Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-09-18

n NoShOwoI Loo
From the New York Tribune q
A project is under consideration nv Conoree,
through provision Of the sundry civil bill TO e.
eaoIsn geological Garden In Washington that
snail properly represent the animal NE OF our
great country. II Is not surprising TO fnd CERTAIN
class OF men, whom An inscrutable Providence per-
mis- 70 get into Congress, opposing the plan on
account OF the very moderate outlay involved,
ea1lging That II Is an ''aristocratic" scheme
most iaughaoie objection, seeing that such insti-
tutlons are the delight OF the common people the
worid over. But IL Is to be hoped that stupid and
naIrow-ninded opposition OF this sort will not pre-
vail. The establishment and maintenapce OF a
geological garden Is as much part of the proper
work OF Government as building schools or send
Ing out Sclentinc surveys II Is source OF fnstruc
tlOn 10 the people, and an aid to the development
OF science, especially in this country by preserv
Ing many species OF wild animals from extinction.
IL is In this latter respect that the proposed gar
den would be OF great value. Very many OF our
wild animals are dying OF before the hunters, and
Will soon disappear IL some such means be not
taken to preserve them. paper prepared at the
request OF Mr.. Breckenridge, OF Kentucky, and
submitted during the discussion the other day In
the House, presented facts of striking interest
under this head. The buffalo is already regarded
as an extinct animal Not one, y said oy com
sions on this continent; and In this country there
are two small herds, one in Texas and the other
more than lbs The leading scientists, not only
Of America, but OF Europe, have been calling
bison from extinction as the Russian government
has done with European bison or aurocha 1t Is
said that at the present rate OF progress the re-
markable Rocky Mountain goat viii be extinct
within i've years Among the quadrupeds that
are fast dying on are the elk, moose, antelope,
caribou, black-tailed deer, grizzly bear, wolf,
beaver, otter and wolverine. The delay Of q few
years may mean the complete disappearance OF
some or most OF these, and gap In the history of
the animal Life OF this continent that never be
filled.
The cost Of such an institution would be moder-
ate. The appropriation proposed is 500 COO Of
which not more than $4,000, 1t Is estimated,
would be required for the purchase Of l20 acres OF
land on Rock Creek, said to be q inner site for the
purpose than Is enjoyed By any similar garden in
the world. IL presents a beautiful variety Of val
ley, hill and clin, has an abundant water supply,
which Is OF great importance, perfect drainage,
and nne growth OF virgin forest The site has
been practically selected by the officers OF the
Smithsonian Institution, who take great interest
will be placed when once laid out, II Congress
should authorize It. There Is real estate specu.
lailon behind IT, An important consideration in
regard to the expense OF maintenance Is that prob
ably three-fourths OF its accusations would be by
gilt This has been the rule with other collec-
tons, including the department OF living animals
established less than year ago Dy the National
museum. Already our cOnsulS are writing from
tropical countries Offering gifts Of animals, in an
tlcipatlon OF the approval OF the project Ly Con-
gress.
The proper place for national ZOO is in WASH
lngton. IL Will help 10 complete the equipment of
that city as capital AMI be a source or great In
terest and enjoyment to the many thousands OF
visitors who go there every year from all quar-
tiers OF the Union. The little money 1t would take
would be well spent