GYMNASIA.

The activities in the gymnasia which were seriously interfered with on account of the buildings being occupied by the State Guards, also on account of the coal shortage, were renewed and the large classes were again on regular schedule. The curriculum has been added to and it is expected that in another year the gymnasia will be as well patronized as ever.

MOTH AND TREE DIVISION.

The force was added to and subdivided so that each gang had a suburb of the city to take care of. The systematic planting of trees was continued during the year, and the list of estates infested was taken; these places were cleaned or sprayed by the moth force during the year.

BAND CONCERTS.

Over one hundred band concerts were held during the summer months at the following places: Boston Common, Marine Park, Franklin Park and Jamaica Pond. The noon concerts were continued at the Parkman Bandstand and were very well patronized.

ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN AND AQUARIUM.

Zoo. Another building was added in the ranges for the protection of the sacred cows, kangaroos, llamas and deer, which makes a very welcome change, both to the looks of the place and the benefit of the animals. A large number of new exhibits were added to the Zoo, particularly in the Bird House. One of the most important acquisitions to the Zoo during the year 1920 was a pair of beautiful leopards. The acquisitions have been large, owing to the great many donations and the losses have been very small. The completion of the Lion House was a great addition to the Zoo and its sanitation is as near perfect as it is possible to get same. Work has been started on the building of outside cages, which we expect will be completed during the ensuing year.

Aquarium.- Changes were made in the basement of the Aquarium which permitted the construction of shower baths and toilets for the benefit of the public using the tennis courts in the Aquarium grounds.

During the year 125 varieties of mammals, fishes, reptiles and invertebrates were shown. At the present time there are 477 specimens on exhibition representing 48 varieties. Considerable trouble was experienced during the year with gas disease among the marine fishes. In August the salt water in the big storage tank was replenished by 160,000 gallons brought down from the harbor by water boat. This quantity was needed to replace the losses by leakage and evaporation. In conjunction with the New York and Philadelphia aquariums, a collecting trip was made to Key West, Florida. The receipts were not as large as hoped for. However, the trip added to the exhibit of tropical marine fishes. More or less trouble has been experienced recently with fungus on the fresh water fishes. It is hoped that this will be overcome in the near future.

CEMETERY DIVISION.

A large amount of work in the laying out of walks, drives and in the planting of evergreens was done in the old Cemetery Department which was consolidated with the Park Department on November 11, 1920. The house formerly used by the superintendent was destroyed by fire of an incendiary origin. A new wrought-iron fence was erected on the boundary lines of Paine and Canterbury streets; the work was finished March 1, 1921. The amount of the contract was $20,040.

Respectfully submitted,

WILLIAM P. LONG,

Deputy Commissioner.

PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND ROADS.

COST OF MAINTENANCE PER ACRE, 1912 TO 1921, INCLUSIVE.