frequently noticed. A favorite branch overhanging the water is sometimes occupied by six or eight birds of several different species, asleep. Another crowds in next the trunk, and the outermost one is pushed off into the water. Complaining and protesting, he falls, but soon takes revenge by crowding in at the opposite end of the line. Thus, again and again, when one would think a quarrel impending, only good-natured complaints are heard, and these last but a few moments.

Comparison of the inmates of this flying cage with corresponding classes of human beings which they recall, is inevitable. Thus, the snowy egrets are likened to dashing, exquisite courtiers only too ready with rapier beak; the wood ibises suggest the buffoons; the cormorants are like rollicking boys; the pelicans seem like aged men with second-childhood's stage upon them, and the night-herons suggest rheumatic old persons of the most irascible type. And where else, in a smaller cage, could such curious friendships develop? Here, where the glossy ibises and the tree-ducks learn reciprocity, the latter permitting themselves to be pummelled and pushed as the long beak of the ibis searches their feathers for stray lice, or where a baby flamingo and a demoiselle crane become inseparable companions; where the great white pelican in a spirit of play actually tosses up the tiny Java ducks, and catches them in his huge pouch unhurt; where a cormorant rescues an over-greedy duck from an ignominious fall into the shrimp pail; where the coots swim unheeded between the stick-like legs of the flamingoes-here, where these and a hundred other incidents occur daily and hourly, approximately perfect conditions have been achieved for giving the birds what we owe them in taking them from the woods and fields-plenty of room, fresh air, protection from cold and enemies, and an abundance of good food and water. The crowds that frequently are banked three deep around this cage are the best evidence of the interest it arouses among all classes of visitors.

V. Æsthetic Effect of Diverse Forms and Colors. The last advantage, which, although of less vital importance in some ways, yet ought not to be ignored, is the pleasure to be derived from the beautiful kaleidoscopic effect of many living, active birds associating together an animated mosaic of many colors and forms, gracefully mingling and producing a result with which the most beautiful bird could not be compared when confined by itself. This should not be thought of in connection with artists merely, but as an important adjunct in holding the attention and interest of the majority of the people, and in promoting an intelligent appreciation of the beauties of Nature. If by thus presenting something more than a dry, scientific label in front of a spiritless bird, the higher side of man's nature is touched and aroused, surely an important part of the ultimate purpose of a Zoological Park is accomplished.

I

N the spring of 1901 the New York Zoological Society decided to send an expedition to Alaska for the twofold purpose of establishing connections at all the principal points along the Alaskan coast, and to secure such living animals as had been captured during the winter and held for sale. Mr. J. Alden Loring was selected as the Field Agent of the Society for this purpose. He left for Alaska, from Seattle, on March 26, 1901, and returned from this expedition on September 15th. Besides bringing with him several bears, he established a number of lines of communication with residents of the principal points along the Alaskan coast, which it is hoped will furnish a continuous supply of living animals in the future.

During recent years Alaska has proven a rich field for scientific research, and has produced some startling forms of large animals which were new to science. Chief among these is the great Kadiak bear (Ursus middendorffi), the largest of living carnivores, and rivaling the great cave bear in size. The greatest among all living deer is the giant Alaskan moose (Alces gigas); and next in interest come the various mountain sheep of Alaska. Of especial importance is the white mountain sheep (Ovis dalli), both on account of the beauty of its pelage and the fact that it is widely distributed throughout Alaska. At several points in its distribution it comes near to the coast, and is found at a low altitude. Owing to this fact, the Society hoped to be able to acclimatize on the Atlantic coast specimens of this interesting animal if any could be captured alive. Mr. Loring therefore received instructions to spend a portion of his time in an effort to capture young white sheep. He was successful in this difficult undertaking, and secured three young lambs.

The Society publishes in this Report selections from a large series of pictures obtained by Mr. Loring in Alaska, illustrating the country inhabited by these sheep, the method of their capture, and the living animals themselves. A further series of these pictures and a detailed account of the expedition will be a feature of the next Bulletin of the Society.

It was decided by Mr. Loring, after a consultation with those best posted on the distribution of sheep, to proceed to the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, on the southern coast of Alaska. He was fortunate in securing the services of H. H. Hicks, a noted guide of that region, as well as three Indians. He established his camp on the Knik River, and spent several weeks watching the mountain-side at the snow-line, for sheep. Quite a number of sheep were seen in this way, and were found to graze during the day on the open strip of grass above timber-line on the mountain-side and below the snow which covered the crags at the top of the range. The sheep retreated to these crags at night, and at the first approach of danger. Bands of sheep, as well as solitary individuals, chiefly rams, were visible along the mountain-side. At last a band of ewes was seen, and finally a newborn lamb was located high up on the mountain. After a hard climb the various members of the party succeeded in surrounding the lamb and its mother, and the former was secured without much struggle on its part to escape. It was carried down the mountain-side slung in an improvised hammock.