The Puma, (Felis concolor), is described in the section relating to the Lion House, where other Pumas are exhibited (page 78).

Of the Lynxes, we have two well-defined species, and one subspecies. The Canada Lynx, (Lynx canadensis), is well represented in the southern compartment of the Puma House, where a fine adult pair has become acclimatized. This is the Loup Cervier of the French Canadians, and it is truly the Lynx of Canada and the subarctic North. It has no spots on its body, and its pelage is a cold pepper-and-salt gray color. Its feet are large and heavily furred, and it has a long, black hair-pencil on the tip of each ear. A large specimen stands 18 inches high, and weighs 22 pounds. The food of the American Lynxes generally consists of hares and rabbits, ground birds of all kinds, and anything else that can be caught and killed, except porcupine. To man they are not “dangerous animals.”

THE BURROWING MAMMALS, AND OTHERS, No. 42.

North America is wonderfully rich in species of gnawing animals, and the end is not yet. The investigations of our mammalogists are adding new species with a degree of rapidity and parallelism that is fairly bewildering.

It is the duty of the Zoological Society to do its utmost to increase as much as possible the sum total of knowledge of our largest Order of Mammals. Manifestly, however, it is impracticable to do more than place before visitors a reasonable number of well-chosen types, which shall represent as many as possible of the twelve Families, and also the genera most worth knowing.

The most serious obstacle in the way of anyone who attempts to exhibit collections of living rodents lies in the natural propensity of so many species to keep out of sight during the daytime. This is particularly true of the members of the Mouse, Pocket Gopher, and Pouched Rat Families, comprising about three hundred species in all. With very few exceptions, the whole matter of the exhibition of collections of living rodents is something new, and every step is an experiment. In the belief that even the most shy burrowing animals will appreciate abundant room, perfectly natural surroundings, plenty of food, and immunity from annoyance, and eventually fall into the habit of spending many of the daylight hours above ground, as do prairie-dogs, the Society has constructed a series of fifteen small yards, each 10×20 feet, bounded by walls going down to bedrock, and enclosed above by a box-like arrangement of very light wire-netting 5 feet high. The ground is chiefly undisturbed soil of a firm and gravelly nature, thoroughly drained, and all earth filling has been tightly rammed into place to prevent caving in the burrows. Above ground, each yard contains weathered rocks, stumps, and hollow logs in abundance.

In these fifteen yards, each of which will hold specimens of at least two or three species, will be placed strongly marked types of those families whose representatives are most numerous in North America, and also the least known, only a few of which may be mentioned here.

The Sewellel Family, (Aplodontidae), contains five or six species and is of unusual scientific interest. The Sewellel, Mountain Beaver, Farmer or “Showt’l” (Aplodontia rufus and major), is an animal of the size and general appearance of a large, short-tailed muskrat. It inhabits a few localities in remote regions in the mountain-valleys of northern California, Oregon, Washington, and southern British Columbia. It feeds like a beaver, climbs bushes four feet high, burrows in wet ground, and fights like a little fiend when brought to bay. Notwithstanding the size of this animal, it is very seldom seen, and is but little known.

The Squirrel Family, (Sciuridae), is large (one hundred and forty-one species), very interesting, and entitled to much consideration. In the present enclosure will be shown in summer many species of interesting ground squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. In winter all the squirrels, save one or two hardy native species, will be found in the Small-Mammal House, near by.

The Rabbit Family, (Leporidae), is one of the most difficult to install and exhibit. Its members are large and showy, but for several reasons it is very difficult to keep them on exhibition in captivity. In time, however, all four of the great groups—Rabbit, Varying Hare, Jack Hare, and also the Pikas, forming the allied Family Ochotonidae—will be represented by specimens.

Just what can be accomplished satisfactorily with the most interesting members of the Jumping Mouse, Pouched Rat, and Pocket Gopher Families, remains to be determined by trial. If they can be induced to show themselves to visitors, during daylight hours, they will be kept for exhibition; otherwise not. At present, some examples of these species can be seen in the Reptile House.

In Winter.—In the temperate zone, when “winter comes to rule the varied year,” all the burrowing animals must retire to their burrows, live upon their buried stores of winter food, and hibernate until spring. The tropical species do not know how to hibernate, and therefore they must be taken indoors, or they perish.

In order that our native species of rodents may be seen all winter, and that the tropical species may be kept alive, nearly all the animals that in summer live in the Burrowing Mammal Quarters are removed in autumn to the well-warmed Small-Mammal House. It also happens that in summer a few of the small carnivores, and all armadilloes, are kept in these Quarters.

In addition to the rodents which it is practicable to exhibit in these enclosures, the summer season will find some of them occupied by certain especially interesting species which need the soil of Mother Earth as well as sunlight and air. Here will be found the Armadilloes, the Nasuas, the Raccoon Dogs, the Swift Foxes and a few others, which in winter belong in the Small-Mammal House.

THE PRAIRIE-DOG VILLAGE, No. 41.

The Western Prairie-“Dog,” or Prairie Marmot, (Cynomys ludovicianus).—Occupying a conspicuous hill-top near the Small-Deer House, and overlooking the Wild-Fowl Pond, is a circular enclosure, 80 feet in diameter, surrounded by an iron fence with an overhang, with walls going down to bedrock. This contains about fifty fat and jolly little Prairie Marmots, one-half of which are the gift of a Montana ranchman, Mr. Howard Eaton. The soil of the enclosure has never been disturbed, and there is no danger that the little creatures ever will be smothered in their burrows, as frequently happens in earth that has once been dug up and filled in again.

Owing to its optimistic and even joyous disposition, the Prairie-“Dog” has many friends, and “happy as a Prairie-'Dog’” would be a far better comparison than “happy as a king.” His cousin, the woodchuck, has the air of being perpetually “in the dumps,” but the Prairie-“Dog”—never. His so-called bark is really a laugh, and his absurd little tail was given to him solely as a means of visible expression of good nature. But he has his enemies and detractors. The coyote loves his plump and toothsome body; the “granger” hates him for the multitude of his holes, and puts spoonfuls of poisoned wheat into his burrow.

THE BEAR DENS, No. 37.

The bears of the world form a very interesting group; and when its representatives are properly installed—in large, open yards, with abundant sunlight, fresh air and room for exercise—they develop finely, live happily, and furnish endless entertainment. Under proper conditions, bears are cheerful animals, full of the playful spirit that robs captivity of its chief terror. To confine large bears singly, in small cages, or in wet-floored, high-walled dungeons, or in the unspeakable “pits” of mediaeval type, is a sin against Nature. It is to be noted, however, that small and timid bears, like Ursus japonicus, are better off in small cages than in the very large ones; and it is for this reason that eight small dens have been provided, opposite the original series.

The Zoological Society has put forth considerable effort in constructing a series of nine large Bear Dens which provide ideal conditions for their inmates. Bears do not need buildings! Their habits call for large, open yards, properly situated, with snug and dry sleeping-dens attached, to which they can retire whenever they wish. To them, masonry walls are worse than useless, for they cut off sunlight and promote dampness; but rocks and trees upon which to climb are very beneficial. In warm weather, all bears are fond of bathing, and a bathing pool in each cage is very necessary.

It is cruelty to animals for visitors to throw peanuts, or food of any kind, into our bear dens; and it is strictly forbidden. All persons who do not wish to be reprimanded in public, or arrested, are advised to refrain from it. Teasing with food always irritates bears, sets them to fighting, spoils their dispositions and renders them dangerous to the keepers who have to go in with them! All visitors who are law-abiding, and friendly to the Zoological Society, are requested to assist the keepers and policemen in preventing lawless persons from throwing food into the bear dens. A stern reprimand often prevents serious trouble.

The bears of North America form four well-defined groups, as follows:

The Polar Bear.

The Grizzly Bear.

The Alaskan Brown Bears.

The Black Bears, and their allies.

Up to this date (April 1, 1913), 24 species and subspecies have been described, and it is reasonably certain that much more work remains to be done on the members of this group of animals before the status of each valid and invalid species will be rendered thoroughly clear.

The most noteworthy species are as follows:

The Polar Bear, (Ursus maritimus).—In nearly every collection of living bears the individuals of this species are the most showy and attractive. Their white coats quickly catch the eye of the visitor, and whether young or old, they are generally the most active and playful of all captive bears. In cold weather, when other bears lie in the sun, or, if permitted, curl up in the straw of their sleeping dens, the Polar Bear will disport himself in the freezing cold water of his swimming pool, and joyously play with a cake of ice until the sight of it makes one shiver.

The Polar Bear Den is situated at the north end of Rocking-Stone Hill, about two hundred feet from the north end of the main series of Bear Dens. It is reached by descending the steps leading toward the Beaver Pond, and turning to the right. From the Rocking-Stone Restaurant, the Polar Bears are quickly reached by descending the hill toward the north.

Although the Polar Bear inhabits practically the whole of the Arctic Ocean and its numerous islands, it is by no means the most northerly warm-blooded mammal. Nansen found fox tracks at 85° N., but the most northerly bear observed was on the 84th parallel. The favorite home of this animal is the edge of the great polar ice cap, where Neptune and the “Frost King” wage continuous warfare. He seldom ventures more than a day’s journey inland, on any shore. In winter, as the edge of the ice-pack moves southward, and in summer when it retreats northward, he follows it in order to keep in touch with the ringed seals and walrus that also go with it.

The power of the Polar Bear to resist ice-cold water—nay, even to enjoy it—may fairly be regarded as one of the wonders of Nature. On the coast of Alaska this strange creature will plunge into the Arctic Ocean and swim miles from shore, through tossing fields of broken ice, and wherever the mother leads, her cubs follow.

In the Autumn of 1910, the sealing steamer “Boethic” arrived at New York bringing two adult Polar Bears that were captured in the summer of that year by Mr. Paul J. Rainey. Both animals were presented to the Zoological Society, and the largest one called “Silver King” occupies the cage that was specially built for the polar bears, and the female is exhibited in very comfortable quarters, built for her near that installation. Owing to their savage temper neither of these bears ever can be kept with other bears, nor can any keeper ever enter the cage of either. “Silver King” weighs 880 pounds and is probably the largest Polar Bear ever captured alive and unhurt. While the female is not as large as “Silver King,” she is in every way as perfect a specimen.

The Yakutat Bear, (Ursus dalli).—In 1899, we received from Hudson Lake, Copper River District, Alaska, two young Alaskan Brown Bears which for some time we believed would prove to represent the species found on Kadiak Island. In this belief they were for a time labeled as Kadiak Bears, (U. middendorffi), and so entered provisionally in previous editions of the Guide Book. The maturity of the animals has proven that this supposition was erroneous. The extremely short and thick muzzle of the adult male proves conclusively that they are not identical with the long-skulled species of Kadiak. This interesting pair, absolutely identical in color with middendorffi, are now identified, pending further revisions of our Urisdae, as Ursus dalli.

This species, and the two following, well represent the group of big Alaskan Brown Bears, which are quite distinct from the grizzlies and blacks. They are characterized by their great size, high shoulders, massive heads, shaggy brown pelage, and large claws. They live chiefly upon salmon, which they catch from the small streams, but they also devour great quantities of grass.

The Peninsula Bear, (Ursus gyas), of Moeller Bay, well down the Alaskan Peninsula, may at once be recognized by its light brownish-yellow color, and its great size for a bear born in 1904. Its claws are of enormous thickness.

This animal is now beyond doubt one of the two largest bears in captivity, his only rival being in the Zoological Park at Washington.

The Admiralty Bear, (Ursus eulophus), represents a large species originally discovered on Admiralty Island, southern Alaska. Its dark brown color is very much like that of the Yakutat and Kadiak bears.

The Grizzly Bear, or “Silver-Tip Grizzly,” (Ursus horribilis).—The rapid disappearance of this species from the United States renders all living examples of it specially interesting.

Of all bears, the Silver-Tip Grizzly is the most savage and dangerous. He is easily angered, and when wounded or harried not only becomes furiously vindictive, but he also possesses a degree of courage which renders him a dangerous antagonist. As a general thing, a Grizzly Bear, like a lion or tiger, will run as soon as he discovers the presence of his only enemy—man; but if he is wounded or cornered—or thinks he is cornered—he assumes the aggressive, without an instant’s delay. Unfortunately, the largest Silver-Tip Grizzlies ever killed have been too far from scales to make it possible to weigh them.

The most interesting specimen of the Rocky Mountain Silver-Tip now on exhibition is a dark-colored and very handsome specimen, named “Engineer,” obtained in Meeker, Colorado, by Professor Henry F. Osborn, and presented to the Society by the Engineers’ Club of New York City. The color of this individual is darker than the most common type of the Silver-Tip, which is sometimes almost as gray as a badger.

A very beautiful male Silver-Tip, from Wyoming, is much lighter in color than the Colorado specimen. Its face and head are so light-colored it would be called by Rocky Mountain hunters a “Bald-Faced” Grizzly. A third specimen was obtained for the Society at White Horse, Yukon Territory, in 1905, and its development will be watched with much interest. Throughout the Rocky Mountain region the “Silver-Tip” and the “Grizzly” are identical; but the color of the species varies considerably.

In a wild state Grizzly Bears live on berries and fruits of all kinds available, succulent roots, grubs, carrion if it comes handy, and live game if it can be killed. In the cattle-growing states bordering the Rocky Mountains, owing to their cattle-killing propensities, a bounty of from twelve to fifteen dollars per head is paid for their destruction.

The Black Bear, (Ursus americanus).—Until quite recently all black bears in North America were referred to a single species, with the type of which most persons are familiar. Even during the last twenty years living representatives of the Black Bear group have been found in nearly every state and territory of the United States, and also in northern Mexico, Labrador, Province of Quebec, Alberta, Assiniboia, British Columbia, Alaska, and the Mackenzie River basin. Our collection contains Black Bears representing several widely separated localities.

The Spectacled Bear, (Ursus ornatus).—After ten years of constant effort the Zoological Park finally acquired late in 1910, a fine male specimen of the very rare and little known Spectacled Bear of the Andes of Ecuador and Peru. This zoological prize was procured for us in Quito, by Mr. Edgar Beecher Bronson (Author of “In Closed Territory,”) and by him presented to the Society. “Frederico” is distinguished by a glossy jet-black coat, very small ears, long feet and a large imperfect circle of white around each eye, with white bands down the cheeks and throat. In size it matches a small American black bear. As soon as the new bear dens are finished, this animal will be removed from the Small-Mammal House to one of them. If this species was ever before exhibited in North America, we have never heard of it.

The Andean Black Bear, (Ursus ornatus thomasi), from Southern Columbia, South America, is a subspecies of the spectacled bear, with no “spectacles” around its eyes, and no white markings save under its chin and throat. This specimen is smaller than the one from Quito. Practically nothing is known of the habits of these two species.

The Brown Bear of Europe, (Ursus arctos), is represented by two specimens from Central Russia which bear a general resemblance to Rocky Mountain grizzlies. This is so striking that were they not labeled very few persons would suspect their European birth. They have the high shoulders and grizzly brown coat of the silver-tip, and in the Rocky Mountains would be considered good examples of Ursus horribilis.

This pair has bred four times and reared some very fine cubs.

The Syrian Bear, (Ursus syriacus), is well represented by a fine specimen from Trebizond, Asia Minor. This bear is of a pale yellow color, with very high shoulders, narrow head and smooth pelage. The Syrian bear represents “the bears of the Bible,” which appeared in punishment of the children who were disrespectful to the prophet Elisha. Bears of this species are often trained to dance, and perform various tricks at command, and usually lead very miserable lives at the hands of gypsies and other bear specialists of nomadic habits.

The Hairy-Eared Bear, (Ursus piscator), a species very rarely seen in captivity, is represented by two fine specimens from the Altai Mountains, Central Asia. This animal is sometimes called, on account of its peculiar light brown color, the Isabella Bear. Its more correct name has been bestowed on account of its large and very hairy ears. It inhabits northeastern Asia, as far southwestward as the Altai Mountains. The fine pair exhibited were presented to the Society by Mr. Carl Hagenbeck.

The Himalayan Black Bear, (Ursus torquatus), is the handsomest of the four living species of black bears, and can easily be identified anywhere by three distinct characters, neither of which is possessed by any other black bear. They are, a pure white chin, long side-whiskers on the jaws and sides of the neck and very large ears. Up to this date the geographic range of this very interesting animal has been recorded as extending from eastern Persia through Beluchistan, Afghanistan, Assam, and South China to Formosa; but the three specimens exhibited were taken in northern Japan, where the existence of this species seems to be established beyond question.

The Japanese Black Bear, (Ursus japonicus), from northern Japan, is one of the smallest of living bears, being only slightly larger than the Malay sun bear. In general appearance it suggests a small edition of the American black bear. The first specimen exhibited at the Zoological Park was very good-natured, but all these received since are nervous and irritable, and also very timid.

The Sloth Bear, (Ursus labiatus), often called the Long-Lipped Bear, can be recognized as far as it can be seen by its shaggy mop of enormously long, black hair, its white muzzle, and its very long, white claws. It is a creature of many peculiarities. It inhabits India generally in forest regions. This is Kipling’s “Baloo.”

The Malay Sun Bear, (Ursus malayanus), is the smallest bear in the world, also the ugliest and the most ill-tempered. When fully enraged, it sometimes barks like a dog. Its hair is very short and close, and its head and feet seem to be too large for its body. This species inhabits Borneo, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Farther India. Two specimens will be found in the Small-Mammal House.

THE RACCOON TREE.

The Raccoon Tree.—A permanent installation for Raccoons has been established near the southern end of the Bear Dens, where its inmates will be near their plantigrade relatives. At the foot of the steps leading down from the Rocking Stone, a cedar-tree, forty feet in height, has been enclosed by an elliptical iron fence provided with a sheet-metal overhang which is not negotiable by any Procyon. Inside the fence is a dry yard, a pool of water for all purposes, and the trunk of the tree is surrounded by a rustic shelter house, divided into ten warm and dry compartments. Underneath the house is a clean and smooth wooden floor, on which the food is served.

The smooth, horizontal limbs of a cedar-tree are grateful and comforting to a dozing Raccoon, and the tree is not so high that the animals can climb beyond the visual power of the visitor.

THE BEAVER POND, No. 29.

Hidden away in the deep valley between high hills of virgin forest lies the Beaver Pond. The spot is so secluded, so silent and primeval, that it seems like the heart of the Adirondack wilderness. Lying fairly in the lap of the granite hills is a three-acre oval of level swamp, which recently was full of woodland rubbish and choked by rank weeds. The seclusion of the spot, the splendid forest, the food-wood and the possibilities of the dam, all naturally suggested the beaver.

In order that the building of a dam by the beavers would not raise the water level so high as to flood the roots of a number of fine forest trees and destroy them, two feet of soil was taken out of the swamp, and at the same time a broad outlet was excavated. A fence of small iron bars, with an overhang, was designed to encircle an area of about three acres. Within the enclosure thus made, stand several large forest trees—chiefly oak, sweet gum, and maple—which have been protected by guards of wire and corrugated iron. The small maples, however, have been given over to the beavers, to cut down and use as food-wood and also in their dam-building operations.

The Beaver Colony in our pond is in good working order, and its display of work makes a highly satisfactory exhibit. The dam, about 40 feet long and 4 feet high, was built of poles and sticks which were cut, peeled, floated down and placed by the beavers, and pointed up with mud. There is a house 10 feet in diameter and 4 feet high, similarly constructed. Within the enclosure about twenty saplings and trees have been cut down by the beavers and used up for food and building materials.

For this colony the Society is indebted to Mr. Hugh J. Chisholm, who procured for it two specimens from Canada and three from Maine.

The American Beaver, (Castor canadensis), is a remarkable animal. In original thought it is equalled by few animals, and in industry by none. With the possible exception of the porcupine, it is the largest gnawing animal in North America, once was widely distributed, and its beautiful fur has been in demand ever since the days of the colonists. Unfortunately, the Beaver’s intelligence was directed chiefly to the building of dams, canals, and houses, and procuring an abundant supply of food-wood, rather than in providing itself with means of escape from its arch enemy—the man with a steel trap. Because of the constant demand for its fur, this animal has been so nearly exterminated throughout the United States that practically none remains save where they are rigidly protected. At present the largest colonies known are those in the Yellowstone Park, although in Canada and the Northwest many still remain.

The most wonderful thing about the Beaver is the manner in which he builds dams, to make ponds deep enough for his timber-floating operations, and to afford him a submarine passage to his house. Give him a valley and a stream of water, and he will gladly make a pond out of whatever raw materials are at hand. He uses the four-foot sticks from which he has eaten the bark for food, and with these, and an abundance of mud, he will raise a good strong dam to a height of four feet, and a width on the ground of ten feet or more. The mud used is dug out of the bottom and sides of his pond, and carried, while swimming, between his paws, with his front feet holding it against his breast. The sticks used in the dam are thrust endwise into the mud on top of the dam, and the mud used is patted down with his fore feet. The tail is not used as a trowel, but in swimming it is the Beaver’s propeller.

In captivity the Beaver is not wholly a satisfactory animal. Like some human craftsmen, he positively declines to work under observation, and performs nearly all his tasks at night. He thinks nothing of gnawing down a tree a foot in diameter, and cutting its limbs into pieces which he can handle while swimming. If he can secure enough food-wood of kinds of his liking, he eats little else. Besides building dams to create ponds in which he can take refuge when hard pressed, he constructs canals, and houses for winter use. He also digs burrows into high banks; but his entrances to his various homes always are under water.

THE ECONOMIC RODENT-REPTILE COLLECTION.

As an answer to a frequent question—“Of what use are reptiles?”—a new collection has been installed in the Reptile House. It is supplied with descriptive labels, and serves several purposes. In the first place there is presented an elaborate series of the small gnawing animals, or rodents, a number of the species of which are highly injurious to the interests of agriculturists; secondly, the exhibition contains a large series of those species of snakes that prey upon the destructive rodents,—thus presenting for observation the serpents of marked economic value. Finally, the entire series stands as a clear demonstration of the perfect logic of Nature in which the production of all animal life is carefully balanced; for a part of the exhibition is composed of representative species of mammals that, in turn, prey upon the serpents, thus keeping even the destroyers of the smaller injurious creatures within bounds!

During the past two years the collection of rodents has been steadily growing in importance. The following is a list of the species on exhibition at the close of the year 1912:

SECTION II.—BIRDS.

THE GOOSE AVIARY, No. 3.

There are no birds which take more kindly to captivity, or which better repay their keep and their keepers, than the ducks, geese, swans and pelicans. The only drawback to the maintenance of large collections of these birds in this latitude is the annual struggle with our arctic winter. On account of the fierce winter storms to which we must pay tribute, many species of swimming birds require to be taken out of their aviary, and housed in sheltered buildings, with moderate warmth. For this reason the pelicans, tree-ducks of all species, and all species from the tropics, must necessarily be absent in winter from their summer quarters.

For the accommodation of a large, systematic collection of wild geese, an aviary two hundred and fifty feet long by one hundred and forty-three feet in width has been constructed in the north end of Bird Valley. To secure as much space as possible, the entire width of the open valley has been taken into the enclosure.

The Goose Aviary consists of a pond containing three islands, two of which are subdivided by low fences of wire netting into twelve separate enclosures. The collection of geese has become so large and important the original Duck Aviary has been taken for it, and the Ducks will hereafter be found on the Wild-Fowl Pond and in the Flying Cage.

The Geese.—The collection of wild geese, in the Goose Aviary, is unusually large, there being generally about twenty out of the thirty-five known species. Among these one of the best known is the Common Wild, or Canada Goose, (Branta canadensis). Once common throughout many parts of the United States, continual persecution by sportsmen and market hunters has so generally reduced its numbers that now it is of comparatively rare occurrence.

This exceeding rarity made the arrival of nine superb wild specimens on November 8, 1900, on the Wild-Fowl Pond, a most interesting event. Seven of the birds, including a fine gander, through the artifice of a trap, were induced to remain with us, and have taken up a peaceful abode on the little lake, with others of their kind presented by Mr. A. B. Frost.

The African Spur-Winged Goose, (Plectropterus gambensis), although of large size, is more properly a duck than a goose. A long sharp spur arises from the bend of each wing, which the birds use in fighting with each other for their mates.

The Gray-Lag Goose, (Anser anser), is, perhaps, the most interesting of all geese, as being the wild species from which our domestic birds are descended. The white color and large size are the chief differences between the domestic and wild birds.

The White-Fronted Goose, (Anser albifrons), is worthy of special notice because it is the handsomest of the ten species of North American geese. The breeding grounds are far to the north, and in Alaska the nests are mere hollows in the sand, lined with moss and down.

The Bar-Headed Goose, (Eulabia indica), inhabits the mountains of Central Asia, nesting always over a mile above the sea. It is perhaps the handsomest of all geese.

The Swans.—Usually at least six out of the seven known species of swans may be seen on exhibition here.

The Mute Swan, (Cygnus olor), is the commonest swan in captivity, and is the one made famous in European history and legend. It may always be known from the other species by the black knob at the base of the bill. It breeds freely in captivity and the young birds are known as cygnets.

The Trumpeter Swan, (Cygnus buccinator), being the largest bird in the aviary, and also snowy white, is therefore the most conspicuous. Several fine specimens are shown on the North Island, living contentedly with other species. Some of these specimens were captured in Idaho, when young enough to take kindly to captivity.

The Black Swan, (Chenopsis atrata), of South Australia and Tasmania, is as glossy black, excepting its primaries, as other swans are white. It is a large and handsome bird, and much sought by all persons who form collections of water fowl.

The Coscoroba Goose, (Coscoroba coscoroba), is a fair connecting link between the swans and the ducks, partaking about equally of the characters of each. In size and color it is very much like our snow goose, (Chen hyperborea), but it is peculiar in possessing very long legs of a bright pink color, by which it is quickly recognized. Its bill, also is pink, and the tips of its primaries are black. The Coscoroba Goose is a native of southern South America, and a few years ago specimens were so rare in captivity that a pair sold for $300.

THE FLYING CAGE, No. 4.

This mammoth bird-cage is one of the wonders of the Zoological Park. It represents an attempt to do for certain large and showy water birds, precisely what has been done for the hoofed animals, the beaver, otter, and other species—give them a section of Nature’s own domain. In this they can fly to and fro, build nests and rear their young in real freedom.

Near the lower end of Bird Valley, as a sort of climax for the Goose Aviary when seen from the north, rises a lofty, web-like structure, in the form of a huge, gothic arch. It is 55 feet in height, 75 feet wide, and 152 feet long. The whole structure consists of a series of steel-pipe arches and purlins, the former eight feet apart, over which wire-netting has been tightly stretched.

The wire-netting seems peculiarly open. It is of the kind known as chain-netting, which offers the least possible obstruction to the eye. This cage is so large that a very respectable block of houses, three stories high and of ample dimensions, could stand within it without touching the wire. It completely encloses three forest trees of very considerable size, two hickories and an oak; and it contains a pool of water a hundred feet long, and shrubbery in abundance.