rr _ 3pular Official Guide ===== TO • Jbt !n loo logical By WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, Sc.D. Director and General Curator MAPS, PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS J?ork Zoological ONLY AUTHORIZED GUIDE Price 25 Cents BISON EDITION. COMPLETELY REVISED AND EXTENDED GEISEI. LIERARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO r> U JOLLA, CAUFORN^ e>^ '~-^> x^- POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE New York Zoological Park By WILLIAM T. HORN AD AY, Sc.D. Director and General Curator WITH MAPS, PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS TENTH EDITION— OCTOBER 1, 1909 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY 1 1 WALL STREET, NEW YORK 1st Edition, October, 1899 — 3000 2d May, 1900 — 5000 3d December, 1900 — 5000 4th October, 1901 — 3000 5th June, 1902 — 100CO 6;h " 1903 — 10COO 7th " 1904 — 15000 8th " 1906 — 7000 9th « 1907 — 30000 10th October, 1909 — 30000 COPYRIGHT, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1906, 1907 and NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY preface The publication of this revised and extended edition of the Guide to the Zoological Park was purposely delayed a year, in order to make the work more complete. By slightly anticipating the completion of the Elephant House, Zebra Houses and Eagle Aviary, and including them herein, we are now able to offer a Guide Book to the Zoological Park as practically completed. The visitor is not to understand, however, that with the completion of the features named above nothing more will remain to be done. An institution of this kind never reaches a state of absolute completion, with no further possibilities of improvement. But the building of boundary walls, and the rebuilding of temporary entrances, are mat- ters of small amount in comparison with the completion of a grand series of installations for animals, and buildings for public comfort. Few indeed are the persons who know, or who ever will know, the extent to which both the general design and the details of the Zoological Park have been originated, and hammered out of the raw materials. From the inception of the undertaking, the work of development has involved a continuous struggle to meet new conditions. Although precedents and models for things to be done were sought far and wide, in all save a very few instances, our needs were so peculiar, and so different from those of other zoological gardens and parks, we have found really very little that we could copy. The abundant-room idea on which the Zoological Park was founded, and our desire for the full utilization of the works of nature, have from the first taxed the creative faculties of the Society to the ut- most. It has been gratifying to find in other zoological estab- lishments a number of features which we could utilize here, thereby saving ourselves something in the eternal grind of invention and experiment, and we have gladly made prom- inent mention of such cases. While it is possible to complete the equipment of animal installations, for a Zoological Park, and fill them with fine collections, the demand for more animals is continuous. VI PREFACE Our wild creatures are not immortal ; and, like human be- ings, they live out their allotted lives and pass away. The great majority do not perpetuate themselves in captivity, and the depleted ranks must be filled by new gifts and new purchases. Gifts of specimens, and funds for pur- chases, must constantly be forthcoming. The Executive Committee makes grateful acknowledg- ment of the loyal and generous support it has constantly received from the Board of Managers and the members of the Zoological Society, and from the Government of the City of New York. Thanks to a judicious union of these forces, the development of the Zoological Park has gone forward rapidly and satisfactorily. Although the actual period of construction has been remarkably short for so vast an undertaking, everything constructed is of the most per- manent character. It is only just to note the fact that while the Zoological Park is an institution of national in- terest and importance, and free to all the world, with the exception of a few gifts of animals it has been created and is maintained wholly by the citizens of the City of New York. The State has contributed nothing. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Contents Page Statistics of the Zoological Park x Origin 1 Means of Access 4 Admission 4 Physical Aspect of the Grounds 9 MAMMALS. The Bison 15 Mountain Sheep Hill 18 The Antelope House 23 The Small-Deer House 30 The Mountain Goat 36 The Prong-Horned Antelope .• 37 The Camels 40 The Llamas and their relatives 41 The North American Deer 42 The Zebra Houses 47 The Asiatic and European Deer 50 The Lion House 54 The Sea-Lion Pool 60 The Primate House 63 The Elephant House 73 The Wolves and Foxes 83 The Otter Pools 85 The Small-Mammal House 87 The Pumas and Lynxes 99 The Burrowing Rodents 100 The Prairie-Dogs 102 The Bear Dens 103 The Beaver Pond 112 BIRDS. The Duck Aviary 115 The Flying Cage 120 The Aquatic Bird House 125 Wild Turkey Enclosure 130 The Large Bird-House 130 Wild-Fowl Pond 136 The Pheasant Aviary 136 The Ostrich House 142 The Cranes 147 REPTILES. The Reptile House 151 The Tortoises and Lizards 153 The Alligators and Crocodiles 156 The Serpents 159 MAPS. Map of Zoological Park (Cover) 2 Sketch Map, New York 3 Sketch Map, Vicinity of Park 5 Index 167 vii 3JUuHtrattmui Page Indian Leopard Frontispiece Rocking Stone and Restaurant xii Dining Room, Restaurant 6 The Flying Cage 10 The Boat-House 12 American Bison 16 European Bison 17 Himalayan Tahr 22 Sardinian Mouflon 23 Nubian Giraffes 25 White-Tailed Gnu 27 White Mountain Goats 37 Grant's Zebra 48 Prjevalsky Horses 49 Barbary Lion 55 Jaguar 57 Primate House 62 Orang-Utan 66 Chimpanzee 68 Gelada Baboon 70 Red-Headed Mangabev 71 Ruffed Lemur 72 Indian Elephant 74 African Rhinoceros 77 Hippopotamus 78 South American Tapir 79 Tasmanian Wolf 82 Young Leopard 86 Ocelot 88 Hyaena Dog 90 African Porcupine 93 Canada Porcupine 95 Nine-Banded Armadillo 96 Echidna 97 Great Ant-Eater 98 Bear Dens 104 European Brown Bear 110 Long-Lipped Sloth Bear 112 Great White Pelican 115 Water Birds 116 Upland Goose 118 Coscoroba Swans 119 Great White Heron 123 Gyrfalcon 127 Spectacle Owl 129 Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo 132 Toco Toucan 134 Manchurian Eared Pheasant 138 Golden Pheasant 139 Ceram Cassowary 143 Paradise Crane and Crowned Crane 148 Whooping Crane 149 Alligators 150 Group of Tortoises 154 Florida Crocodile 157 Fer-de-Lance 160 Copperhead Snake 161 Cobra-de-Capello 162 Transformation of Frog .163 ix gtfaitstta 0f % Znnlorjtntl JULY 15, 1909. Final plan of the Zoological Park approved by Park Board, November 22, 1897. Zoological Society assumed control of grounds, July 1, 1898. First building begun, August 11, 1898. Park formally opened to the public, November 9, 1899. Large Animal Buildings (all heated) 11 Small Animal Buildings (4 heated) 10 Large Groups of Outdoor Dens, Aviaries and Corrals 12 Animal Storehouses, for winter use 3 Restaurants 2 Public-Comfort Buildings 6 Entrances 8 Area of Park Land and Water 264 acres Area of Water 30 acres Walks and Roads 7.78 miles Fences 10.55 miles LIVE ANIMALS IN THE COLLECTIONS ON JULY 15, 1909. Mammals 246 species, 743 specimens. Birds 644 " 2,816 Reptiles 256 " 1,969 Total 1,146 5,528 Attendance of visitors in 1908 1,413,741 5j>ro fork Z0uio0tral Hox. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, Mayor. HON. HENRY SMITH, President Department of Parks. HENRY FAIRFIELD OSBORN. txrrutiur (Euwmitlrr MADISON GRANT, Chairman. JOHN S. BARNES, WILLIAM WHITE NILES, PERCY R. PYNE, WM. PIERSON HAMILTON, SAMUEL THORNE, HENRY F. OSBORN, ex-officio. MADISON GRANT, Secretary, Office, 11 Wall Street. PERCY R. PYNE, Treasurer, 30 Pine Street. JOHN L. CADWALADER, Counsel. ©ffirmi 0f ilj* Zoological Park WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, Sc.D. Director and General Curator. H. R. MITCHELL, Chief Clerk and Disbursing Officer. RAYMOND L. DITMARS, Curator of Reptiles, Ass't Curator of Mammals. C. WILLIAM BEEBE, Curator of Birds. H. W. MERKEL, Chief Forester and Constructor. GEORGE M. BEERBOWER, Civil Engineer. ELWIN R. SANBORN, Photographer and Assistant Editor. WILLIAM I. MITCHELL, Assistant to Chief Clerk. Staff W. REID BLAIR, D.V.S., Veterinarian. HARLOW BROOKS, M.D., Pathologist. atto lEttginwr HEINS & LA FARGE, Architects. H. DF.B. PARSONS, Consulting Engineer. GENERAL STATUS OP THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK. Origin. — The New York Zoological Park originated with the New York Zoological Society, a scientific body incor- porated in 1895, under a special charter granted by the Legislature of the State of New York. The declared objects of the Society are three in number — "A public Zoological Park ; the preservation of our native animals ; the promotion of zoology." At present (January 1, 1909), the Society con- sists of 1 Benefactor, 3 Founders in Perpetuity, 23 Founders, 13 Associate Founders, 38 Patrons, 189 Life Members, 1,397 Annual Members and 14 Corresponding Members. Henry Fairfield Osborn is the President of the Society. The affairs of the Society are managed by a Board of Mana- gers of thirty-six persons, which meets three times each year. The planning and general development of the Zoo- logical Society is in the hands of an Executive Committee, of eight members as follows; Madison Grant, John S. Barnes, Percy R. Pyne, Samuel Thorne, William White Niles, Levi P. Morton, Wm. Pierson Hamilton and Henry Fairfield Osborn, ex officio, Madison Grant is Chairman of the Executive Committee and Secretary of the Society, and his office is at No. 11 Wall Street. Dr. William T. Hornaday is the Director and General Curator of the Zoological Park, and the offices of the Zoological Park staff are at present located in the Service Building. The address is 183d Street and Southern Boulevard. The Society assumed control of the grounds on July 1, 1898, and began the first excava- tion, for the Bird House, on August llth. The Park Depart- ment began work, on the Wild-Fowl Pond, on August 29, 1898. Sources of Income. — The funds devoted to the develop- ment of the Zoological Park have been derived from the following sources: 1. From the Zoological Society, obtained by subscriptions from private citizens — funds for plans, for the erection of buildings, aviaries, dens and other accommodations for animals; and for the purchase of animals. 2. From the City of New York — by vote of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment — funds for the construction of 1 2 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. walks, roads, sewers and drainage, water supply, public com- fort buildings, entrances, grading, excavating of large ponds and lakes, annual maintenance, and also for animal build- ings. Up to January 1, 1909, the Zoological Society had ex- pended, of its own funds, for plans, construction and live animals, about $400,000, which had been derived from its special subscription fund, and from the annual dues and fees of its members. Privileges. — Because of the fact that the Zoological Soci- ety has undertaken to furnish all the animals for the Zoolog- ical Park, the City of New York has agreed that all the revenue-producing privileges of the Park shall be controlled by the Society. All net. profits derived from the restaurants, boats, refreshments, riding animals, the sale of photographs, books, etc., and all admission fees, are expended by the Society in the purchase of animals for -the Park. It is well that visitors should know . that all net profits realised in 'the Park go directly toward the increase of- the animal collec- tions. . ... The Society will maintain a supply of boats for hire, and riding animals of various -kinds for the amusement of chil- dren. Location. — The Zoological Park is the geographical cen- ter of that portion of Greater New York known as the Bor- ough of Bronx. From east to west it is half-way between the Hudson Rivet and Long Island Sound, and from north to south it is midway between the mouth of the Harlem River and Mount Vernoii. From the City Hall to the Reptile House the distance is eleven miles. The northwest entrance is about half a mile from Fordham station on the Harlem Railway. The area of the Park is 264 acres, divided as follows: Land area west of the Boston Road 150 acres. Land area east of the Boston Road 80 " Bronx Lake. ........... :.. 25 " Lake Agassiz . 5y2 ' ' Aquatic Mammals' Pond, Cope Lake and Beaver Pond . . 3V2 ' ' Total area . . 264 acres. SKETCH >IAp SHOWING LOCATION OF ZOOLOGICAL PARK, POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. MEANS OF ACCESS. Via the Subway, to the Boston Road Entrance.— The ter- minus of the eastern branch of the Subway, at "180th St., Bronx Park," lands visitors at the southeastern entrances to the Zoological Park, at West Farms. Visitors from points below 96th Street must be careful to board the "Bronx Park" trains, and not the "Broadway" trains. Via the Third Avenue Elevated.— The Third' Avenue Ele- vated Railway has been extended to Bedford Park, and visitors coming to the Zoological Park should alight at Ford- ham Station, from which the northwest entrance is half a mile distant, due eastward, on Pelham Avenue, via the Union Railway surface cars. "The Green Cars." — From Fordham and High Bridge, and also from the corner of Third Avenue and 180th Street, the green trolley cars of the new Interborough line pass the Crotona, (southwest) Entrance and run within one block of the Fordham Entrance. Via the Harlem Railroad.— Another way to reach the Park from lower New York is to take the Harlem Railroad from the Grand Central Station to Fordham Station (twenty-five cents for the round trip), from whence a carriage may be taken to the Park at a fare of twenty-five cents for each person. The running time between Fordham and 42d Street is about twenty-five minutes. Routes for Automobiles or Carriages. — Via Central Park, Lenox Avenue, Macomb 's Dam Bridge and Jerome or Wash- ington Avenues to Pelham Avenue, thence eastward to the Concourse Entrance, where motor cars are admitted to the Park. ADMISSION. Free Admission. — On all holidays, and on Sunday, Tues- day, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the Zoological Park is open free to the public. Pay Admission. — On every Monday and Thursday, save when either of those days falls on a holiday, all members of the Zoological Society who exhibit their membership tickets, and all other persons holding tickets from the Society will be admitted free. All other persons seeking admission will be admitted on payment of twenty-five cents for each adult, and fifteen cents for each child under twelve years of age. Tickets are sold only at the entrance gates. NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 5 Holidays on Pay Days.— Whenever a legal holiday falls on a Monday or Thursday, admission to the Park will be free on that day. Hours for Opening and Closing. — From May 1st to No- vember 1st the gates will be opened at 9 A. M. daily, and closed half an hour before sunset. From November 1st to May 1st the gates Avill open at 10 A. M. Entrances, Walks, etc.— The portion of the Zoological Park situated west of the Boston Road has been enclosed. Access to this area is provided by six entrances, one situated at each corner — one on the Boston Road and one at the bridge on Pelham Avenue. The latter is a carriage entrance for visitors wishing to drive to the north end of Baird Court. From all these entrances broad walks lead into the Park and through it, reaching all the collections of animals now installed. From December 1, to April 1, the Bronxdalc Entrance, at the Boston Road Bridge will be closed. Carriage Roads. — The only wagon road which enters the central portion of the Park now occupied by animals is the Service Road, which enters from the Southern Boulevard, half-way between 183d and 184th Streets, and runs east- ward, to the Service Building, Reptile House, Bear Dens, and Rocking Stone Restaurant. This road is for business purposes only, and is not open for the vehicles of visitors. It is utterly impossible to admit SKETCH MAP SHOWING VICINITY OP PAHK. NEW TORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 7 carriages to the center of the Park, save those of officers entering on business, and visitors must not ask for exceptions to this very necessary rule A fine public carriage road and concourse, leading from Pelham Avenue Bridge and to the upper end of Baird Court, Avill be completed in 1907. This will be open to carriages, daily, and it will give easy access to the most important group of buildings. It is subject to the same regulations as all other entrances, except that carriages and automobiles are admitted. The Boston Road, which runs through fcho Park from south to north, near the western bank of the Bronx Lake, is open at all hours. It has recently— and for the first time — been finely improved by the Park Department for the Bor- ough of the Bronx, and a drive through it affords a fine view of the eastern side of the Buffalo Range, and the finest portion of the heavy forest of the Zoological Park. As a matter of course, the ranges of the buffalo, antelope, deer, moose, and elk, are in full view from the Kingsbridge Road and Southern Boulevard, and the Zoological Society has planned that the view from those avenues shall be left open sufficiently that the herds may be seen to good ad- vantage. The Rocking Stone Restaurant, No. 46, has been designed to serve all the purposes that its name implies. It contains dining-rooms in which full meals may be obtained, lunch- rooms wherein choice food will be served at popular prices, and in the basement, toilet-rooms will be found. The Service Building, No. 28.— Near the Reptile House, and at the geographical center of the enclosed grounds, is situated a building which contains the Bureau of Adminis- tration of the Zoological Park. Here will be found the offices of the Director, Chief Clerk and several other Park officers, workshops and storerooms. Children lost in the Park, and property lost or found, should be reported without delay at the Chief Clerk's office in this building. The telephone call of the Zoological Park is 953 Tremont. Wheeled Chairs.— By persons desiring them, wheeled chairs can always be obtained at the entrances, by applying to gatekeepers, or at the office of the Chief Clerk, in the Service Building. The cost is 25 cents per hour; with an attendant, 50 cents per hour. Arrangement of Collections.— Inasmuch as the physical features of the Zoological Park grounds were important fac- 8 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. tors in locating the various collections of animals, a perfect zoological arrangement was impossible. The existing plan represents the limit of acceptable possibilities in grouping related animals. The entire southern and western sides of the Park are exclusively devoted to the Hoofed Animals, in addition to which other members of that Order will be found at the Elephant , arid Small-Mammal Houses. The Carnivorous Animals.*will; be; found ~at the Lion House, Wolf and Fox Densf Small-Mammal House and Bear Dens. The Birds are 'in two' groups"; one in the lower end of Bird Valley, and the Large Bird House on Baird Court : the other around the Wild-Fowl Pond, south of the Wolf Dens. The existence of six entrances to the Park renders it im- possible to lay out an all-embracing "tour" for the visitor, and develop the Guide Book accordingly. The various col- lections will be handled in zoological groups, but the various groups cannot follow each other in zoological sequence. The table of contents (pages vii and viii) and a comprehensive index will render each item of the subject matter quickly available. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE GROUNDS. The extreme length of the Park from north to south is 4-,950 feet, or 330 feet less than one mile; and its extreme width is 3,120 feet, or three-fifths of a mile. Roughly es- timated, one-third of the land area is covered by heavy forest, one-third by open forest, and the remaining third con- sists of open meadows and glades. The highest point of land in the Park is the crest of Rocking Stone Hill, the elevation of which is is 94.8 feet above sea level. Topography.— Speaking broadly, the Zoological Park is composed of granite ridges running from north to south. In many places their crests have been denuded of earth by the great glacier which once pushed its edge as far south as New York City. In the valleys lying between these glacier- scraped ridges, great quantities of sandy, micaceous soil have been deposited ; but in one spot — the Wild-Fowl Pond — what was once a green, glacial lake fifteen feet deep, pres- ently became a vast rock-walled silo filled with vegetable matter and a trembling bog of peat. Everywhere in the Park glacial bowlders of rough granite or smoothly rounded trap- rock, varying in size from a cobble-stone to the thirty-ton Rocking Stone, have been dropped just where the warm southern sun freed them from the ice. The Park contains thousands of them, many of which have been removed from walks and building sites only with great labor. In three of the four principal valleys of the Park, bogs have been converted into ponds, and in the largest and deep- est of all lie Bronx Lake and Lake Agassiz. The bed-rock underlying or cropping out in the Park exhibits pink gran- ite, gray granite, rotten gneiss, and quartz in bewildering variety. Occasionally in trench-digging a ledge is encount- ered which yields good building-stone for rough work, but usually our rock is so full of mica as to be worthless. The water-levels in the various portions of the Park are as follows Above Sea Level. Surface of Bronx Lake 20.40 feet Surface of Lake Agassiz 31.70 Surface of Cope Lake and Duck Ponds. . 47.00 ' Surface of Wild-Fowl Pond 65.00 ' Surface of Beaver Pond. . . 44.00 " NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARR. 11 The floor levels of some of the important buildings are as follows : Above Sea Level. Of the Antelope House 88 feet Of the Reptile House 78 ' Of the Lion House 64 ' Of the Aquatic Bird House 57 ' Soil. — The soil varies from rich black muck in the valleys, to light and very dry soil, full of mica and sand, on the ridges and meadows. Where not packed hard, the latter is very porous, and the heaviest rainfall is quickly absorbed, or carried away on the surface. As a result, the valleys are always moist and rich in grass, and the slopes arid ridges are always dry and warm. Streams and Ponds. — The Zoological Park contains about 34 acres of still water, of which Bronx Lake comprises 25 acres, Lake Agassiz 5y2 acres, Cope Lake, the Wild-Fowl Pond, and Beaver Pond together, about 3% acres. The two larger lakes are fed by the Bronx River, which drains a valley about 15 miles long. Even in the driest seasons the volume of water carried down by the Bronx River is suffi- cient to keep the lakes well filled. The areas of still water available for animal collections are very generous for an institution like this, and are highly prized. The Waterfall. — At the lower end of Lake Agassiz, and about 300 feet above the Boston Road Bridge, is a natural waterfall nearly 12 feet in height, where the Bronx River falls over a rugged ledge of pink granite. In times of high water the foaming flood that thunders over the rocks makes an imposing spectacle, and it constitutes a most unusual feature to be found in a city park. During the year 1901, an improvement was made which added very greatly to the beauty of this feature by extending the rock ledge about 200 feet farther, to the rocky side of Wilson Hill, thereby greatly increasing the water area of Lake Agassiz, and at the same time forming a beautiful island. Forests. — The crowning glory of the Zoological Park is the magnificent forest growth which covers, thickly or sparsely, about two-thirds of its land area. It consists chiefly of white, scarlet, black, red and pin oaks, tulip, sweet gum, hickory, beech, sassafras, maple, wild cherry, hornbeam, dog- wood, tupelo, hemlock and cedar; but there are at least thirty other species of trees and shrubs. Thanks to the wise foresight and broad views of David and Philip Lydig, NEW TORE ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 13 who for about eighty years were the sole owners of nearly the whole of the Zoological Park site, the virgin forest was not cut down for firewood or lumber, but was carefully pre- served for posterity. As the legal custodian of this splendid domain of Nature, the Zoological Society is as rapidly as possible going over the entire forest, to arrest decay and death, and take all needed measures for the preservation of the trees. It is safe to say that nowhere else within fifty miles of New York can there be found any more beautiful forests than those in the central and eastern portions of the Park, which, let it be borne in mind, are to be kept open for visitors to wander through at all hours, save those of dark- ness. The Rocking Stone, (No. 45), a colossal cube of pinkish granite, poised on one of its angles on a smooth pedestal of rock, is the Zoological Park's most interesting souvenir of the glacial epoch. Across the bare face of the rocky hill in which lies the Crocodile Pool, there are several glacial scratches pointing directly toward the famous bowlder ; and who will say it had no part in making one of them? The Rocking Stone stands on a smooth table of granite on the southern shoulder of the hill overlooking the Buffalo Range. Its extreme height is 7 feet 6 inches; breadth, 10 feet 1 inch ; thickness, 8 feet 1 inch, and its weight, as roughly calculated, is 30 tons. A pressure of about 50 Ibs. exerted on the most northern angle of the stone causes its apex to swing north and south about two inches. SECTION I.— THE MAMMALS. THE HOOFED ANIMALS. The forming of a collection which shall fairly represent the hoofed animals of the world is necessarily a work of years. It is now (in 1907) eight years since the Zoological Society entered upon this task, and during that period the work of providing installations and living specimens has been pursued wth unflagging industry. In no feature of our development has the Society been more liberal than in the purchase of specimens for this collection, and the gifts to it have been both numerous and valuable. In our 66 species and 256 specimens we feel that the Order Ungulata is strongly represented. On May 1, 1907, the summary of groups stood as follows: SUMMARY OF THE UNGULATES. Deer 20 species 124 specimens Antelopes 16 Wild Sheep, Goats, etc 8 Giraffes 1 Bison, etc 3 Camels and Cameloids 5 Wild Equines 4 Elephants 3 Tapirs 1 Rhinoceros 2 Hippopotamus 1 Wild Swine.. 2 27 L'o 2i 2 46 12 7 4 2 3 1 3 Total 66 256 The arrangement of this section of the Guide Book begins at the Buffalo Entrance with the Bisons, and follows the ranges, corrals and buildings for Hoofed Animals, along the southern and western sides of the Park, to the Axis Deer Range. The Elephant House is introduced as the visitor leaves Baird Court, going south. The large, open pastures are called "ranges," and the smaller fenced enclosures are known as "corrals." The fences are chiefly of hard steel wire, so strong and elastic that the animals cannot break through them. u NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 15 Warning. — Visitors must never stand close beside a wire fence, because its elasticity between posts might enable a charging animal to strike a person so standing and inflict a serious injury, even though the fence is not in the least affected by the blow. THE BUFFALO RANGES, Nos. 51 and 52. Stretching from the Boston Road to the large Antelope House (No. 50), and from the Rocking Stone to the southern boundary, lies an open expanse of rolling meadow land, with a total area of about twenty acres. It is almost surrounded by shade-trees. Its easterly edge is a low-lying strip of rich meadow, which lies under the shelter of the rocky, tree- covered ridge that forms the natural retaining wall of the higher plateau toward the west. This is the Buffalo Range. It is the first enclosure seen on the left as the visitor enters the Park from West Farms by way of the Boston Road. On the north side of the main range, near the Rocking Stone (No. 45), are the four corrals, and the Buffalo House. The latter is a rustic hillside barn, eighty feet in length, with a semicircular front, affording shelter and feed stor- age for twenty-five buffaloes. The flat roof of the Buffalo House is open to the public from the main walk, and has been specially designed as a convenient lookout over the main range and corrals. There are other corrals, and a shelter shed, at the "Buffalo Entrance." The American Bison, or Buffalo, (B. americanus), is the largest and the best known of all North American hoofed animals. What was once the universal herd, which occu- pied the whole pasture region of the West, was cut in twain in 1867, by the building of the first trans-continental rail- way. The great "southern herd," of several millions of animals, was destroyed by skin hunters during the years 1871, 1872, 1873, and 1874, and the practical extinction of the northern herd was accomplished between 1880 and 3884. At present there are but two herds of wild buffaloes in existence. The largest band, now containing by estimate about 300 individuals, inhabits a wide stretch of barren and inhospitable territory southwest of Great Slave Lake. About twenty head remain in the Yellowstone Park, more 16 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. AMERICAN BISON. than nine-tenths of the original herd having been slaught- ered by poachers since 1890. There are about twelve hun- dred buffaloes alive in captivity, chiefly in large private game preserves. Usually buffalo calves are born in May, June, and July. Full maturity is not reached until the end of the seventh year, when the horns of the male — at first a straight spike — have attained their full semicircular curve. Like all thick-haired animals of the temperate zone, the buffalo sheds its coat in spring, and does not regain full pelage until October or November. The buffalo breeds in confinement about as readily as domestic cattle. In appearance, it is the most imposing of all bovine animals, and with two exceptions it is also the largest. In captivity its disposition is mild, though inclined to stubbornness. Occasionally, however, an old bull be- comes so vicious that it is necessary to seclude him from the herd, and treat him as a dangerous animal. With the exception of a very few individuals, our entire Buffalo Herd is the gift of the late William C. Whitney, and the increase therefrom. The total number of head on hand on January 1, 1907, was thirty-eight. In 1906, the New York Zoological Society presented to the NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 17 United States Government a herd of fifteen buffaloes, to serve as a nucleus for an independent national herd. The Government is at this date fencing an area of twelve square miles of fine grazing grounds in the Wichita Forest and Game Reserve, for the proper reception of the herd. The plan will be consummated during 1907. The number of births in our Park Buffalo herd has rendered this gift pos- sible. European Bison. — In a corral adjoining the Buffalo En- trance, on the Boston Road, are to be found two specimens of the rare and almost extinct European Bison, (Bos bona- sus). This species is the nearest living relative of the American bison, and the two specimens (male and female), now exhibited, came quite unexpectedly into the possession of the Zoological Society in April. 1904. They were ac- quired from the small captive herd in the forest of the Prince of Pless, in Silesia, south-eastern Germany, and are the first living specimens of the species to be exhibited in America. They were presented to the Society by Mr. Nor- man James, of Baltimore, Mr. Charles Sheldon and Dr. Leonard J. Sanford. 18 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. The distinguishing characters of this species are shorter and less abundant hair on the head, neck and shoulders than our bison, a tail densely covered with hair throughout its length, very long legs, and a short body. But for royal protection, this species would long ere this have become extinct. In the year 1857, about 1,898 head were living, but in 1892 the total had decreased to 491. It appears, however, that an increase can safely be announced. An estimate recently published (1906) places the total number of wild and semi-wild individuals at 1.400, while in the captive herds of the Czar and the Prince of Pless there are 46 more. About 700 of the survivors inhabit the forests of Bielowitza and Swisslotsch, Lithuania, west Rus- sia, and are strictly protected by the Czar. Other bands still exist on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains around the sources of the Laba and Bjellaja, sometimes ranging up to an elevation of 8.000 feet. Wherever found, they live in scattered bands of from three to ten indi- viduals. All the survivors of this species are so jealously guarded that very few of the zoological gardens of Europe have been able to procure specimens. This animal is very often miscalled the "aurochs." and from this error much confusion has arisen. The true aur- ochs. (Bos primigenius}, was the wild progenitor of some of the existing breeds of domestic cattle, but it is now extinct. MOUNTAIN SHEEP HILL, No. 44. The wild sheep and goats of the world form an exceed- ingly interesting group of animals. In form they are odd and picturesque, and in temper and mentality they are everything that could be desired. All the year round, deer are either nervous or dangerous, and difficult to handle. Wild sheep, goats and ibex appreciate man's interest in them, and even when not fond of attention, they act sen- sibly when it is necessary to handle them. The Zoological Park collection of wild sheep and goats is one of the most interesting features of the Park. Mountain Sheep Hill is the first high ridge west of the Rocking Stone, and its northern end is very near the Bear Dens and Reptile House. It consists of a ridge of pink granite 500 feet long and 25 feet high, its southern end fully exposed, but the NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 19 northern end well shaded by oaks and cedars. For grazing animals that love to climb, and pose on the sky line, the slopes of bare rock, set in patches of hard, green turf, are almost ideal. In the eastern face of the ridge, rock excava- tions have been made, and five roomy caves have been con- structed in such a manner that they are cool in summer, warm in winter, and dry at all times. On January 1, 1907 the six wire enclosures on Mountain Sheep Hill contained the following species: Suleiman Markhor. Persian Wild Goat. Arcal Mountain Sheep. Himalayan Tahr. Mouflon. Aoudad. Because of the curious (and unaccountable) fact that they do not thrive on Mountain Sheep Hill, the Rocky Mountain Goat and Chamois are exhibited elsewhere. The former will be found near the Pheasant Aviary, and the latter at the Small-Deer House. Visitors are requested to make note of the fact that in winter, the Arcal Sheep, Mouflon, and other delicate sheep are exhibited in the Small-Deer House. The Musk-Ox, (Ovibos moschatus], was one of the rarest and most noteworthy animals thus far acquired by the Zoological Park. It was the first living specimen of its species to reach civilization in America. The Society was indeed fortunate in securing thus early in its history a fine specimen of this very rare and zoologically interesting spe- cies. It was exhibited in the most northerly enclosure of Mountain Sheep Hill, where it was placed by reason of its requirements, and not because the animal was considered a "musk-sheep." Although it died in 1902, an entry for this species is included because we may at any time secure another specimen. The Musk-Ox is an animal of very strange form, inhabit- ing a small portion of the Arctic regions of the western hemi- sphere, up to the very northernmost points of land east of the Mackenzie River. At Fort Conger (Latitude 81°, 40'), its flesh was a godsend to General Greely, and later on to Commander Peary, also. Structurally, this animal stands in a genus of its own (Ovibos}, midway between the cattle and the sheep, but it is unqualifiedly a misnomer to call it a "musk-sheep." An adult male Musk-Ox stands 4 ft. 5 in. high at the shoulders, is 6 ft. 7 in. in total length, and weighs "about 20 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 1,200 pounds." Our first specimen was a female, two years old. She stood 3 ft. 2 in. high at the shoulders, and was 4 ft. 10 in. in total length. Her entire body was covered by a dense mass of fine light brown hair, of a woolly nature, overlaid by a thatch of very long, straight hair specially designed to shed rain. The Musk-Ox inhabits the Barren Grounds of northern Canada north of Latitude 64° from Great Bear Lake to Hudson Bay, Grant Land, and the northeast coast of Green- land from Franz Josef Fiord (Latitude 70°) to the most northerly point of laud. About twenty living specimens have been taken when very young at Franz Josef Fiord, by Swedish and Norwegian whaling parties. The Peary Arctic Club, of New York, presented to the New York Zoological Society a young calf which was captured by Commander Peary at Fort Conger, in 1902, but it lived only a few months. The Big-Horn Mountain Sheep, (Ovis canadensis), is intermittently exhibited in the Zoological Park, but in January, 1907, it chanced to be absent. The efforts that have been made in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Chicago to acclimatize the Big-Horn of the Rocky Mountains have proven the extreme difficulty involved in keeping specimens of that species anywhere in the Missis- sippi Valley, or on the Atlantic coast. The changes of at- mosphere and temperature seem more violent than Amer- ican mountain sheep are fitted by nature to endure, and thus far all specimens tried have died within a compara- tively few months. In his own country, the Rocky Mountain Big-Horn is a bold, hardy and robust animal. H j is high-headed, keen- sighted, and a sure-footed mountaineer. He dwells in the wildest and most picturesque country that he can find be- tween the "bad-lands" of western North Dakota and the line of perpetual snow on the Rockies. His massive cir- cling horns render his head a much-coveted trophy, and his flesh is most excellent food. A full-grown ram (Ovis cana- densis} stands 41 inches in height at the shoulders, and weighs 316 pounds. This species ranges from the northern states of Mexico to northern British Columbia and it culminates (i. e., reaches its finest development) in southeastern British Co- lumbia. A female specimen from the last-named region was exhibited in the Zoological Park during 1905 and 1906 : NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 21 and in 1902, a male specimen of a closely related species (Ovis nclsoni) was also here. As opportunities offer to procure male specimens that have been kept in their home region until they are at least a year and a half old, they will be purchased and exhibited. The Mouflon, (Om musimon), or Wild Sheep of Sar- dinia, is represented by a fine pair of specimens presented by Maurice Egerton. Esq., of London, and a young male born in the Park. The female of the adult pair was cap- tured when a lamb in the mountains of Sardinia by Mr. Egerton. The ram of this species is handsomely colored, and this specimen is noted for his friendliness, and his fond- ness for admiration. The Arcal Mountain Sheep, (Ovis cycloceros), is one of the smallest mountain sheep of India of the "big-horn" type (with circling horns). The fully adult male, with its long undermane of coarse, shaggy hair and proud postures, is a very noteworthy creature. This species inhabits the mountains of northern India, Tibet, Afghanistan, Beluchistan and southern Persia. The Burrhel, or Blue Mountain Sheep, (Ovis burrhel), also of northern India, is of quite a different mould from the preceding species. Its countenance has almost a benign expression, and its curious out-pointing horns, of large size give it a most jaunty air. By some it is regarded as the most beautiful of all mountain sheep. In size, however, it is not imposing, for it is one of the smallest species. It is not so hardy as the preceding species, and there may be periods when there are no specimens on exhibition. The Aoudad, or Barbary Wild Sheep, (Ovis tragclaphus], comes from the hot, dry mountains of northern Africa, and it endures the cold, wet climate of New York in a manner sufficient to put to shame our American mountain sheep, goat and other western ruminants. The largest male Aou- dad of our herd is a very fine specimen of its kind. He is as fond of admiration as any peacock, and often poses in striking attitudes on the highest point of his rocks. He was born here on March 19, 1902. The Himalayan Tahr, (Hemitragns jemlaicus), is really a wild goat, of very odd and picturesque aspect, native of the higher ranges of the Himalayas of northern India. Its horns are short and thick, and its body is covered with long, purplish-brown hair which is much blown about by the wind. It dwells amongst the most dangerous crags and 22 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. HIMALAYAN TAHR. •>;••*-; precipices, just below timber-line, and in reality is & forest- loving animal. Its hair is the longest to be found on any member of the two subfamilies of goats and goat-like ani- mals. The pair on exhibition have bred here, and the young have been successfully reared to maturity. The youg Tahr is very small, but remarkably nimble-footed and capable. The Chamois, (Rupicapra tragus], has constantly been represented in the hoofed-animal collection, but usually out of its proper installation. Our individuals have not thriven on Mountain Sheep Hill, always becoming ill soon alter being placed there. They thrive well, however, in a small wire pen with a sanded floor quite near the Puma and Lynx House (No. 33A), and there we keep them. This animal is one of the short-horned goats which, in some respects, approaches the antelopes. It is a bold moun- taineer, and even to-day is pictorially represented as leap- ing "from crag to crag" across chasms apparently 200 feet wide! Its home is in the mountains of southern Europe, especially the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps and the Caucasus NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 23 SARDINIAN MOUFLON. Mountains. But it is not so exclusively a crag-dweller, as most persons have been led to suppose, for in 'many local- ities it inhabits mountain forests. Like most other moun- tain ungulates, the Chamois dwell high in summer, and in winter they seek lower and more sheltered situations. They are exceedingly wary and agile, and sure-footed on danger- ous ground. THE ANTELOPE HOUSE, NO. 50. The Antelope House occupies a commanding situation on a high, tree-covered knoll at the south end of the Zoological Park. The situation seems as if specially formed by Na- ture to be occupied by this buJlding, and its outside en. closures. The drainage is quite perfect, and the yards are well-shaded. 24 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. The building has been designed to meet the wants of giraffes and large African antelopes of all kinds, more especially those which require 60° of heat in winter. Until the Elephant House is completed, the great pachyderms — elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus — will be quartered here. The Antelope House is 142 feet long by 78 feet in ex- treme width. In architectural style it conforms with the other large animal buildings of the Park. Both for visitors and for its animals, it is roomy and well lighted, and in every way fitted to house and display a large and valuable collection of tropical hoofed animals. It contains 24 in- terior compartments, directly connected with 23 open-air yards for use in mild weather. This building was com- pleted and occupied on October 17, 1903, and with all its surrounding improvements has cost about $80,000. As the visitor will observe from the following enumera- tion of species, our collection of large and rare African and Asiatic antelopes is very rich. Unfortunately, until the completion of the Elephant House and Zebra Houses re- leases the apartments now occupied by the large pachy- derms and equines, a number of species which belong in the Antelope House must temporarily be quartered elsewhere. The Nubian, or Three-Horned Giraffes, (Giraffa camclo- pardalis), are at present the most important and interesting animals in the building. The pair came from German East Africa, are now (May, 1907) about seven yaars old, and cost $5,500. The male stands 13 feet 8V2 inches in height. and the female 12 feet 4l/2 inches. Both are good-tempered animals, and have been in good health ever since their arrival. Their food consists of clover-hay, broken forage- biscuits, an assortment of raw vegetables carefully cut into small pieces, a small quantity of bran, and rock salt. A study of the Giraffes reveals most interesting con- ditions. According to the point of view, the total number of species and subspecies may be reckoned at any number from two to six, inclusive. According to the specimens in hand, the Southern, or Two-Horned Giraffe, (Giraffa capen- sis), seems clearly defined from the Northern, or Three- Horned Giraffe, (G. camelopardalis). Next, the Somali Gi- raffe, (G. reticulata] , of the Lake Rudolf region and north- ern British East Africa, seems fairly separable. At first, the Five-Horned Giraffe, of western Uganda, seemed quite distinct, but now British naturalists hesitate about accord- N?EW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. NUBIAN GIRAFFES. ing to it rank as a separate species, because of its inter- gradation with the Nubian form, (camelopardalis). Judging from all evidence now available, it seems that the Giraffes of to-day represent the midway stage of an effort to develop several species from the parent stock, the Three-Horned Giraffe,, which is the species here rep- resented. The existing forms, including all species and sub- species, intergrade and run together in a manner that is fairly bewildering; but if the Giraffes could remain un- influenced by man for a sufficiently long period the prob- abilities are that the species now branching off would bo clearly established. 26 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. The oldest, the best-known and the most common Giraffe is the three-horned species, found from central Uganda southward. The five-horned variety meets the former in Uganda, and occurs from that region westward to the edge of the great equatorial forest, and on westward even to Lake Tchad, and the lower Niger Valley. Excepting in Uganda, Kahma's country, and a few other protected dis- tricts, the Giraffe is now rare, particularly throughout the regions that are accessible to hunters. Thousands of these wonderful creatures have been killed by hunters, both white and black, solely for the sake of seeing them dead, and leaving them as prey to the hyaenas and hunting-dogs. It seems to be beyond the power of most men who can shoot to see living wild animals, no matter how large or wonderful, without desiring to reduce them to carcasses, fit only for scavengers. The Eland, (Taurotragus oryx), is the largest and most imposing of all antelopes. As might be inferred from its great size, it is now so nearly extinct that it has disappeared from the lists of dealers in wild animals. The fine adult male specimen now in the Antelope House was obtained from the herd of the Duke of Bedford, through Carl Hagen- beck, and was presented to the Zoological Society by Mr. George F. Baker. The female is the gift of Mr. C. Ledyard Blair. Of Elands there are two well-marked species. That of eastern and southern Africa, here represented, was once numerous on many of the fertile plains of the great plateau now kno\vn as Rhodesia, and in fact throughout nearly the whole of the uplands of eastern Africa, from the Cape to the Sahara. Unfortunately, however, white hunters and modern firearms have reduced the countless thousands of the great herds to numbers so small that the capture and exportation of Elands have practically ceased. Although a number of Elands have been born in cap- tivity, the number on public exhibition still remain very small. The only captive herd known to the writer is that of the Duke of Bedford, in Woburn Park, England, which is at once the admiration and envy of all collectors of living wild animals. The White-Tailed Gnu, (Connochaetes gnu), once was abundant in South Africa, south of the Vaal River. But it has shared the fate of all the other large mammals of that region, and only a few scattered bands still exist. Nearly NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 27 WHITE-TAILED GNU. all of the specimens now living in captivity were born in captivity, for both species of Gnu take kindly to life in parks and gardens. Every way considered, the Gnu is an animal of odd and remarkable form. It has the most wonderful nose to be found among the Antelopes, its horns are curiously formed, the hair on its head and neck exhibits various peculiarities, and its hips are oddly modeled. Its long, flowing tail is so horse-like that for many years this animal was pictured and popularly known as the "Horned Horse." The White-Bearded Gnu, (Connochaetes albojubatus), is noticeably larger than the white-tailed species, and in some respects it presents a finer appearance. Its bulk is con- siderably greater, and its color is more pleasing. This spe- cies bears a strong resemblance to the third species, which is known as the Brindled or Blue Gnu, (Connochaetes tau- rinus), from which the former is distinguished by its white mane and jaw-tufts, and generally paler color, At wide 28 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. intervals the White-Bearded species inhabits southern East Africa, from about S. Lat. 23°, to the Albert Nyanza and Lake Kudolph, but chiefly near the coast. In only one locality do we learn of its occurrence west of the 30th me- ridian. To-day it is most numerous in German East Africa and the southern portions of Uganda. The Addax Antelope, (Addax naso-maculatus), is a spiral- horned antelope which inhabits the southern edge of the Sahara Desert from Dongola quite across Africa to Senegal. Its extremely broad and spreading hoofs betoken a dweller upon sand, and are strongly suggestive of the snow-shoe hoofs of the caribou. It is said that this animal is not to be taken without making a journey into the desert, with camels. The Leucoryx Antelope, (Oryx lencoryx), is the only member of its genus which has curved horns. Because of the length and very slight curvature of the horns, this species has by some writers been spoken of as the Sabre Antelope, and by a mischievous perversion that name has been turned into "Sable" Antelope, which refers to a totally different creature, (Hippotrag'u's nigcr}. Anyone who places an order for the purchase of a real Sable Antelope, and receives a Leucoryx instead of Hippotragus niger, is profoundly dis- appointed. This species is a desert habitant, and its home is the desert region of North Africa from Dongola to the Senegal coun- try. It is breeding regularly here, and the offspring mature successfully. The largest Leucoryx horns on record meas- ure 39% inches. The Beisa Antelope, (Oryx beisa), is a good representative of the group of straight-horned antelopes found in the genus Oryx. Of all the long-horned species, the two Beisas and the Gemsbok of Africa, and the Beatrix of Arabia, are the only species possessed of horns that are practically straight from base to tip. The Gemsbok is the largest and most showy species, being painted like a harlequin, m a startling pattern of roan, black and white. The Beisa is a good second, however. The horns of all these antelopes grow to great length, and are excellent weapons for use in encounters with the smaller game-killing carnivores. The longest horns of record measure 40 inches. The Beisa inhabits eastern Central Africa, from Suakin on the Red Sea southward to the Equator. The Beatrix Antelope, (Oryx beatrix), of the Arabian NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 29 Desert, is one of the rarest antelopes to be found in cap- tivity, and at thds date this interesting species is represented by a fine pair of specimens. The longest horns of record measure 26 inches. Very few sportsmen have seen this animal in its native haunts. Baker's Roan Antelope, (Hippotragns equinus bakeri], is sometimes called Baker's Horse Antelope, but the latter is a poor designation for this fine, high-spirited animal. It be- longs to the same genus as the very handsome and high- headed sable antelope mentioned above, but, as its best name implies, it is a tawny-brown animal. Its ears are so very long and pointed, and patterned in such artistic curves that they serve the excellent purpose of fixing the species in the rnind of everyone who sees it. The subspecies here shown is found in German East Africa, but its precise range is at present unknown. The Sing-Sing Waterbuck, (Cobus unctuosus), is a crea- ture of the lowlands, and frequents the dense tangles of tall reeds that border many of the rivers of West Africa, above the great equatorial forest. In captivity it sometimes is one of the most insanely nervous and irrational creatures imaginable, ever seeking self-inflicted injuries. The Blessbok, (Damaliscus albifrons}, is a small but hand- some purple-and-white antelope which is now very nearly extinct. Formerly a number of herds were preserved on fenced farms in the Transvaal and Orange Free State, but it is feared that none of them survived the Boer war. This species never lived north of the Limpopo, but south of that river it once was so numerous that a truthful traveler described a vast plain as being ''purple with Blessbok." The Nilgai, (Portax tragocamelus) , is the largest of the Indian antelopes, and while it has the stature and the high shoulders of a Baker's roan antelope, its absurdly small horns give it, beside the large antelopes of Africa, a very commonplace and unfinished appearance. The males and females are as differently colored as if they belonged to different species. This animal inhabits the roughest por- tions of the central plains of Hindustan, from Mysore to the Himalayas. In northern India it is found along the rivers Jumna and Ganges, in rugged and barren tracts of ravines which in character and origin resemble our western "bad-lands." The small antelopes will be found in the Small-Deer House, the next building in order. THE SMALL-DEER HOUSE, No. 49. In captivity the small and delicate species of deer, an- telopes and gazelles are better cared for in enclosures that are not too large. For such creatures, freedom in a large enclosure usually means early death from accident or ex- posure. The very important building called the Small-Deer House has been erected with special reference to the wants of the interesting little hoofed animals which are too small for the Antelope House and the large ranges. In winter it will shelter the small tropical mountain sheep and goats, which are unable to withstand the rigors of outdoor life on Moun- tain Sheep Hill, and the tropical swine may also be expected here. The Small-Deer House is situated in close proximity to the Antelope House, and westward thereof. Of the build- ings of secondary rank, it is one of the most satisfactory, being roomy, well-lighted and capable of comfortably hous- ing and displaying a large and varied collection. The struc- ture is 158 feet in length by 46 feet in width. It contains thirty compartments, each of which, under stress of ne- cessity, can be partitioned, and formed into two. The in- terior compartments are each 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep. The building is surrounded by a series of 34 corrals, con- necting with the interior compartments, the average size of each being 75 feet long by 20 feet wide at the outer end. All the fences are of wire, and were specially designed in the Park for this installation. It is a practical impossibility to offer an enumeration of the living animals in this building which will permanently apply, and the best that can be attempted is an approxima- tion. It is an inexorable law of Nature that the smallest animals shall have the shortest periods of life, and in a zoological park a small hoofed animal may be here to-day and gone to-morrow. In the following enumeration, men- tion will be made only of those species which are likely to remain longest on exhibition; and it may be observed that in this building there will be found various animals which are neither deer nor antelopes. 30 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 31 THE SMALL DEER. Osceola's White-Tailed Deer, (Odocoileus virginianus os- ceola), is an interesting geographic race of the northern White-Tailed Deer which forms the parent stem of a group of six or seven subspecies. The robust and hardy northern type, often with large and strong antlers, gradually dimin- ishes in si/e and in antlers, until in Mexico it becomes a small and delicate creature, with very small and light antlers bearing only two or three small tines. The next form has so widely diverged from the original type that it is necessary to accord it rank as a full species. The Sinaloa White-Tailed Deer, (Odocoileus sinaloae), is still smaller and weaker than the preceding. The pair of specimens shown were obtained by Mr. and Mrs. C. William Beebe, in the State of Guadalajara, Mexico, and are highly interesting as a link near the lower terminus of the Odocoi- leus chain. On a majority of the antlers of this species there are no branches whatever, but simply a weak main beam, curving over at the tip, and terminating in a rounded point. It should be noted here that the White-Tailed Deer group, (Odocoileus), is very well represented in South America by 0. zveigmanni of the Guianas. The Marsh Deer, (Blastoceros paludosus), of eastern South America, is the largest South American deer. Our first specimen was obtained in 1904. Its antlers are strong- ly built but short, and in architecture resemble the antlers of a Siamese species known as Schornburgk 's Deer (Cervus schomburgki) ; but the latter has on each beam three double bifurcations, while the former has but two. The Marsh Deer has very large, wide-spreading hoofs, which it would seem have been developed by many generations of existence on soft ground. It inhabits the jungles along river banks, in Brazil. The head of this animal is of remarkable length. This important species is rather weak in captivity, and it is by no means certain that it can constantly be exhibited here. There is another South American species, (Blastoceros campestris), which is a zoological understudy, or miniature, of the large Marsh Deer. The Black-Faced Brocket, (Masama tema), whenever it can be obtained, will represent a group of American deer which is as little known in the United States as if it in- habited the heart of Borneo. The Brockets are smaller 32 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. than the Sinaloa white-tailed deer, and they are so nearly hornless that the antler is merely a small, straight, sharp- pointed spike of bone only three inches long. The adult animal is only 25 inches in shoulder height, which is about the size of the muntjac of India. Of the Brockets there are several species, mostly South American, but from skulls and horns received we now know that it is found as far north as the State of Puebla, Mexico. A correspondent in that locality is constantly endeavoring to secure specimens for us, and no doubt will shortly succeed. For the reason that we expect specimens in the near future, this species is in- cluded. The Hog Deer, (Cervus porcimis], which is very unlike a hog, and is libeled by its name, is a small species from India, which is provided with long and well-shaped antlers having a total of six points. Sometimes the adult males are spot- ted in summer, and sometimes they are not. This species stands next to the beautiful axis deer. It breeds well in captivity, but is a very nervous and even hysterical animal. The Molucca Deer, (Cervus inoluccensis), is a thick- bodied, scantily-clad and coarse-haired understudy of the Malay sambar, (Cervus iinicolor}. Of all deer it is one of the least beautiful. Its hair resembles the bristles of a wild hog, and its color is a dull, raw-umber brown. It belongs to the Sambar group of East Indian deer, and really marks, both geographically and in size, the farthest departure from the type species of the group. The Muntjac or Rib-Faced Deer, (Cervus muntjac), is one of the most interesting of all species of small deer. In one respect it is unique. Its tiny antlers, which are only 4^/2 inches in length, are placed high up on stems of solid bone, which sometimes rise 3^4 inches clear of the cranium. These pedicels of bone are covered with skin, quite up to the burr of the antler. The front angles of this pedicel are continued down the face to the nasal bones, and form the two sharply defined facial ridges which have given this creature one of its popular names. In India the Muntjac inhabits the jungles of the tiger, the leopard, axis deer and sloth bear, and escapes from its numerous enemies by hiding behind logs, and scurrying through the thick underbrush so swiftly that its pursuers can not keep it in view. Its flesh is most excellent food. From its peculiar, yapping cry, many times repeated, it is cften NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 33 called the Barking Deer. It breeds readily in captivity, and its bright fawn color attracts to it much attention. The Musk Deer, (Moschus moschiferns), of northern In- dia, Tibet and Southern China is the creature which pro- duces the well-known musk perfume of commerce. The product is secreted by the male in the "rutting" season. This species is one of the smallest of the true deer. Its most remarkable anatomical feature is a pair of very long and sharp canine teeth in the upper jaw, the points of which project far below the lower jaw. No horns are present in this animal. Being short-lived in captivity, and also diffi- cult to obtain, it must be classed as an intermittent exhibit. The Mouse Deer, or Malay Chevrotain, (Tragulus java- nicus), the smallest of all deer-like animals, a tiny creature no heavier than a rabbit, will be exhibited in the Small- Deer House as often and as long as circumstances will per- mit. It is so delicate and so short-lived in captivity that comparatively few specimens have lived to reach America. Its home is the hot. moist and densely-tangled jungles of the equatorial regions of the Far East, particularly Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, where it is fairly abun- dant. Many are snared by the natives, for food. The Mouse Deer is only 10 inches in height at the should- ers, and has no horns — which is a great pity. But it has a pair of long canine teeth in its upper jaw, the same as the musk deer. The Mouse Deer does not belong to the family of true deer (Cervidae), and the various species constitute an independent family called Tragulidae. THE SMALL AFRICAN ANTELOPES. In addition to the grand array of large antelopes inhabit- ing Africa, of which many fine examples will be found in the Antelope House, there is an extensive series of small species. Indeed, the richness of Africa in antelopes, great and small, is almost beyond belief. The species of Asia and Europe are so few, and so inconspicuous, that they seem like so many estray wanderers from the Dark Continent. The fertile, grassy plains of the great Central African plateau have cradled scores of species, some of which have wandered into the deserts, the forests and the fluviatile swamps, and there made their permanent homes. The Black-Buck, or Sasin Antelope, (Antilope cervicapra), of the central plains of Hindustan, is one of the_ handsomest, 34 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. i of the smaller antelopes. The horns of the male are long, strongly ringed, twisted spirally, and rise from the head in the shape of a V, sometimes to a length of 28 inches. At first the young males are fawn-colored, like the females, but as they grow older they steadily grow darker, until finally the whole upper body and lower neck are suffused with a rich, brown-black color. On the plains between the rivers Ganges and Jumna, herds of Black-Buck live in densely pop- ulated agricultural regions, and one of the greatest difficul- ties attendant upon its pursuit lies in shooting an animal without also shooting the native. The Reedbuck, (Cervicapra armidinnin), of South Africa, below Angola and Mozambique, is closely related to the larger and much more showy Waterbneks, but is distin- guished from them by the pronounced forward curve of its horns. In the western districts of Cape Colony, the number alive, in 1905. was estimated at 350 individuals. The Common Duiker Antelope, (Cephalophus grimmi), or for that matter, any species of Duiker — may be regarded as the representative of a large group of very small African antelopes, of wide distribution. There are about twenty species in all, and the great majority of them are very modestly colored, in coats of one or two colors only. The prevailing tints are grayish brown and tawny red. The horns of the various species of Duikers are all very much alike. With but one or two exceptions, their horns are straight spikes from 3 to 5 inches in length. In shoulder height the Duikers vary from 14 to 30 inches, but the major- ity are between 17 and 22 inches. Only three or four species are strikingly colored. The Four-Horned Antelope, (Tctraccros qnadricornis), is a small creature which looks like a duiker, but is very far from belonging to that genus. It is an inhabitant of the brushy plains of India, and enjoys the unique distinction of possessing two pairs of horns. In addition to the 4-inch pair, normally placed, it has a much smaller pair, usually only 1 inch in height, which rises from the central area of the fore-head. I believe it is the only species of antelope which possesses two pairs of horns. The Springbuck, (Antidorcas cuchore), is to South Africa as the "prong-horn" is to our great western plains. Once, both were abundant, and the first hoofed animal to greet the traveller who entered their respective domains. To-day, both species are so nearly extinct that the hunter must NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 35 search long before finding even one. The Springbuck re- ceived its name in recognition of its remarkable habit of leaping high into the air when running — a habit which also is displayed by the black-buck of India. The Gazelles are found only in Asia and Africa, and the number of species is about 25. In general terms they may be described as dainty antelopes, — so slender and delicate in leg construction that it seems strange that such slender bones can support a tall animal without breaking. The Dorcas Gazelle, of Arabia, (Gazella dorcas), is the species which most frequently finds its way into captivity, and it will serve very well as a specimen species for the whole group. Despite its delicate and frail appearance, it is much more enduring in captivity than many animals which seem far more robust. A pair which entered the Park in 1900 is still living. The male has a temper which quite belies the reputation of the "gentle Gazelle." Although loyal and kind to his cage-mate, toward human beings gen- erally he has manifested a very savage disposition, and in one of his fits of bad temper he broke off one of his own horns. The Indian Gazelle, (Gazella benneti},— frequently called in its home country Ravine "Deer." — is a habitant of the sterile, \vater-washed ravines of northern and central India, which are the oriental counterpart of our western "bad- lands." This animal inhabits the same regions as the black- buck, but because of the religious scruples of the Hindoos against the taking of life, both species are secure from at- tack— until the arrival among them of the white sahibs. A full-grown Indian Gazelle is 26 inches in shoulder height. The females of this species possess horns, which are very slender, and vary in length from 4 to S1A inches. MISCELLANEOUS MAMMALS. The Small-Deer House will at all times contain various mammals which are there shown because it is a practical impossibility to provide a separate building for each group. Among them will be found, The Kangaroos, — Seldom is there found in Nature a group of large-animal species whose members are so monotonously similar in general appearance as are the Kangaroos and 36 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. Wallabies, of Australia. The great majority are either gray or gray-brown, and the only striking variation is found in the big Red Kangaroo, (Macropns rufus}. THE WHITE MOUNTAIN GOAT, No. 48. Fortunate indeed is the zoological park or garden which can exhibit even one living specimen of the White Moun tain Goat. It is a very difficult matter to take an animal from a rarified dry atmosphere, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, and induce it to live at sea level, in a dense and humid atmosphere, on food to which it is by nature wholly uu accustomed. Although no one can say how long they will survive, at this date (May 1, 1907) the Zoological Park has on exhibition five fine healthy specimens, two years old, of Oreamnos montanus, — one of the most unique and pic- turesque species of all North American hoofed animals. For some subtle reason which we can not explain, these animals— like the chamois and mouflon quartered in small pens near the Small-Mammals House— do not thrive in any of the large, rock-bound corrals of Mountain Sheep Hill. They are kept in a rock-paved corral near the Pheasant Aviary and the Crotona Entrance, and to their use has been devoted a rustic barn, which they shelter in or climb over, according to the weather. To see them walking nonchalant- ly over the steep roof, or perching upon its peak, is one of the drollest sights of the Park. The White Goat, sometimes mistakenly called "antelope," or "goat antelope," inhabits many different kinds of ter- ritory, but usually the rugged sides and summits of high mountains, at irregular intervals from southwestern Mon- tana and northern Washington, northward to the head of Cook Inlet on the coast of Alaska. (See map of distribution, with label.) The valley of the upper Yukon contains prac- tically no goats. They are most abundant in southeastern British Columbia, where in a very small area, in September. 1905, Mr. John M. Phillips and the writer actually counted 239 individuals. The animals now exhibited in the Park were captured a few days after their birth, in May, 1905, about seventy miles north of Fort Steele, on a tributary of the Bull River. They arrived here October 9, 1905, and up to this date they have Mi\V 1'UiiK ZOOLOGICAL PAIiK. WHITE MOUNTAIN GOATS. thriven as well, and grown as rapidly, as they would have in a state of nature. Their food consists of the best clover hay obtainable, and crushed oats. When they shed their coats, in the spring, they are almost as white as snow, but with months of use, their pelage becomes soiled and slightly discolored. A fully adult male mountain goat stands from 39 to 41 inches in shoulder height, and weighs, on scales, from 258 tc 300 pounds. Besides this flock, there is at this date only one other specimen living in a zoological garden. THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE. The Prong-Horned Antelope, (Antilocapra americana), is an animal in which Americans should now take special in- terest. Beyond all possibility of doubt, it will be our next large species to become extinct, and if we may judge by the rate at which the bands have been disappearing during the last fifteen years, ten years more will, in all probability, wit- 38 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. ness the extermination of the last individuals now struggling to exist outside of rigidly protected areas. It was the inten- tion of the Society to make liberal provision for the study of the species while it is yet possible to obtain living specimens, for fifty years hence our graceful and zoologically interest- ing prong-horn will be as extinct as the dodo. Unfortu- nately, however, it fares so badly on the Atlantic coast, there will, no doubt, be periods wherein this species will be temporarily absent from the Park. Forty years ago this animal inhabited practically the whole of the great pasture region which stretches eastward from the Rocky Mountains to the western borders of Iowa and Missouri. Northward its range extended far into Mani- toba ; southward it went far beyond the Rio Grande, and it also ranged south west ward through Colorado and Nevada to southern California. Its chosen home was the treeless plains, where the rich buffalo grass and bunch grass afforded abundant food, but it also frequented the beau- tiful mountain parks of Wyoming and Colorado. It even lived contentedly in the deserts of the southwest, where its voluntary presence, coupled with the absence of water, con- stituted a conundrum which has puzzled the brain of many a desert traveller. Although the Prong-Horn is keen-sighted, wary, and at all times an exceptionally timid and nervous animal, it is no match for man and long-range rifles. It:; skin is of no value but its flesh is delicious at all times, even in midsummer, when most other wild meat is out of flavor. The general settlement of the great pasture region sealed the doom of all the large game animals which once stocked it abundant- ly. Whenever a cowboy wanted an extra choice roast, or range-riding became too monotonous for him to endure, he killed an antelope. Whenever an eastern tenderfoot wanted to "shoot something," he was taken out on the range and turned loose, to hunt antelope. The difficulty involved was only barely sufficient to insure a proper degree of interest and excitement. Almost any man with a modern rifle can kill an antelope. To-day, all observers agree that in all regions wherein the antelope are not rigidly protected, they are going fast. Those in the Yellowstone Park are protected against man only to be devoured by the wolves which infest the Park. Coyotes have been seen to run down and kill antelope within sight of the town of Gardiner. So far as can be ascertained, NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 39 Colorado is the only state which really is protecting its ante- lope, and because of this fact the last prong-horn will die in that state. Professor Osborn reports that in July and Aug- ust, 1899, he saw hundreds of antelope in Garh'eld Count}'. In 1898, Mr. Carl Rungius, the animal painter, reported an abundance of them in Uintah County, Wyoming, but later he saw with astonishment and dismay that the herds had disappeared as if the earth had opened and engulfed them all. For a century the Prong-Horn has been, next to the buf- falo, the chief object of interest on our western plains. Their graceful forms and fleet movements have for long re- lieved the landscapes of the treeless country from utter barrenness, from the lifelessness which to every overland traveller presently becomes unbearably monotonous. It is not pleasant to think of the thousands of square miles of "divides," "coulees," "bad lands" and plains absolutely devoid of antelopes, and tenanted only by coyotes and gray wolves. Structurally, the Prong-Horn is so peculiar it has been found necessary to create for it a special zoological family, called Antilocapridac, of which it is the sole member. This is due to the following facts: (1) This is the only living mammal possessing hollow horns (growing over a bony core) which sheds them annually; (2) it is the only animal pos- sessing a hollow horn which bears a prong, or bifurcation; (3) it has no "dew claws," as other ruminant animals have; (4) the horn is placed directly above the eye; (5) the long hair of the body and neck is tubular; and (6) that on the rump is erectile. In size the Prong-Horn is the smallest ruminant animal in- habiting North America north of Mexico, unless it becomes necessary to place below it the small deer of Texas. It is nimble-footed and graceful at all times, save when it runs with its head carried low, like a running sheep. The doe brings forth two kids at a birth, usually in May or June, and during the summer months the bands are quite broken up. The winter coat is shed — in great bunches— during late spring and early summer, and the new coat of short, gray hair makes the Prong-Horn look strange and unnatural. By October, however, his new coat is at its brightest, he is fat and vigorous, and in every way at his best. As winter approaches (November) the antelope assemble until great herds are formed, sometimes a hundred and fifty animals being found together. 40 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. Unfortunately, the Prong-Horned Antelope is not a hardy animal. The kids are very difficult to rear; they are at all times easily hurt by accident, and even in a state of nature this species suffers more severely in winter than any other North American ruminant. Often the herds drift helplessly before the blizzards, with numerous deaths from freezing and starvation, and in spring the survivors come out thin and weak. THE CAMEL HOUSE, No. 39. Speaking in a collective sense, the Camel is much more than an ordinary animal unit in a zoological park. On the high plains of central and southwestern Asia, and through- out the arid regions of Africa, it is an institution. Without it, many portions of the Old World would be uninhabitable by man. Take either Dromedary or Bactrian Camel, and it is a sad-eyed, ungainly, slow-moving creature, full of plaints and objections; but remember that it goes so far back to- ward the foundations of man's dynasty, that beside it the oldest American history seems but a record of yesterday. It is only a species of the utmost tenacity which could for fifty centuries or more withstand constant use and abuse by man without being altered out of all resemblance to its original form. All races of mankind and all breeds of domestic animals save one, change and continue to change, indefinitely, but the Camels go on the same, forever. The Bactrian Camel, (Camelus bactrianus), he of the long shaggy hair — it'hen not shedding — and the two great humps, is the beast of heavy burden, the four-footed freight-car of the desert sands. He can carry 550 pounds of freight, for three or four days between drinks; but a swift pace is not for him. It is an animal of this remarkable species, from distant Turkestan, southwestern Asia, which daily in fine weather offers its services as a riding animal, at the stand near the Large Bird House. It is unfortunate that the Bactrian Camel is in its finest pelage only in winter, when visitors to the Park are few, and camel-riding is out of the question. Promptly upon the approach of warm weather and a million visitors, it sheds its long, shaggy brown coat, and stands forth as if shorn by a shearer. Of this species, the Zoological Society possesses NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 41 two fine specimens (the gift of Captain John S. Barnes), one of which will at all times be found regularly exhibited at the Camel House, close by the Crotona (southwest) En- trance. The Dromedary, or Single-Humped Camel, (Camelus dro- medarius), is a smaller animal than the preceding, of lighter build, and therefore capable of much more speed in travel- ling. This species never is clothed with long hair. Next to the Camel's House and corrals is the installation for the nearest relatives of those species, — the Llamas, Gua- nacos and other cameloids of South America. THE LLAMA HOUSE, No. 38. Situated near the Crotona Entrance. The arid regions of South America are inhabited by four species of long-necked, long-haired, soft-footed animals, so closely related to the camels of the Old World that they are called cameloids. There are four species. The llama and alpaca are in a state of domestication, and are supposed to have been derived from the wild guanaco and vicunia. All of them might almost be described as small-sized, hump- less camels ; and their tempers and mental traits are as odd as their forms. The ordinary cameloid is a quiet and inoffensive creature; but the exception is a rogue of rogues. It will bite with the persistence of a bull-dog, and with its massive, chisel-like lower incisors inflicts ugly wounds. At times a llama or vicunia becomes actually insane, and seeks to destroy every living creature within its reach. Regardless of punishment, such creatures attack their keepers and their herd-mates, spit upon visitors, and rage up and down their corrals in most absurd fashion. Occasionally such individuals require to be completely isolated. The Llama, (Lama glama}, is the largest and strongest member of the group. Its body is covered with a thick mass of long, wavy hair of fine texture, which may be either brown, white, white and brown, or almost black. The head and legs are short-haired like those of the guanaco. From time immemorial, this animal has been used as a beast of burden, and in the Andes has played an important part in 42 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. the mineral industry by carrying silver ore and bullion from the mines. The Alpaca, (Lama pacos), is bred for its wool. It is smaller than the llama, but more abundantly haired on the legs, neck and head. Its fleece is long, and lies in stringy tufts. Usually its color is dark brown or black, but occasion- ally a white Alpaca is seen. A white specimen in the Zoo- logical Park collection has blue eyes. The Guanaco, (Lama guanacus), is one of the most inter- esting and valuable wild animals now found in Patagonia. Unfortunately, it is so stupid and incapable that it is easily killed. The natives of Terra del Fuego, themselves almost the lowest and most ignorant of men, slaughter Guanacos for food by surrounding groups of them and clubbing them to death. In size the Guanaco is between the llama and vicunia, and its shoulder height is about 4 feet. Its hair is thick anc woolly, of a pale reddish color, and there are naked patches on the legs. This species is found on the Andes, from Ecua- dor to Terra del Fuego, and appears to be most abundant in Patagonia. The Vicunia, (Lama vicunia}, is the only member of the cameloid group which is not clothed with a mass of long hair. It is the smallest member of the group, comparatively short-haired, its color is a uniform light brown, its head is small, and there are no callosities on the hind legs. The Vicunia is found from southern Ecuador, through Peru to central Bolivia. The Zoological Society's entire collection of cameloids was presented by Mr. Robert S. Brewster. NORTH AMERICAN DEER. Elk, Mule Deer, White-Tail, Caribou and Moose. The American members of the Deer Family will be found in the ranges situated on the hill west of the Wild-Fowl Pond, stretching from the Llama House northward to the Service Road. After several years of patient and persistent experiments, we must admit that to all the American members of the Deer Family save the wapiti, the climate of New York City is XRW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARS. 43 decidedly inimical. This densely humid and extremely sa- line .atmosphere is about as deadly to the black-tail, mule deer, white-tailed deer, caribou and moose as it is to the Eskimo; and thus far we have found it an absolute im- possibility to maintain satisfactory herds of those species in the ranges available for them. In great tracts of forests, some of them might become acclimatized ; but, be that as it may, all experiments made thus far both here and in two of the great game preserves of New England, prove con- clusively that black-tail deer, mule deer, caribou, moose, and also prong-horned antelope, are among the most difficult of all ruminants to acclimatize anywhere in the United States eastward of the great plains. Although the Zoological Society will continue its experi- ments wth some of these preserve species, and will always strive to exhibit some of them, our original hopes regarding them have been abandoned. We are certain that the diffi- culty lies not in the food, but in climate conditions, that are beyond our control, and especially our very salty atmosphere. The American Elk, or Wapiti, (Ccrvus canadensis] . — Of all the numerous members of the Deer Family, this animal is second in size to the moose only ; and in the autumn, when its pelage is bright and luxuriant, its sides well rounded, its massive antlers clean and held conspicuously aloft, the elk may" justly be called the king of the Ccrvi'dac. It is well that in the Yellowstone Park we have an unfailing supply of Elk, which bids fair to perpetuate this handsome species for another century. Our Elk Range might well stand for a mountain park, in which is set a natural lakelet of real value. In October, when the splendid groves of beech, oak, and maple along the eastern ridge put on all the glorious tints of autumn, and the big thicket of sumacs, ash, and haw on the northern hill fairly blaze with scarlet — then are the elk also at their best. There is no finer picture in animate nature than a herd of elk in October, with such a setting of greensward, tree-trunk, and foliage. The maximum shoulder height of the Elk is 5 feet 4 inches, or thereabouts, and the heaviest weight noted thus far is 927 pounds. The calves are born from May. to July, and are spotted during the first six months. During the first year the ant- lers are merely two straight spikes, called "dag antlers." As in all members of the Deer Family, the antlers are shed 44 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. every year — which to many persons is almost beyond be- lief. Any person who visits a zoological garden in mid- summer will see that the old antlers have dropped off bodily, just below the burr, and that new antlers, covered with hair, soft, full of blood, and with club-like "points," have sprung up like mushrooms in place of the old ones. In supplying the great drain on the system necessary to support this re- markable growth, the Elk grows thin, and the fear of hurt- ing his tender young antlers makes him quite timid and in- offensive. He is no longer the tyrant of the herd, and a con- stant menace to his keepers. At this point it is not amiss to call attention to the differ- ences between horns and antlers. A horn is a hollow sheath, growing over a bony core, and except in the case of the prong-horned antelope, is never shed. Horns are worn by both sexes of all bison, buffaloes, cattle, antelope, sheep, and goats. An antler is of solid bone throughout, growing from the skull; it is shed every year close to the skull, and quickly renewed. Usually antlers have several branches. They are worn by nearty all male members of the Deer Family — moose, elk, caribou, deer, etc., and also by the female caribou. The prongs on an antler are no index of the wearer's age. Some of the finest and most massive elk antlers have only twelve or fourteen points. During August and September the hairy covering, or "velvet," of new antlers is rubbed off against trees and bushes. This period is quickly followed by the mating season, during which the neck of the bull becomes unusually large, and often the animal becomes dangerous. Although the Elk is essentially a timber-loving animal, it also wandered far into the plains bordering the Rocky Mountains on the east — until driven from them by man. The ideal home of this animal is the timbered foothills af our western mountains, up to 8,000 feet. Although once found from Virginia and New York to Oregon, and from northern Manitoba to the Gulf of Mexico, it is now numer- ous only in and adjacent to the Yellowstone Park, in cen- tral Colorado, where it is well protected, and in western Manitoba. The number of Elk in the National Park is variously estimated at from 10,000 head to a much larger number. In a wild state, the Elk feeds on grasses, weeds, and the leaves and twigs of various trees and shrubs. Of all Amer- ican deer, it is the most easy to acclimate and breed in NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 45 captivity. Large herds are now being maintained and bred in numerous private game preserves in New Hamp- shire, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. About 200 head have been released in the Adirondacks. The Mule Deer, (Odocoileus hemionus). — This fine animal is universally known throughout the Rocky Mountain re- gion, which constitutes its home, as the "Black-Tailed Deer." Because of its very large ears, and the absence of a black tail, it is known to naturalists as the Mule Deer. Inasmuch as its tail is not black, the above more common name prop- erly applies to Odocoileus columbianus, the true black-tailed deer of the Pacific coast. In Manitoba this animal is called the "Jumping Deer," because when running at a gallop, it makes a series of stiff -legged jumps, or "bucks," of great length. The Mule Deer is larger than the Virginia deer, and more strongly built. The weight of full-grown bucks ranges from 250 to 300 pounds, and specimens have been known to reach 325 pounds. The antlers of the Mule Deer are larger and handsomer than those of the Virginia deer, and are much better poised on the head. Instead of dropping forward, they partake more of the set of an elk's antlers, and many a "tenderfoot" hunter has mistaken a heavily- antlered Mule Deer for an elk. The antlers of a Mule Deer are easily distinguished from those of the Virginia species by the two Y-shaped prongs on each antler. It will be re- membered that instead of these, the Virginia deer antler bears three straight, perpendicular spikes. The Mule Deer makes its home in the rugged ravines and bad lands so common along the creeks and rivers of the Rocky Mountain region, extending well eastward into the plains. Of late years it has been driven out of the most accessible of its former haunts, and forced to take shelter in the rugged fastnesses of the foothills and mountains. West of the Rocky Mountains it was formerly found along the whole Pacific slope, from Cape St. Lucas to British Columbia, although in northern California it is almost re- placed by the Columbian Black-Tail, (O. columbianus}. The Virginia Deer, (Odocoileus virginianus), is the spe- cies most widely known throughout the United States, partly by reason of the fact that it was the first species with which the early settlers of America became acquainted, partly because of its wide distribution, and also its persist- ence in holding its own. In various localities this animal is known under various names, such as "White-Tailed Deer," 46 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. ' ' Flag-Tailed Deer, ' ' and ' ' Fan-Tailed Deer. " Although not at all in need of it, quite recently it has received still an- other name — American Deer. The small deer of Florida, and also of New Mexico and the Southwest, have been described as separate forms; and if size is to be accepted as a factor in the differentiation of species, the diminutive proportions of the proposed southern species are quite suffi- cient to establish their separate identity. The Virginia deer of Virginia and the northern United States is a fine animal — large, strong-limbed, heavily-ant- lered and hardy. Between it and the deer of Florida the difference is as great as that between a setter dog and a mas- tiff. Thanks to the fact that this species is a born skulker and lives only in thick brush and timber, it still holds its own throughout the forest regions of the South generally, Pennsylvania, the Adirondacks, Maine. Michigan, Minne- sota, the Dakotas, Montana, and Colorado. In the West it is often found inhabiting brushy ravines and river bot- toms. This species breeds readily in confinement, and when pro- tected in any large tract of brush or timber, increases rapidly. During the months of September, October, and November, the bucks are dangerous and untrustworthy. The peculiar formation of the antlers — three strong, spear- like points thrust straight upward from the beam — makes them dangerous weapons; and when an ill-tempered buck lowers his chin and drives straight forward with eight sharp spears of solid bone, and nearly three hundred pounds of weight to back them, he may well be considered a dan- gerous animal. He is to be feared less than the elk only because he is smaller. The Woodland Caribou, (Rangifer caribou). — The first hoofed animal to arrive at the Zoological Park was a young female of this species, which was procured in Champlain County, Canada, and forwarded to the Society by one of our members, Mr. George S. Huntington. These animals, when present in the Park, will be kept in a small enclo- sure, because a large range containing an abundance of green grass is fatal to them. The wild range of the Woodland Caribou extends from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Maine, with many wide gaps, to the head waters of the Yukon River, in southern Alaska. The following localities are worthy of special men- tion : northern Quebec and Ontario ; James Bay ; the north- ern end of Lake Winnipeg (occasionally) ; Lake of Woods, NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 47 Minnesota ; Oregon near Mount Hood ; northern Idaho ; northwestern Montana, and the mountains of British Co- lumbia. Quite recently, three new species of caribou have been added to our fauna, one from the Alaskan Peninsula (Ran- gifer granti), one from the Kenai Peninsula (Rangifer sto- nei), and one from the Cassiar Mountains (Rangifer os- borni). The Woodland Caribou attains nearly twice the bodily bulk of its more northern congener, the Barren-Ground caribou. In a state of nature it lives on browse, reindeer moss, tree moss, and lichens, and it loves ice-covered lakes and ponds as much as any boy. Its loose-jointed and wide spreading hoofs and enormously developed " dew-claws" have been specially designed by Nature to enable this ani- mal to run freely, as if on snow-shoes, over snow or bogs, which to any small-hoofed deer would be quite impassable. The female Woodland Caribou is provided with small ant- lers, which, like those of the male, are shed and renewed annually. In the absence of caribou in the Park, visitors are advised to look for specimens of the Lapland Reindeer, (Rangifer tarandus), for we shall endeavor to keep this genus rep- resented. THE ZEBRA HOUSES, No. 14. Although the main building of this installation has not yet been erected, the plan for the various buildings and corrals has been approved, and the two rustic buildings will be in place in the summer .of 1907. The three build ings, and the extensive corrals connecting with them, will, as a whole, do justice to the important and picturesque Family Equidac, which includes all the zebras, wild asses and wild horses of the world. This installation occupies the whole of the beautiful, grassy knoll of about six acres formerly devoted to the moose. It is situated at the head of Bird Valley, on the western side, and due west of the Elephant House. The main building, which will be erected in 1907-8, will be very much like the Small-Deer House. Meanwhile, the zebras and asses will be found in the Antelope House and the Prjevalsky Horses at the old Moose House. POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. GRANT'S ZEBRA. The Prjevalsky Horses, (Equus prjevalskn}.— Of all the wild equines which either now or hereafter may be seen in the Zoological Park, the strange little wild horses from western Mongolia are, and probably will remain, the most interesting, from a zoological point of view. Broadly speak- ing, they are the connecting link between the many-striped zebras, the little-striped quaggas and the wild asses on one side, and the domestic, unstriped horse on the other. These wild horses possess a narrow, dark dorsal stripe, which, in the winter pelage is scarcely visible, but in summer is plainly evident. A perfect specimen has an erect mane, no long forelock and no "chestnuts" on its legs. On the upper half of its tail the hair is short, and mule-like, but on the lower, or terminal half, it is long and horse-like. The win- ter coat of this animal is very long and shaggy. The parents of these horses were captured in 1900, by an expedition sent out by Carl Hagenbeck, in Sungaria, west- ern Mongolia, between the Altai and Thian-Shan Mountains. The expedition cost about $25,000, and of the 52 colts cap- tured by the wild Khirgiz horsemen employed in the chase. only 23 reached Hamburg alive. The specimens exhibited NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 49 .PRJEVALSKY HORSES. are very perfect and typical representatives of their species. Grant's Zebra, (Equus burchdli gmnti).—0£ all the zebras now seen in captivity, the great majority belong to what very properly may be designated as the group of Burchell Zebras. This group contains, besides the type species, which has practically no stripes on its legs, four subspecies, whose legs are more or less striped, and which may or may not possess "shadow stripes" on the hind-quarters. A "shadow stripe" is a faint, dark stripe in the middle of a wide white or pale yellow stripe which lies between two broad black stripes. Grant's Zebra is the most heavily striped of the subspecies composing the Burchell group. The visitor will observe that its horizontal leg-stripes are very pronounced, and so numerous that they are carried quite down to the hoofs. The ground-color of the animal is a cold white, and the thigh and body stripes are very wide and intense. This fine pair was captured in Masailand, East Africa, in 1902. Chapman's Zebra, (Equus burchdli chapmani), also be- longs to the Burchell group, and in its color pattern it ap- proaches quite nearly to the type. The legs of the male bear a few stripes, those of the female almost none. There are visible on the hind-quarters, of the female a few faint shadow-stripes. 50 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. The Persian Wild Ass, (Equns pcrsicus}, is a very satis- factory representative of the wild asses generally. Its dor- sal-stripe is very wide and sharply defined, but it bears no shoulder-stripe, and those that are faintly indicated on its legs are nothing more than oblong blotches of dark color. As its name implies, it inhabits Persia, and Syria, and a closely related form, the Onager, (E. onager), is found in Beluchistan and western India. A third species, the Kiang (E. hemionus), is found on the plains of Tibet. The male specimen shown here was born in the Philadel- phia Zoological Garden. THE ASIATIC AND EUROPEAN DEER, Nos. 1-3. In representatives of the deer, (Family Cervidac). Asia far surpasses all other countries. Her species number about 38, — fully double that of any other continental area, — and from the great Altai wapiti to tiny musk deer, the varia- tions in size and form are fairly bewildering. The entire hill that rises between the Fordham Entrance and Bird Valley, from Cope Lake to the Zebra Houses, is devoted to the series of houses, corrals and ranges that are occupied by the deer of Asia and Europe. It is quite certain that a number of desirable species of Asiatic deer can successfully be acclimatized in the parks and game preserves of America, and induced to breed. Al- most without an exception they are strong and vigorous feeders, and they keep fat and sleek when our own black- tail, mule deer and white-tail mince like pampered epicures, grow thinner and thinner, and finally die of "malnutrition.1 There are places in the United States wherein our native deer of the species named can exist in captivity, but New York City is not one of them. Believing that the members of the group amply justify the effort, the Zoological Society has been at considerable pains to bring together a fine, representative collection of the Old World Cervidae, and prepare places for them. Al- though the series proposed is not quite complete, it con- tains such rarities as the Altai Wapiti, Barasinga, Burmese Thameng, Malay and Indian Sambar, and several others. They are sheltered by four houses, the largest of which crowns the summit of the hill on the right of Osborn's NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 51 Walk as the visitor enters from Fordham. For the visitors' convenience we will make note of the various species about in the order of their appearance, and not in zoological se- quence. The Axis Deer, (Axis axis), is the handsomest of all the tropical deer. Indeed, it may even be said to be the only species of the tropics possessing both form and pelage which are alike pleasing to the eye. In contrast with the many beautiful and splendidly colored antelopes of Africa, the deer of the tropics, all round the world, are poorly provided with those characters which make a handsome animal. With the sole exception of the Axis Deer, nearly all the other deer of the East Indies have thin, coarse, dull-colored hair, their antlers are small, and seldom have more than four points. This is equally true of the deer of Mexico, Central and South America. Even our own Virginia deer, so lusty and fine in the North, becomes in Florida and Texas so dwarfed that it has now been called a subspecies. Considering the severe plainness of all the other deer in the tropics, it is a little strange that the coat of the Axis should be the most beautiful possessed by any deer. But it is quite true; and apart from the majesty of the elk, there is no more beautiful sight in cervine life than the picture offered by a herd of Axis Deer feeding in a sunlit glade surrounded by forest. This species adapts itself to out-door life in the temperate zone with surprising readiness, not even second in that respect to the eland. As a matter of course the Axis can not withstand the fierce blizzards of midwinter as do the elk and other northern deer; but a reasonable degree of care in providing it with a dry barn, and shelter from cold winds, enables it to live even as far north as northern Germany with perfect comfort. In winter our Axis Deer barn is mod- erately heated by a stove. The Japanese Sika Deer, (Cervus sika typicus), is a small representative of a large group of deer species inhabiting far-eastern Asia, and known as the Sika Deer group. A ridiculous number of forms have been described as species and subspecies, of which possibly one-third are entitled to stand. Some of those on the Asian mainland, as the Pekin Sika Deer, are much larger than the Japanese Sika, and also more strikingly colored. The latter species, shown in our northernmost corral, is about 33 inches in height, and of a dull and uninteresting smoky-brown color. Its antlers are quite large for a deer so small, and in the mating season 52 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. males are sometimes dangerous. This species is very hardy, breeds persistently, requires no heat in winter, and very rarely sends a case to the hospital. The Fallow Deer, (Dama vulgaris], is the type of a dis- tinct group of deer which are distinguished by the posses- sion 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 ap- pearance far out of proportion to its actual size. The weight of a large buck in prime condition generally is be- tween 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 29% inches in length, 281/2 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 stand- ard, 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's 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 char- acteristic 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, XBTAV YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 53 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 Barasinga Deer, (Census 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 suggest the latter species, and in size the two species are much alike. In summer the coat of the Barasinga 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 off- spring mature well. The Altai Wapiti, (Census 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 re- quire no heat in winter. The Indian Sambar, (Census 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. 54 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 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, (Census moral}, is in appearance like an extra large red deer or a small elk. It is a midway mem- ber 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 Cau- casus district, but they have failed to breed as expected. The European Red Deer, (Cervus elaphits), is an under- study 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 pre- serves 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. The entire herd of Red Deer is the gift of Mr. William Rockefeller. This original stock contained two bucks and four does, procured by the consent of the Czar of Russia from one of the imperial parks. Russian Red Deer are very robust and hardy, and are believed to represent the highest development of this species. In addition to the above, five specimens derived from English stock were received from Mr. Rockefeller's herd at Greenwich, Connecticut. 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 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 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL TARE. 55 BAEBARY LIOX. "SULTAN." 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 of the same kind as those used in the Rep- tile 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 build- ing contains 13 indoor cages, and 9 outdoor cages, and be- tween the two there is free communication. The sizes of the various cages are as follows : Interior cages : Largest, 14 feet wide, 22 feet deep ; small- est, 13 feet wide, 14 feet high. Exterior cages: two end cages, 40x44 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 ex- terior 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 ani- 56 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. mals, is conducted from the rear, by means of a track under, neath the sleeping dens, and an elevating platform ear. 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 con- spicuous, 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 con- stantly being claimed by civilization, and its members are rapidly decreasing. It is not a difficult matter to exter- minate or drive out- from a given territory any large and conspicuous quadruped, and at the present rate of settle- ment 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 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. JAGUAR "SENO'R LOPEZ." 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 Tiger will be found upon the earth long after the lion has disappeared. He is a far better hider, a more skill- ful hunter, less given to taking foolish risks, and he does not advertise his presence and invite his enemies by the bom- bastic 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 58 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 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. Strange to say, the finest of all Tigers are found in Corea and Man- churia, where they grow very large, and develop hair that is long and thick. 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 8i/> inches in length, stood 3 feet 7 inches high at the shoulders, and weighed, on the scales, 495 pounds. In India, Tigers are classed accord- ing 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 mas- sive head and powerful forearm. It is a good climber, and many wonderful stories of its strength have been told and printed. Amongst 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 Philadel- phia, 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 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK 59 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. Old World 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, (Cynaelnrus jnbatus), 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 ra- jahs. 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 find 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 Hima- 60 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDK. lay as 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. Up to 1907, we have possessed three specimens, one of which was living on January 1. 1907. Some individuals are good-natured and playful, but others are morose. The Puma, or Mountain Lion, (Fells 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 at- tains 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 Koutt County it is hunted very success- fully 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 beau- tiful, 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, con- stantly, in the Puma Plouse (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 con- stant entertainment than Sea-Lions. They are delightfully NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 61 active, and in one way or another — diving, swimming, climb- ing 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," (Zalo- phus calif ornianus), 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, and but for the fact that on the United States Light-House reservations their slaughter is prohibited by the Light-House Board, the people of California would now be waging a systematic war on the species, which soon would exterminate it. The specimens exhibited in the Zoological Park were cap- tured for the Society near Santa Barbara. Their captors provided themselves with lassos, crept along the rocky cav- erns which served the creatures as sleeping-dens, lassoed them, and drew them forth. During the long journey across the continent they travelled in crates, were fed on raw fish, and twice a day were drenched with water. Inas- much as these are warm-blooded animals, provided with lungs, not gills, they live and thrive in fresh water. Owing to lack of room, this species has never yet been known to breed in captivity, although many "pups" have been born in zoological gardens to newly caught mothers. 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 classifica- tion of pinnipeds (fin-footed animals) generally. For this reason, it is proper to observe at this point that : 1. 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. 2. Seals always have short and stubby front flippers, which are covered with hair, and provided with nails. In NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 63 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 Harbor Seal, (Phoca vitulina], is the species common along our Atlantic coast, and since it serves so well as a type of the 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 the apes, both great and small, the baboons, monkeys and le- murs. The word "monkey" is by no means sufficiently comprehensive to embrace all these forms. Were it other- wise, this building would be called, officially, the Monkey House. The Primates are 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 intelli- gent 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 rep- resentation 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 ex- cellence 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. 64 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 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 uni- versal 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 : I. ANTHROPOID APES. Chimpanzee Anthropopithccus calvus. . .of Africa. Orang-Utan Simla satyrus " Borneo. Gray Gibbon Hylobates leuciscus " II. OLD WORLD MONKEYS AND BABOONS. Mona Monkey Ccrcopithecus mono " Africa. White-Collared Mangabey . . . . Cercocebus coUaris " Magot : Barbary "Ape" -Vacacus inuus " N. Africa. Japanese Red-Faced Monkey. fuscatus " Japan. Pig-Tailed Monkey nemestrlnus " E. India. Rhesus Monkey rhesus " India. Entellus Monkey " entellus " " Black "Ape" f'ynopithecus niger " Celebes. Golden Baboon Papio babuin " N. Africa. Hamadryas ' hamadryas " Arabia. Mandrill mormon " W. Africa. Gelada Theropithccus gclada " Abyssinia. III. NEW WORLD MONKEYS. White-Throated Sapajou Ccbus hypoleucus " S. America. Red-Faced Spider Monkey. . . A teles paniscus " White-Headed Saki Pithecia leucocephala " Yarkee: Short-Tailed Monkey .Brachyurus calva " Squirrel Monkey Chrysothrix sciurea " Common Marmoset Hapale jacclius " " " Douroucoli \yctipithecus trivirgatus. . " " " IV. LEMURS AND LEMUROIDS. Ring-Tailed Lemur Lemur catta " Madagascar. Indri Indri brevicaudata " India. Galago Galago galago " Madagascar. Slow Lemur Nyctivebus tardigradus . ..." Madagascar. Aye- Aye Cheiromys madagascariensis" India. 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 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 65 small volume it is possible to notice only the most im- portant 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 1901 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 con- stantly 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 is long-lived in captivity, and in zoological gardens they come and go. For this rea- son, it is seldom that an adult specimen, 4 feet in height, and weighing 150 pounds, is seen in captivity. Amongst other apes, the Orang-Utan is readily recognized by its brown skin, red hair and small cars. In disposition this creature is naturally docile and affec- tionate. 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 1901, the daily open-air exhibition of "Rajah" dining at 4 o'clock on an elevated platform in front of the Reptile House, will long be remembered by the crowds of visitors who saw him. 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 in- tended 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, (Anthropopithccus 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 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE ORANG-UTAN. 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, NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 67 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 inter- esting, 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 Ba- boon 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 contains several spe- cies 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 (man-like 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 Gib- raltar, which is a true macaque. The Japanese Red-Paced Monkey, another macaque, with a brilliant red face, and long, thick coat of hair, which 68 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. CHIMPANZEE, "POLLY." 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 domineer- ing 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. NRW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 69 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 Colobs) 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 fight- ing habit, they are prime favorites with everybody. The Mona Monkey is handsomest and easily kept, and an excellent representative of the great African genus Ccrco- piihccus. The Green Monkey and the Vervet are lively but quarrel- some, and at times become dangerous. The Patas, or Red Monkey, is very sedate, and makes a good cage-mate for the 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 ap- pearance of being burdened with cares, — which most cap- tive 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 70 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. DEAD GELADA BABOON*. 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. For- tunately, 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 Marmosets, and the Pinche. These diminutive crea- tures are so delicate they require the greatest care and ten- derness, and thrive better in moderately small cages than NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 71 RED-HEADED MANGABki. in large ones. True marmosets are the smallest of American primates, being next in size to the Tarsier, of Borneo, small- est 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 rela- tionship 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 in- offensive animals, and not being persecuted by their human neighbors, as all American wild animals are, they are quite numerous. Nearly all of 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 interest- ing in the daytime as most of the monkeys. So far from 72 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. RUFFED LBMOR. manifesting a disposition to retire to dark corners, they love to lie in the sunshine. The Ruffed Lemur, or Black-and-White Lemur, (Lemur varius), 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 browii and gray, which it carries very gracefully. This species is of a more lively disposition than most others. The cu- rious 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. THE 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 posi- tion 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 vards surrounding the structure were finished in 1909. Any building which can comfortably accommodate a rep- resentative collection of the largest of all living land ani- mals, 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 sun- light. 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 rhinoc- eroses and 2 for hippopotami. Each of these is 24x21% feet. The Hippopotami have within the building a tank 24x21 feet, and 8 feet in total depth; and another will be con- structed 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 beau- tiful open grove — strangely free from trees in its center — especially for the purposes to which it now is devoted. 73 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 75 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 ivho 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 build- ing 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 known 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. Our first Indian Elephant, a fine male named "Gunda," was caught wild in the interior of Assam, northeastern In- dia, and he arrived at the Zoological Park in May, 1904, as the gift of Col. Oliver H. Payne. He was then about seven years old. He stood 6 feet 7 inches in shoulder height, weighed 3,740 pounds, and had all the points of a "high-caste" elephant. His tusks were then 16 inches long. When he reached the Park, his education was nearly all before him, but he was trained so rapidly that on August 14, 1904, he began to carry visitors, and thus far has never made a mistake. On all afternoons, when the weather is sufficiently warm, he may be found at the riding-animals' stand, near the Flying Cage, on duty ; and he appears to enjoy his work. Although very mischievous about break- ing anything in his quarters that is breakable, he is by 'no means bad-tempered. Like most Indian elephants, "Gun- da" is very intelligent. In two days he was taught to receive pennies, lift the lid of his "bank," drop the coin within, "and ring his bell. Since his arrival here, in May, 1904, he has grown in height at the rate of about 5 inches each year. On April 1. 1907, he stood 7 feet T1/^ inches in shoulder height, his weight was 6,200 pounds, and his tusks were 2Sl/o inches long. The Sudan African Elephant, (Elephas oxyotis, Matschie), is the largest of the four species of African elephants now 76 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. recognized. The other species are the South African Ele- phant, (E. capensis), the German-East-African Elephant, (E. knochcnJiaiteri), and the West African Elephant, (E. cyclotis). After some years of waiting, and many futile efforts, we have at last come into possession of a pair of young Sudan Elephants, representing, so we believe, the great species to which belonged Jumbo, and also the bearer of the enormous tusks presented to the Zoological Society by Mr. Charles T. Barney. Like all elephants newly arrived from Africa, they are young, and small; but if they have good health they will grow very rapidly, and about A. D. 1927 they should attain full stature, — 11 feet at the shoulders for the male, or thereabouts. The different species of elephants are most easily recog- nized by their ears. Compare the enormous "sail-area" of the ears of this species with the small, triangular ear of the Indian elephant, and the small, round ear of the next species. The West African Elephant, (Elephas cyclotis}, of equa- torial West Africa, especially the Congo country, is appar- ently a small species, not exceeding seven feet in height, — even if that height ever is attained. Mr. Carl Hagenbeck re- ports that out of nearly 300 pairs of tusks of this species examined by him in the German ivory market, not one pair exceeded two feet in length, and many measured only 10 inches. On July 25, 1905, we received a male specimen represent- ing this species, as a gift from Mr. Barney. It is strikingly marked by its small round ears, and the presence of 5 toes on each fore-foot and 4 on the hind foot, the number in the East African species being 4 and 3, respectively. At the time of its arrival, little ' ' Congo ' ' stood 43 inches in shoulder height, his weight was precisely 600 pounds, and his tusks were 4 inches long. Owing to a peculiar skin disease which he brought with him from Africa, his growth has been re- tarded, and thus far his increase in height has not been satisfactory. Regarding the life history and distribution of this odd species, much remains to be ascertained; and precise in- formation is greatly desired. The African Two-Horned Rhinoceros, (Rhinoceros bicor- nis), is already represented by two fine young specimens, both of which were acquired in 1906. Fortunately one is a male and the other a female. The former is a gift from Mr. Frederick G. Bourne. The female was captured in July, NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 77 YOUNG AFRICAN" TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS. 1905, in the northern point of German East Africa, within about sixty miles of the head of Speke Gulf, which is the southeastern arm of Lake Victoria Nyanza. The elevation .is between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. It was slung under a pole, "and carried, six days' journey on men's shoulders, to the shore of the lake. The male specimen was captured very near the same spot .which furnished the female, but one year later, (July, 1906), and in the same manner was carried to the lake front. From thence, both animals were transported by steamer to 'Port Florence, at the head of the Uganda Railway, thence by rail 500 miles to Mombasa. On April 1, 1907, the male Rhinoceros,— which has been named "Speke," — was 30^4 inches in shoulder height, and the female, christened "Victoria," was 39 inches high. Both animals are now in excellent health, and the latter has grown very rapidly since her arrival here. . The African Two-Horned Rhinoceros once was very abun- dant throughout the whole of the fertile plains region of east and south Africa, but the onslaughts of hunters have exterminated it from probably nine-tenths of the territory that it once occupied. To-day, the Englishmen of Africa are earnestly endeavoring to regulate and abate the slaughter 78 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. HIPPOPOTAMUS. of African big game, and beyond doubt safe, good results in that line are being accomplished. It is to be hoped that the protection lines will now be drawn so tightly around the game that remains that it will be perpetuated for cen- turies to come. The Indian Rhinoceros, (Rhinoceros unicornis). — A full- grown Indian Rhinoceros is one of the most wonderful of all living animals. It seems like a prehistoric monster, belong- ing to the days of the dinosaurs, rather than a creature of to-day ; and the killing of so grand a creature solely for the sake of "sport," and a stuffed head to hang upon a wall, is murder, no less. It is quite time that the most wonderful works of animated Nature should universally be recognized as safe from attack with the rifle and knife. So pronounced is the rarity of the great Indian Rhinoceros, it is a fact that for nearly fifteen years no living specimens came into the wild-animal market. At last, however, the per- sistence and industry of the renowned Carl Hagenbeck was rewarded by the capture, in 1906, of four young specimens, all of which reached Hamburg in May, 1907. One of the best specimens of the quartette was purchased for the New York Zoological Park, and its arrival at the Park is expected NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 79 SOUTH AMERICAN TAPIR. to be coincident with the issue of this edition of the Guide Book to the members of the Society. The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros is the largest of all liv- ing rhinoceroses. A full-grown male is about 5 feet, 6 inches in shoulder height, and 10 feet 6 inches long from end of nose to root of tail. The length of the horn is not great, rarely exceeding 12 inches. The skin is very thick, and lies upon the animal in great rigid slabs which are divided by articulating areas of thinner skin. This species now is so greatly reduced in number and in area that it is found only in a small portion of northeastern India, and is practically restricted to the plains of Assam. It dislikes hills, and inhabits the swampy plains that are thickly covered with high, coarse grass and brush. In disposition it is by no means savage or dangerous to man. The Hippopotamus, (Hippopotamus amphibius), is more frequently seen in captivity than any of the large rhinoce- roses, or the African elephant. In the lakes and large rivers of central East Africa it still exists in fair numbers, and still is killed for "sport." Strange as it may seem, this very inert and usually leth- argic monster can, under what it deems just provocation, become very angry, and even dangerous. Four years ago, 80 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. in one of the rivers of Uganda, a hippopotamus not only overturned a boat, but killed one of its native occupants by biting him. , The Hippopotamus breeds readily in captivity, even under poor conditions, and the supply for the zoological gardens of the world is chiefly maintained in that way. The fine male specimen exhibited in the Zoological Park was pur- chased from the Central Park Menagerie, for $3,000, and is a gift from Mr. Samuel Thorne. He was born on July 13, 1904. His weight on July 14, 1906, at two years of age, was 1,700 pounds ; and he is growing rapidly. The Tapirs.— Near the end of the Order of Hoofed Ani- mals, (Ungnlata), is found the Tapir Family, represented in both the old world and the new, by about five species. These very odd creatures inhabit the densest forests of the tropics, where vegetation grows rankly, and few other large hoofed animals can live. They are very fond of water, and swim well. Until the Elephant House is ready, one pair of Tapirs will be found in the Antelope House. The South American Tapir, (Tapirus terrestris), takes kindly to captivity, breeds in confinement, and always man- ages to look well-fed and as sleek as a seal. Its color is a rich mahogany brown, and its long, prehensile nose is strongly suggestive of the end of an elephant's trunk. The shoulder height of a full-grown animal is about 37 inches. This species inhabits Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Para- guay, Uruguay and some other regions of South America. Some of the Central American Tapirs inhabit mountain re- gions, but all are exceedingly wary, and difficult to find without dogs. The Malay Tapir, (Tapirus indicus}, of the Malay Penin- sula and Sumatra, may be recognized as far as it can be seen, by its colors. The front half of the animal, and its legs, are black or dark brown, and the rear half of the body is white. It is much larger than the preceding species. No. specimens will be shown prior to the occupancy of the Elephant House. THE WOLF DENS, No. 22. At the northeastern corner of the Elk Range there is a huge, bare granite rock, two hundred feet long, shaped pre- cisely like the hump of a bull buffalo. The high end of the NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 81 hump is toward the north, and its crest is about fifteen feet above the ground on its eastern side. A fringe of small trees and bushes grows along its western side. On the east side, well sheltered by the rock itself from the cold west winds of winter, and also shaded by several fine trees which most opportunely grow close beside the ledge, the Wolf Dens and Fox Dens are situated. In regard to the iron work, these dens are merely an understudy of the Bear Dens. The dimensions of each den of the series are 16 by 48 feet, and the height of the bars to the top of the overhang is 9 feet 6 inches. The sleeping dens are of simple construction, all save one being of wood, trimmed with bark-covered slabs. At present the Wolf Dens are divided into four compartments. The Gray Wolf, (Canis nnbilis), is known by as many names as it has color phases. In the North, where it is white, it is called the "White Wolf," while in Florida it becomes the "Black Wolf." In British Columbia and around Great Slave Lake, both white and black wolves abound, as well as the standard gray, but on the Barren Grounds the white phase predominates. In Texas a "Red Wolf" is found, but apparently the red phase is of somewhat rare occurrence, and is never found in the North. In the West this animal has recently come into prominence in a way that is striking terror to the hearts of ranchmen and others who have stock to lose. While all kinds of de- sirable game animals are decreasing at an alarming rate, the Gray Wolf not only holds its own, but is multiplying rapidly. The destruction by it of calves, colts, and sheep, has become so great that nearly every western state has placed on the head of this bold marauder a bounty varying from $2 to $10. In some States this law has been in force for several years, but with no sensible diminution in the number of wolves. The Gray Wolves which live in touch with civilization are by no means such bold and dangerous animals as they for- merly were. In the early days, when wolves were numerous and fire-arms few and primitive, the Gray Wolf undoubtedly was a dangerous animal. But the breech-loading rifle has changed all this. Excepting for his stock-killing propensi- ties, the Gray Wolf is now a skulking creature. In the United States this animal possesses the courage of a coyote, but in the Barren Grounds it is still fierce and dangerous. However much the wolf may skulk and flee when the way is