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^[[4]]

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.Lindber^[[g]],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 also to protect them from annoyance at the hands of a certain class of visitors. Accordingly on Feb. 1, Mr. N. R. Wood was engaged to do duty in the above capacity.
During the months of February and March the collection nearly doubled in point of numbers ,and rendered it absolutely necessary to occupy the whole of the building in which it was temporarily installed. A bear pit was built for the black bears at the western end,[[strikethrough]] and [[/strikethrough]] ^[[a]] large cage was