Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-06-27

ssSAY. MISTER, DOES DIS YER PHASE
~ all belongs to one company"
mo, my ancient but ignorant friend. this is
the Geological Park and belongs to the govern
ment."
"well. dat's what means; does hit all be-
longs to de same government
This week was moving time at the temporary
geological park behind the Smithsonian, and a
large number of the animals were removed
from their confined quarters to the larger and
more comfortable habitations out on Rock
creek. The animated and interesting CONVEX
sation above took place between a colored
driver and a STAR reporter seated on a
big dray with all the dignity BETTING a
circus parade. Besides the driver and
reporter the front seat also held
the energetic head keeper of the zoo, Capt. W.
II. Elackburne. On the side of the wagon we're
the magic words Humane Society and on the
inside were three very much confused elk. On
the top was box containing half dozen
lively specimens of prairie dogs. The wagon was
the start of the general emigration to Rock
Creek.
THE ELK IN NEW QUARTERS.
The three elk had been enticed into the
wagon and were boxed in before they hardly
realized the situation. Four big horses consti-
tuted the motive power Of the outfit and the
park was reached without mishap. The
wagon was backed up to the entrance
to the new elk and buffalo house and
the animals started out. They came
with a rush and were soon gazing wonderingly
| al the big yard or run provided for their com
fort. The run contains plenty of shade and in
half an hour the animals were perfectly at home
and contentedly chewing the lower branches OF
| the trees. The quarters arranged for the elk
and buffalo are not only picturesque. but they
are extremely comfortable. The house is bull:
of unfinished logs, with artistic gables and
entrances.
The yards are ample in size, but will be
made still larger as opportunity allows and
| requires. The fences are built of heavy p0sts
with strong wires running between and 10 q
height sufficient to curb the jumping powers
of any, especially energetic elk or buffalo
Thursday night the three male elk took their
first meal at the park. All three have their horns
in the velvet and are tolerably gentle. The
| female elk was removed to the park with all the
honors BETTING her sex and condition this
morning, and enjoys the seclusion and repose
of a separate compartment
THE PRAIRIE DOGS.
The prairie dogs have an Enclosure off in the
woods which should make them happy if any
thing can. There is plenty of chance for them
to burrow to their hearts content Many OF
| the Gagged animals were also moved out during
the week and the new park begins to be iI-hab
tied The bear pits have nearly been com
pleted and already one is occupied by q
| handsome young cinnamon bear. Work is also
| being pushed on number Of caves or den,
for wolves, badgers and foxes. The two in
closures devoted to deer are lively spots, there
already being six deer at the park.
'PossUAIs WITHOUT EARS.
There is a family of opossums in the build.
| ing back Of the Smithsonian which need.
police supervision. There is the old lady
opossum and a number of offspring opossums
but in the whole lot there is hardly u whole
pair of ears The household arrangement.
are the best and the table is supplied
| with all the latest delicacies, but to nc
purpose That opossum family has an inner
ent and incurable taste for ears. They don''
| fight and rip each others ears off in moment
| of passion while the blood is hot and thoughts
| of the Police Court are lost. They simply liz
| side ny side and chew each others ears in a
mild, contemplative way and the chewee seems t.
| enjoy it as much as the chewer. Abe old lady
opossums are merely tradition
of the past, and the only real sound pair of ears
| are owned by a rather chirky looking young
Opossum, who evidently does not possess the
correct favor. 1t is narrowing thought what
| that family is going to do when the supply Of
| ears runs out.