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been erected on the south side of the eastern wing of the Smithsonian, of materials from the old demolished New Orleans Annex building. Its dimensions were twenty-five by one-hundred-and six feet. This rough building was fitted up with heating apparatus, a number of temporary cages were made, the collection duly installed, and opened to the public on December 31, 1887. It immediately became quite popular with the public. Many valuable gifts were offered, and accepted, and a number of desirable small objects which were offered to the Institution at nominal prices were purchased and added to the collection. Among the earliest gifts were an unusually large and fine Jaguar, from Mr. J. W. Riddle, of Eagle Pass, Texas, and two black bears from Mr. J. J. E. Lindberg, of El Paso, Texas.

By the end of January the collection had increased to a total of 58 specimens of mammals and birds, many of which were rare and valuable. It was found that the collection demanded the constant attention of an experienced keeper, not only for the proper care and feeding of the animals, but