaguars, pumas, leopards, cheetahs, black leopards, snow leopards and clouded leopards, all under one roof, surely is worth what it costs.

The Lion House of the Zoological Park was completed, excepting a few minor details, early in the year 1903, and was formally opened to the public in February. It is 244 feet long, 115 feet wide, including the outdoor cages, and its cost when completed reached $150,000. The materials of the building are the same kind as those used in the Reptile House and Primate House, but the animal sculptures, all by Mr. Eli Harvey, are more abundant and conspicuous than on any other structure erected heretofore. The building contains 13 indoor cages, and 9 outdoor cages, and between the two there is free communication. The sizes of the various cages are as follows:

Interior cages: Largest, 14 feet wide, 22 feet deep; smallest, 13 feet wide, 14 feet high.

Exterior cages: two end cages, 40×44 feet, 17 feet high; central cage, 40 feet square, 14 feet high; smallest, 13 feet wide, 12 feet deep, 13 feet high.

Excepting for the single fact of having interior and exterior cages, the Lion House of the Zoological Park is—like the Primate House—an entirely original development. Its most important new features are as follows:

All cage service, the introducing and withdrawal of animals, is conducted from the rear, by means of a track underneath the sleeping dens, and an elevating platform car.

The communication between indoor and outdoor cages is direct and continuous.

Instead of upright iron bars, all the cage fronts are of hard-steel wire netting, in rectangular pattern, attached to wrought iron frames. This is considered by the Zoological Society a great improvement upon the heavy bar-work hitherto in universal use for cage fronts in lion houses.

The space above the sleeping dens has been developed as a sunlit balcony, whereon the animals will be very conspicuous, even to large crowds of visitors.

Jungle-green tiling, impervious to moisture and dirt, is used as a back-ground for the animals.

The Lion is an animal of perpetual interest, but like every other noteworthy wild animal, its haunts are constantly being claimed by civilization, and its members are rapidly decreasing. It is not a difficult matter to exterminate or drive out from a given territory any large and conspicuous quadruped, and at the present rate of settlement and industrial development in Africa, it may easily come to pass that by the end of the present century, the king of beasts will be without a home, outside of zoological collections.

Like everything great, the Lion has his share of critics and detractors. A few writers have asserted that because he does not stalk through his native forests with head proudly erect, like a drum-major on parade, he is mean-spirited and cowardly. But the beast of noble countenance believes in the survival of the fittest, and both by inheritance and observation he knows that a lion who needlessly exposes himself in the field captures the smallest amount of game, and attracts the greatest number of steel-tipped bullets.

Although Lions vary greatly in their color, and in the length of the mane, it is conceded by naturalists that only one species exists. In the same district and under precisely similar conditions are found short-maned and long-maned individuals, and all shades of color from tawny yellow to dark brown. The present geographic range of the species is from Southern Rhodesia to Persia and northwestern India, but in northern Egypt there is a large extent of territory which is lionless.

By reason of his heavy mane and massive countenance, supported by the grandest roar that issues from throat of beast, the Lion appears to be a larger animal than he really is. It is yet an unsettled question whether it exceeds the tiger in length, height or weight, and it is certainly true that in point of size these two species are very evenly matched.

In captivity, the Lion is reasonably contented, and under good conditions breeds readily, and lives a goodly number of years.

The Siberian Tiger.—Strange to say, the tiger ranges far to the northward of its proper home in Hindustan, even to Corea, Manchuria and Russian Siberia. In those cold regions the tiger grows to its greatest size, and is clothed with a dense coat of long and shaggy hair. In collections, the great northern tigers are the most highly prized. The Zoological Park has recently acquired from East Siberia two fine young specimens, born early in 1909, and all the year round they inhabit the great northern outdoor cage attached to the Lion House. It is a strange sight to see tigers living outdoors in winter in New York.

The Tiger will be found upon the earth long after the lion has disappeared. He is a far better hider, a more skillful hunter, less given to taking foolish risks, and he does not advertise his presence and invite his enemies by the bombastic roaring in which the lion delights to indulge. The Tiger is an animal of serious mind, and he attends strictly to business. A lion will stalk out into the open, in broad day, but the Tiger sticks closely to cover until the friendly darkness renders it safe to roam abroad.

Despite the density of the population of India, and the omnipresence of sahibs with rifles of large caliber, the Tiger still inhabits all India from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Burma, Siam, and certain portions of China up to the region of snows. Corean and Siberian Tigers are much sought after by zoological gardens, partly on account of their size, and also because they are so hardy they are able to live out doors all winter in the temperate zone. The Tiger is not found in Africa, nor in any country westward of India.

The maximum length attained by this animal, head, body and tail, is 10 feet 2 inches. A very large specimen killed by Dr. Hornaday measured 9 feet 8½ inches in length, stood 3 feet 7 inches high at the shoulders, and weighed, on the scales, 495 pounds. In India, Tigers are classed according to their habits, as “game-killers,” “cattle-lifters,” or “man-eaters.” Fortunately, in comparison with the total number of these animals, the latter are few and far between.

Of yellow-coated felines, The Jaguar, (Felis onca), is next in size to the tiger. In South America, it is almost universally called “El Tigre” (pronounced Te’-gre), which is Spanish for tiger. Comparatively few Americans are aware that this superb animal belongs in the fauna of the United States, but such is the fact. The northern limit of its distribution is found in southern Texas, where it still exists in small numbers. In South America it extends to Patagonia.

The Jaguar is a stocky, heavily-built animal, with a massive head and powerful forearm. It is a good climber, and many wonderful stories of its strength have been told and printed. Among leopards of all kinds it can always be identified by the great size of the black rosettes on its body, as well as by its heavy build.

The splendid male specimen, named “Senor Lopez,” in honor of a former President of Paraguay, was the first to arrive for the new Lion House. It was captured in August, 1901, in the wilds of central Paraguay, expressly for us, through the efforts of Mr. William Mill Butler, of Philadelphia, and by him presented to the Zoological Park. After a long journey in small river craft, in a flimsy wooden cage that several times came near collapsing, the animal reached Asuncion, was taken to Liverpool by Mr. Butler, and finally reached New York.

The Leopard, (Felis pardus), is fourth in size from the lion, and is distinguished from the jaguar by smaller spots and less powerful form. It inhabits both Asia and Africa, from Japan to Cape Colony. While the species is regarded as the same throughout that vast extent of territory, it is undoubtedly true that the Leopards of Africa have smaller spots and more intense coloring than those of Asia. The maximum size for this species is a total length of 8 feet, which is attained only by a very large animal, with a long tail.

Naturally, the Leopard preys upon smaller animals than those most sought by the lion and tiger. It prefers small antelopes, and young animals generally, goats and sheep. When pursued, it is very skilful in hiding, and will shelter in brushy cover until fairly beaten out.

The Black Leopard is the most ill-tempered of all feline animals—perpetually snarling and growling, and seeking to do some one an injury. Naturalists regard it as of the same species as the common leopard, (Felis pardus), despite the fact that it is found only in southeastern Asia, and both in appearance and disposition is totally different from the typical pardus. With but few exceptions, the world’s supply of Black Leopards comes from Singapore.

The Cheetah, or Hunting Leopard, (Cynaelurus jubatus), is marked by its long legs, slender body, small head, small spots, and claws that are only partially retractile. Its structure suggests that of the dogs. It is distributed very irregularly through portions of Africa and southern Asia, and is by no means a common animal like the leopard and tiger.

In central India, this animal is trained to hunt the sasin antelope, a form of sport indulged in chiefly by native rajahs. The Cheetah takes kindly to captivity, and permits handling to an extent quite unknown with other large felines. Its keepers place the animal upon an open cart, blindfold it, and then drive to within 200 yards of a herd of antelope. At the point of nearest possible approach, the hood is removed, and the animal is set free. Leaping to the ground, the Cheetah stalks the herd of antelope as closely as possible, then makes a sudden rush forward, and endeavors to seize a victim. If successful, the animal is pulled down and killed. If not, the Cheetah sullenly retires, and again places itself in the hands of its friends.

The Snow Leopard, or Ounce, (Felis uncia), is the rarest, and also one of the most beautiful of all the large felines. It inhabits the high plateau of central Asia from the Himalayas to the Altai Mountains of Mongolia, above 9,000 feet. It is the neighbor of the Marco Polo sheep, the giant-horned argali, and the Siberian ibex. In its home country, this creature is sufficiently numerous that 2,000 tanned skins sometimes reach Shanghai in a single year, but owing to its great distance from railways and sea, not more than fifteen or twenty specimens have reached the zoological gardens of Europe and America. Some individuals are good-natured and playful, but others are morose.

The Puma, or Mountain Lion, (Felis concolor), is the most widely-known feline in North America. At present it is at home in Florida, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, and all the states westward thereof. Southward it inhabits Mexico and Central America, and ranges through South America quite down to southern Patagonia. It attains its maximum size (8 feet in length, weight 225 pounds) in Colorado, where it appears to be more numerous than in any other state. In Routt County it is hunted very successfully with dogs. When pursued, it is compelled to take refuge in a low tree, in which it can be photographed or shot without danger.

Despite the numerous thrilling stories that have been written and published about the dangerous doings of this animal, it is by no means really dangerous to man. No Puma holding an option on a safe line of retreat ever stops to fight a man.

The Puma was formed for agility rather than strength. It swims well, and it is the most agile climber of all the large felines. The head of this animal is particularly beautiful, and its temper in captivity is entirely satisfactory. The first specimen of this species to enter the Zoological Park came from Peru, as a gift from Mr. Joseph P. Grace, and during the years 1901 and 1902 it lived out doors, constantly, in the Puma House (No. 33A), where its health was excellent.

THE SEA-LIONS, No. 12.

Of all animals which find permanent homes in zoological gardens and parks, very few afford the public more constant entertainment than Sea-Lions. They are delightfully active, and in one way or another—diving, swimming, climbing or hopping about—are nearly always “showing off.” No one within a quarter of a mile of their pool need inquire where they are, for their loud and cheerful “Hook! hook! hook,” is heard far and wide, and draws visitors like a magnet.

The Sea-Lion Pool is situated about in the center of Baird Court.

The California Sea-Lion, or “Barking Sea-Lion,” (Zalophus californianus), is the species most easily caught alive, and the one usually seen in captivity. Its home is the coast of California, but it is said to enter the Sacramento River and travel upward for a considerable distance in pursuit of spawning salmon. Comparatively few Sea-Lions are now found on the mainland coast of California. On the United States Light-House reservations their slaughter is prohibited by the Light-House Board.

The California Sea-Lion is very similar in size, and, leaving the old males out of consideration, it is almost the exact counterpart in form of that apple of perpetual international discord—the Alaskan “fur seal.” The unfortunate fact that the latter animal has become known as a “seal,” has caused much confusion in people’s minds regarding the classification of pinnipeds (fin-footed animals) generally. For this reason, it is proper to observe at this point that:

Sea-Lions have flat, triangular, naked front flippers, without claws; they have long necks, and carry their heads high. There are nine species, of which the so-called “fur seal” is one.

Seals always have short and stubby front flippers, which are covered with hair, and provided with claws. In most species the hair is coarse and valueless. The seal has a very short neck and by reason of the weakness of its front flippers, it is not nearly so active nor so interesting as the sea-lion.

The Atlantic Walrus inhabits the arctic regions between America and Europe, and it is estimated that not more than ten specimens ever have been exhibited in captivity. Because of their unusual feeding habits, Walruses are very difficult to keep alive. Their standard food is clams; and frequently clams are very difficult to obtain. The Atlantic Walrus grows to great size, probably exceeding 4,000 pounds in weight. The specimen exhibited in the rocky pool near the Reptile House was presented by Mr. Paul J. Rainey, in 1911, and has thriven continuously ever since its arrival. It was captured in Kane Basin, north of Baffin’s Bay.

The Harbor Seal, (Phoca vitulina), is the species common along our Atlantic coast, and since it serves so well as a type of hair seals, or true seals, it will occasionally be shown in the Park. In comparison with the active and vivacious sea-lion, it is a tame and rather uninteresting creature; but neither has any commercial value, save for the purposes of exhibition when alive.

THE PRIMATE HOUSE, No. 17.

The Primates are the four-handed animals belonging to the zoological order called by that name, which includes man, the anthropoid apes both great and small, the baboons, monkeys and lemurs. The word “monkey” is by no means sufficiently comprehensive to embrace all these forms. Were it otherwise, this building would be called, officially, the Monkey House.

The Primates include the creatures which stand nearest to man in the zoological scale, and in interest to all classes of humanity they stand above all others. There is no intelligent person, civilized or savage, to whom the humanlikeness of apes and monkeys does not appeal. On the other hand, some of the baboons are in feature and temper so thoroughly beast-like, their diabolism is almost as fascinating as the man-like character of the great apes. The variety of forms in the Order Primates, and the wide differences between the various groups, imperatively demand, for the proper representation of this Order, a large collection.

The Primate House was erected in 1901, at a cost of $65,000, and opened to the public on December 22d, of that year. It is 162 feet in length, 74 feet in width, contains 16 large interior cages, 22 small cages, and 11 exterior cages, two of which are of great size. The points of special excellence in this building are as follows: An abundance of room for the animals, an abundance of sunlight, perfect ventilation, an extensive series of open-air cages, freedom of communication between outside and inside cages, floors and walls impervious to moisture and disease germs, and the absence of iron bars from all cages save three.

During the months of mild weather, all the inmates of the large interior cages occupy, at will, corresponding cages in the outdoor series. It is also intended that certain hardy species of baboons, and the red-faced monkey of Japan, shall be provided with comfortable sleeping quarters and live outdoors, every winter. It is believed that they can do this, not only with comfort, but with great physical benefit.

For general convenience, and the promotion of a universal understanding of the primates, we propose to set them forth in four groups, a subdivision strictly according to Nature, readily comprehended, and easily remembered They are as follows, with typical examples of each:

Nearly all the above-named species are now living in the Primate House, besides which there are many others. So far as the available supply of captive primates will permit, these typical species will constantly be kept on exhibition, together with many others equally interesting. In this small volume it is possible to notice only the most important forms.

The Gorilla, (Gorilla savagei), of equatorial West Africa, is the largest and ugliest of the great apes, walks erect, and in form of body and limbs, it most resembles man. Its brain, however, is less man-like than that of the chimpanzee and orang-utan. It is very rarely seen in captivity. The only specimen which up to 1911 had reached America alive lived but five days after its arrival. Despite the fact that these creatures seldom live in captivity longer than a few months, they are always being sought by zoological gardens. The agents of the New York Zoological Society are constantly on the watch for an opportunity to procure and send hither a good specimen of this wonderful creature; and whenever one arrives, all persons interested are advised to see it immediately,—before it dies of sullenness, lack of exercise, and indigestion.

The Orang-Utan is intellectually superior to the gorilla, and is equalled only by the chimpanzee. Unfortunately, as a rule, none of the great apes are long-lived in captivity, and in zoological gardens they come and go. For this reason, it is seldom that an adult specimen, 4 feet in height, and weighing 150 pounds, is seen in captivity. Among other apes, the Orang-Utan is readily recognized by its brown skin, red hair and small ears.

In disposition this creature is naturally docile and affectionate. It is fond of the society of human beings, takes to training with wonderful readiness and success, and young specimens can easily be taught to wear clothes, sit at table, and eat with spoon and fork. In the summer of 1911, the daily open-air exhibition of nine apes dining at 4 o’clock on an elevated platform in the large outside cage at the Primate House, will long be remembered by the crowds of visitors who saw it. Such exhibitions are entirely germane to the educational purposes of a zoological garden or park, for they illustrate the mentality of animals and their wonderful likeness to man, far more forcibly than the best printed statements.

The north hall of the Primate House is specially intended for the anthropoid apes, and it is not likely that any lengthy periods will elapse during which it contains neither orang-utans nor chimpanzees.

The Chimpanzee, (Anthropopithecus calvus), of equatorial Africa from the west coast to the central lake region, is quite as common in captivity as the orang-utan. Both structurally and mentally this animal is very much like the orang-utan, and for keenness of intellect and susceptibility to training, it is second to none of the animals lower than man. A Chimpanzee is easily recognized by its black hair and large ears. There are two or three species.

The Gibbon shows off to poor advantage in a cage, but in the tree-tops it is a wonderful creature. It is like a long-armed skeleton clothed with skin and hair, animated by the spirit of an Ariel. In its home in the jungles of Borneo and southeastern Asia, it dwells in hilly forests, and never descends to the earth. When attacked, it flees down-hill, if possible, and it seems actually to fly through the tree-tops. It boldly flings itself forward through space, grasps with its hands the first available branch, swings underneath, feet foremost, and after another flight presently catches with its feet, thus actually making revolutions as it goes. Its progress is so swift and so silent that successful pursuit is impossible to any enemy not provided with wings.

This animal is naturally very timid, but does not hesitate to expose itself to mortal danger when its young are in distress. In captivity gibbons are shy and nervous, and take life very seriously.

Old-World Monkeys.

The Baboons have been specially designed by Nature for life upon the ground, surrounded by dangerous enemies. But for their big canine teeth, their fierce tempers and bull-dog courage, backed by a fine combination of strength and agility, the lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals of Africa would have exterminated them all, ages ago. They were not formed to become hand-organ beasts of burden, nor even companions to man, but rather to fight off their enemies, and bluff even the king of beasts when occasion requires. In captivity, their strength and ferocity always inspires respect, and sometimes genuine terror. At all times they require to be treated as dangerous animals.

Of the various species of baboons on exhibition in the Primate House, the full-grown Mandrill is the most interesting, and wonderful. It seems like an animal not of this earth, and reminds the visitor of one of the great beasts of the visions of St. John the Divine. The home of this species is in West Africa, and it is found from Senegambia to the Congo. The long shaggy hair, lion-like appearance, the peculiar color markings of the face, and the indescribable grimaces, instantly fix the attention of every visitor.

The Hamadryas Baboon, with long side whiskers and cape of long hair, is one of the handsomest animals of this group. Its explosive, ear-racking cry is almost as startling to visitors as a cannon-shot.

The Golden Baboon has the liveliest disposition and the best temper possessed by any baboon. Young specimens are full of good-natured mischief, and are much given to hectoring their cage-mates. The Long-Armed Yellow Baboon is quite at home in the Primate House, and has bred here. It is a good species to keep in captivity.

The Group of Old World Monkeys, in addition to the baboons, contains several species worthy of special remark. There are some which have tails so very short and insignificant that they seem to be tailless, and several of them are called “apes.” They are not true anthropoids (manlike apes), however, and it is a confusing error to designate any of them as “apes.” The species referred to are the following:

The Black “Ape,” of Celebes, exceedingly like a true baboon.

The Magot, or Barbary “Ape,” of North Africa and Gibraltar, which is a true macaque.

The Japanese Red-Faced Monkey, another macaque, with a brilliant red face, and long, thick coat of hair, which enables it to live out of doors all winter, even in this Zoological Park.

The Pig-Tailed Monkey, several species of which are found in Burma and other portions of southeastern Asia.

All the above are on exhibition in the Primate House, and the outdoor cages.

The Rhesus Monkey, of India, is one of the sacred species, and ages of immunity from molestation, or even wholesome discipline, have made this animal aggressive and domineering in temper.

The Bonneted Macaque is the best-tempered monkey of all the monkey species found in the East Indies, and it is by far the best to keep as a pet.

The Entellus Monkey, of India, is also a sacred species, and its natural seriousness of manner, and dignified bearing, quite befit the direct descendants of the original Hunuman, or monkey deity of the Hindoos, who helped to build Adam’s Bridge.

Of the many African monkeys, some of the most showy (such as the Guerzas and Colobos) are so difficult to procure they can not be set forth as permanent residents in the Primate House. The following species, however, may be classed with the reliables:

The White-Collared Mangabey and Sooty Mangabey are both so lively, so good-natured, and so free from the fighting habit, they are prime favorites with everybody.

The Mona Monkey is handsome and easily kept, and an excellent representative of the great African genus Cercopithecus.

The Green Monkey and the Vervet are lively but quarrelsome, and at times become dangerous. The Patas, or Red Monkey, is very sedate, and makes a good cage-mate for the mona.

The New World Monkeys, even at their best, never make a strong showing in a vivarium. The trouble is that many of the most interesting species are so delicate it is impossible to keep them alive in captivity. Fame awaits the man who can discover a bill of fare on which Howling Monkeys, Sakis and Yarkees can live in captivity to old age, and repay their cost and care. Their digestive organs are delicate, and are subject to derangement from causes so slight they can not be reckoned with.

The Sapajous are the hardiest, the most intelligent and in some respects the most interesting of the New World monkeys. They all possess the prehensile (or grasping) tail, which is not found on any Old World monkey, and the use made of it is a constant source of wonder. Monkeys of this species are quite common in captivity, and their wrinkled brows and serious countenances give them an appearance of being burdened with cares,—which most captive monkeys certainly are! These are the unfortunate creatures which so often come to grief on hand-organs.

The Black Spider Monkey and the Gray Spider Monkey represent a genus of animals quite as attenuated in form as the gibbons. Their slender bodies, exceedingly long and slender legs and tail,—the latter strongly prehensile, and better than a fifth arm and hand,—give them when in the tree-tops an appearance truly spider-like. They are agile climbers, but not rapid runners, and having no means of defense are very timid. Their stomachs are so simple they seem to lack some element or function that is necessary to the life of the animal in captivity. Notwithstanding the fact that “Jess,” of Bath, New York, in defiance of all laws and precedents, lived thirteen years in a cold climate, the great majority of spider monkeys die before they reach full maturity, and nearly always of stomach troubles. Fortunately, however, there are exceptions to this rule.

The Squirrel Monkey, often called a “Marmoset,” is a pretty little olive-yellow monkey, almost as delicate as the true Marmoset, and the Pinche. These diminutive creatures are so delicate they require the greatest care and tenderness, and thrive better in moderately small cages than in large ones. True marmosets are the smallest of American primates, being next in size to the Tarsier, of Borneo, smallest of all quadrumanes.

The Lemurs and Lemuroids.—A lemur is a monkey-like animal belonging to the lowest group of primates, but in some respects is so little like a typical monkey that the relationship is not always apparent. There are about thirty species, and all save a very few are found on the Island of Madagascar. They are gentle-spirited, harmless and inoffensive animals, and not being persecuted by their human neighbors, as all American wild animals are, they are quite numerous.

Nearly all the Lemurs have long tails, long and fine hair, large eyes and pointed muzzles. Many of them are strikingly colored in various shades of black, white and gray. All Lemurs are supposed to be of nocturnal habit, and in fact they really are; but the specimens in the large jungle cage of the Primate House are quite as lively and interesting in the daytime as most of the monkeys. So far from manifesting a disposition to retire to dark corners, they love to lie in the sunshine.

The Ruffed Lemur, or Black-and-White Lemur, (Lemur varia), is the handsomest member of this entire group. Its fur is very long, silky, and alternately pure white and jet black. The Ring-Tailed Lemur has a very long, pointed tail, ornamented with about 25 alternating rings of brown and gray, which it carries very gracefully. This species is of a more lively disposition than most others. The curious Indri has not up to this time come into the collection, but it is expected in the near future. When it arrives it can at once be recognized by the entire absence of a tail, except a mere stump, and by its large hands and feet.

ELEPHANT HOUSE, No. 20.

Of its buildings for animals, the Elephant House is the culminating feature of the Zoological Park, and it comes quite near to being the last of the series. In token of these facts, it is fittingly crowned with a dome. Through its position in the general plan it closes a wide gap, and effectively links together the northern and southern halves of the establishment.

The erection of this great structure began in 1907, and the building was completed and its inmates housed in the fall of 1908. The yards surrounding the structure were finished in 1909.

Any building which can comfortably accommodate a representative collection of the largest of all living land animals, must unquestionably be large and substantial. There is no pleasure in seeing a ponderous elephant chained to the floor of a small room, unable even to walk to and fro, and never permitted to roam at will in the open air and sunlight. It is no wonder that dungeon-kept elephants go mad, and do mischief. If an elephant—or for that matter any animal—cannot be kept in comfortable captivity, then let it not be kept at all.

The Elephant House of the City of New York is a large and roomy structure, built to render good service for two centuries. Its extreme length over all is 170 feet, and its width is 84 feet. Its two sides are divided into 8 huge compartments, of which 4 are for elephants, 2 for rhinoceroses, and 2 for hippopotami. Each of these is 24×21½ feet.

The Hippopotami have within the building a tank 24×21 feet, and 8 feet in total depth; and another will be constructed in their corral.

Each end of the building furnishes two cages of smaller dimensions, for tapirs, and young elephants. The whole area surrounding the building, excepting the axial walk, is devoted to open-air yards, so arranged that each cage in the interior connects directly with a corral which affords both sunshine and shade. Nature seems to have made this beautiful open grove—strangely free from trees in its center—especially for the purposes to which it now is devoted.

It is by no means the intention of the Zoological Society, that, because an axial walk leads through the Elephant House, the building shall be used as a thoroughfare for foot traffic between the northern and southern portions of the Park. Such use would surely defeat the main purpose of the structure. It is intended to be entered only by persons who desire to see the animals, and all others must pass around it, by one or the other of the two very direct promenades which will be provided. The employees of the Park are strictly forbidden to consider the walk through the building as a convenient highway, and visitors are requested to observe the obvious necessities of this case.

The Indian Elephant, (Elephas indicus), is the universal elephant of captivity, the African species being shown only as a great rarity. For every elephant that comes from Africa, about thirty come from India, and of those about twenty-nine are prosy and unromantic females. In order to secure a male Indian Elephant, it must be specially ordered.