Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-10-24
A ssZOO,, IN WASHINGTON.
The Establishmemt Of n ZOolOricaI
Garden Probable.

THE POTOMAC FLATS SUGGESTED AS THE LOCATION
THE OLD BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY COMING TO LIFE.
1t is intended by scientists and others to endeavor
TO interest Congress this winter In the enterprise
SO frequently discussed OF establishing Geological
garden in this city. The enterprise is endorsed by
the officials connected with the Smithsonian insti-
tuition, and is regarded with favor by all scientific
men. The only difficulty In the way Of carrying
into successful execution such project is the want
OF proper and commodious location 1t Is the in
tentlon to ask Congress to authorize the use OF
some portion of the public grounds for this pur-
Potomac hats alter the eh ,t .a ne
completed, would make very desirable site. This
would be continuation Of the ground where the
1lsn ponds are now located, and the latter would
form novel and interesting feature of the Zoolog-
1cal gardens The convenience of this locality to
the city is great advantage and if the garden is
placed under the supervision of the Smithsonian
Institution, this would to be the proper lOca-
ton The question of a site has always been a
troublesome one when this project was under con-
sueratlon in years past.
THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF 1870.
AS 1t is generally known, this is by no means a
new Idea, and the enterprise has frequently been
considered in scientific circles. In 1870, on the
application Of number of well-knoWn gentlemen,
Congress passed act Incorporating ga geological
society in the city OF Washington" The incorpo-
rators named were Henry D. Cooke Geo. W. Riggs,
James 9. Kennedy, Spencer +. Baird, Gen. O. O.
Howard, T. w. BARLEY, Joseph Casey, Horace
Capon, James c. Mcclure and George Taylor A
number of the incOrporatOrs are now dead.
The society thus incorporated never accom-
pllShed anything beyond looking for a site,
advantage taken OF its chartered privileges. These
We're very liberal. They were authorized to use
fotomac water for hydrantS ponds and fountains
without charge. The society was empowered to
charge an entrance fee to these gardens exceed
Ing 70 cents for persons over IL years Of age and 10
cen for persons under that age On one day in
the week. however, 1t was stipulated that the gar
den should be open to all persons for charge not
exceeding 10 cents.
IMPORTING ANIMALS.
The clause In regard to the Importation of ami
mails was very liberal. 1t was as follows: "That
the said society may from time to time import into
this country from foreign countries free OF duty all
birds and animals necessary for the establishment
or said garden and in consideration thereof, the
said society shall do all in their power to introduce
valuable animals poultry and birds, and furnish
the same to persons or societies requiring the
at the least possible cost"
THE CHARTER STILL GOOD.
AS above stated this charter is still good and the
coming season will witness the revival Of this so
ciety When it was first organized the only land
That was available was In the northeastern portion
or the city. near Graceland cemetery. This was
considered too far away from the center of the CITY,
The location along Rock creek in the rear of what
Is now known as Washington Heights, was also Sug-
gested, but the society found that the money re-
them too deeply into debt.
FIRST-CLASS zoo.
If Congress will aid the society it is thought that
a first-clasS zoo can be established here without
any difficulty Owing to the mildness of the climate
the circus propretors would be glad to send their
animals here to winter year Or so ago one Of the
circus managers made a proposition to the stock
holders of the National Fair grounds for the use of
the buildings as Il winter home for the animals 1t
was The intention TO have certain days when the
pubic would be admitted, but the proposition was
rejected.
Prof Baird Is very much in favor of the estab-
llshment OF such garden here, and, it may be said,
that he Will be one OF the promoters Of the enter
prise II Congress grants the use OF the ground. by
next season there Will be geological garden here.