New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-16
A NATIONAL 700.


greSs, through provision of the Sundry civil
bill, to establish Geological Garden in Wash
ington that shall properly represent the an
ima life of our great country. 1t is not sur
prising to find a certain class Of men, whom
an inscrutable Providence permits to get into
Congress. opposing the plan on account OF the
very moderate outlay involved, and charging
that it is an aristOcratic" scheme-a most
laughable objection, seeing that such inStitu-
tons are the delight of the common people the
world over. But it is to be hoped that stupid
and narrow minded opposition Of this sort will
not prevail The establishment and mante-
nance of a geological garden is as much part
Of the proper work of Government as building
schools or sending out scientific surveys. 1t
is n source of instruction to the people. and an
aid to the development of science especially
in this country, by preserving many species Of
wild animals from extinction.
1t is in this latter respect that The proposed
garden would be of great value. Very many
of our wild animals are dying off before the
hunters, and will soon disappear if some such
means be not taken to preserve them paper
prepared at the request of Mr.. Breckenridge.
of Kentucky, and submitted during the dis
cussiOn the other day in the House, presented
facts of striking interest under this head. The
buffalo is already regarded as an extinct an
imal. Not one, it is said by competent au-
thorty, remains in the British possessions on
this continent; and in this country there are
two small herds, one in Texas and the other
in the Yellowstone Park, numbering together
not moro than 1925. The leading scientists.
not only of America, but Of Europe, have been
calling upon our Government for years to pre-
serve the bison from extinction, rs the Russian.
Government has done with the European bison
or aurochs 1t is said that at the present rate
Of progress, the remarkable Rocky Mountain
goat will be extinct within five years. Among
the quadrupeds that are fast dying off are the
elk, moose, antelope caribou, black-tailed deer.
grizzly bear, wolf beaver, otter and wolverine.
The delay of few years may mean the com
plcte disappearance of some or most Of these,
and gap in the history Of the animal life of
this continent that can never be filled.
The cost Of such an institution would be
moderate. The appropriation proposed is
50 90, 600, Of which not more than $4,000,
it is estimated, would be required for the pur
chase Of 100 acres Of land on Rock Creek said
60 be finer site for the purpose than Is enjoyed
by any similar garden in ;he world It presents
beautiful variety of valley, hill and cliff has
an abundant water supply, which is Of great
importance, perfect drainage, and fine growth
Of virgin forest. The site has been practically
selected by the officers Of the Smithsonian IN
stitution, who take great interest in this prof
ect, and under whose charge the garden will
be placed when once laid out, if Congress
should authorize it. There is no real estate
speculation behind it. An important conSid-
Grafton in regard to the expense Of maintc-
nance is that probably three-fourth of its &C
QUESTIONS would be by gift. This has been the
rule with other collections including the De
parment of Living Animals, established less
than year ago by the National Museum. Al
ready our consuls are writing from tropical
countries, Offering gifts of animals, in antici-
patton of the approval of the project by Con-
greSs.
The proper place for n National Zoo is in
Washington. 1t will help to complete the
equipment OF that city as a capital and be a
source Of great interest and enjoyment to the
many thousands Of visitors who come there
every year from all quarters Of the Union.
The little money it would take would be well
spent.