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SMITHSONIAN INSTUTUTION   1518

of the District of Columbia. Thus the Zoo expenditures are paid from District of Columbia revenues except to the extent of the Federal contribution to the District. It was observed that appropriations for the Zoo frequently come out second best in competition with District needs for schools, hospitals and other municipal functions. 

The question of charging of fees was discussed, including possible free days, annual memberships and various levels of charges. Support for charging was based on the need for revenues for capital improvements and on the practice in many other American cities. Opposition to the charging of fees was based on a recognition of the importance of having wholesome, recreational and educational facilities available to all Zoo visitors both local and from outside the District. A charge for automobile parking was recognized as a possibility. The question was raised as to the level of admission fees charged in other American cities, and also as to the extent of government contribution to the expenses of foreign zoos located in capital cities. Information on these questions will be developed for review by the Regents.

INSTALLATION OF ACTING CHAIRMAN

As the Chancellor had to leave for the Supreme Court, he relinquished the chair to Dr. Robert W. Fleming, Chairman of the Executive Committee, at 10:03 a.m.

The reports prepared by the Friends of the National Zoo were discussed.

It was stressed that a specific program of improvements for the National Zoological Park should be developed with a general plan and cost estimates for further consideration of the Regents. The sense of the meeting was that there is a national responsibility for the capital improvements of the Zoo. On motion by Senator Anderson, seconded by