These have a wide distribution, varying in color in the different parts of the country. They are usually found in the deeper portions of the forest, where they prey upon birds, squirrels and other small animals. The tail is hardly ever more than three inches in length. Their color is generally a deep red with small spots of blackish brown.

THE OPOSSUM (Didelphys virginiana)

Is a native of America. In form, habits and character it is peculiar - more so than any of the Marsupials. Their food consists of birds, birds' eggs and insects. Their home is generally in the hollow of a tree. The characteristic pouch of the order is well developed. When hard pressed they will feign death. The Opossum is nocturnal and very timid in its character.

THE RED FOX (Canis fulvus) AND THE GRAY FOX (Canis virginianus)

These have already been described.

WOODCHUCKS (Arctomys monax)

These, as has been indicated, are represented in the Small Mammal House.

THE OWL AVIARIES

Following the path westward, the visitor comes to the Owl Aviaries, where may always be found a large collection of Owls. One of the most interesting is

THE GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo verginianus)

This is the largest Owl found in the United States. It is so called because of the tuft of feathers on each side of its head. It is also frequently called the Cat Owl, because the tufts are erected at will, and, when erected, gives it head a feline appearIts prey consists of young rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice, partridges and sm birds. It frequently prowls around farm yards, and carries off chickens from the This owl is rarely seen abroad by day; never unless disturbed.

ance.

roost.

THE CENTER LAKE

Turning to the right, the visitor will arrive at the shores of a large lake which contains a mammoth collection of Swans, Geese, Ducks, Pelicans, Cranes, Blue Herons, Gulls, Etc.

SWANS.

The Swan has a long neck. This is because it doesn't dive, yet subsists on aquatic roots, etc. The stroke of its wing is remarkable for its power. It is said that they live to be 100 years old. Owing to its beauty and grace the Swan has been the inspiration of many a rhyme and story. There are four species of Swans. in our collection

THE TRUMPETER SWAN (Cygnus buccinator)

We have

Which is found from the Mississippi river northward to the Hudson bay. Though a large bird, when migrating it can comfortably travel at the rate of 100 miles an hour, if the wind be in its favor.

THE WHISTLING SWAN (Cygnus musicus)

This is a native of Europe. The shape and the color of its beak, which is slender, without the black tubercle, and which is black at the tip and yellow at the base, distinguishes it from other species.

GEESE

Like all water fowl, geese are web-footed, and the legs are set far back, enabling them to better indulge their swimming propensitive. This fact, however, makes it not

so easy for them to walk; in fact, their movements on the ground are an unmistakable and unsteady waddle. It don't seem to possess much intelligence, and from this fact originates the expression, "You are a goose, as applied to some person who has done something foolish. Wild Geese, the Canadian Goose (Barnicla canadensis), the Chinese Goose (Anser cygnoides), and the Common Brant (Bernicla brenta) are among the collection.

DUCKS

These birds have short legs; the hind toe is separate, and a soft, sensitive skin covers the bill. They have thick plumage, and keep it well oiled, so they can dive without getting wet. The upper feathers are so close and thick on their back as to make them almost water-proof. The water runs off their backs without penetrating to the skin. Among the ducks found at the Lake are the Muscovy Duck (C. moschata) of North America, the Aylsbury Duck of Europe, and the Brown Call Duck (Anas domesticus) of Europe.

In the Pelican all the toes are connected by a web. They are found both in the Old World and in the New World, in tropical and temperate regions. They have a large bill, from the lower part of which hangs a large pouch, capable of great extension, serving as a bag to stow away fish when not eaten when caught. It has very regular habits; it starts out on a fishing excursion early in the morning, then flies to land, devours its capture, then sleeps, then goes out fishing again. In the evening, returning, it eats its prey and then goes to roost. This is the regular daily round of the Pelican. There are several varieties at the Zoo.

THE AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (P. thrachyrhynchus)

Is the most familiar species in America. It is a very beautiful bird, and is rarely seen further east than Cape Hatteras. It is quite common on the Gulf Coast.

THE EUROPEAN PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

Is found in many parts of Africa and Asia, as well as in Europe. It is characterized by an extremely large pouch, capable of holding a gallon or more of water.

HERONS

Like Storks and Ibises, are generally large, having long necks and tufts of feathers on both sides of the breast and posterior parts of the body. When they fly they double their necks and stretch back their legs. They feed on fish, reptiles, frogs, snails, slugs and insects. They are often seen standing in the water, watching for prey that may come within reach of their spear-shaped bills.

THE GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

This is a very familiar bird in the Eastern part of the United States. It is also common in South Africa. It has a

sharp, conical-shaped bill, with which it

age and measurements.

CRANES.

Vis

Cranes are found in warm countries. Their migrations are long. They have long, slender legs and plume-like feathers. itors to the Zoo are greatly amused by the grotesque caperings of these long-legged birds. The common Crane is about four feet in length. There are several species of these birds. The most notable in our collection are the Stanley Crane and the Sandhill Crane

The Cranes, Blue Herons and Pelicans are all taken to the Winter Quarters in winter, but the other birds remain here the entire winter. The ice is kept broken in places for their benefit, and sometimes, when the weather is extremely cold, the keeper throws some hay on the ice, and they stay on that.

THE BAND STAND

Directly in front of the Club House is the Music Stand, where the grand military band concerts are given during the summer. These concerts, particularly on the regular summer night fetes, are exceedingly entertaining, and their loss would be sadly felt in a city like Cincinnati, which contains so many lovers of music. On regular fete nights, the green sward beneath the trees is covered with thousands of comfortable, folding, opera chairs, and these are generally all taken, while the broad, clean, gravel walks are filled with gay and happy promenaders.

OUTINGS

In the outing season, the Zoological Gardens certainly do their share of the busiFor outing purposes, no resort is more convenient or suitable than the Zoolog ical Gardens. Containing 45 acres of wooded hill and dale, and being easy of access,

ness.