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[[preprinted]] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM S. P. LANGLEY, Secretary G. BROWN GOODE, Assistant Secretary, in charge of U. S. National Museum UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM Washington, ^[[Dec 1]], 188^[[8]] [[/preprinted]] [[underline]]Monthly Report of the Department of Living Animals.[[/underline]] ^[[AL]] Curators Reports Living Animals Hornaday Prof. G. Brown Goode. Assistant Secretary, etc. Dear Sir:- I have the honor to report that during the month of November a number of important improvements were made in the accommodations for the Living Animals. A frame addition was built on at the back of the Animal House, 14 x 30 feet, floored with flags, and heated by a base-burning stove. In this a pit was provided for the 12 Elephant tortoises, and they were put into it, where they appear to be thriving. The large cages containing the monkeys, alligators and terrapins were also placed in this room. Arrangements were made for keeping the air of the room well moistened. The November rains soon made it necessary to put the ruminant yards in condition for the winter, and accordingly 100 cubic yards of gravel were purchased and spread over all the yards, to make them dry , and free from mud.