The Hawaiian gazette., 1898-02-08
Prot. A. AgaSSiZ Reserved on Ger
tain AGQlariln Figures.
HAS A PRIVATE STATION
There Should Be One Here = II
Would Attract-Zoo Too Expen-
sive-BotanicG Garden Plan Good.

It has been understood here for
some time that Hon. c. R. Bishop has
posrponed- action on his project for a
modern aquarium station near Homo
lulu. 1t is added that he is deferred
by the cost. Mr. Bishop is generous
man in every way and has large
means. But he could not quite see his
way clear 10 putting 100000 into this
particular undertaking. This figure
was the estimate of a local scientific
man consulted. Now there are many
men who have some acquaintance with
the subject who believe that such an
aquarium as Mr.. Bishop suggested
could be placed for, at the outside,
one-fOurth the sum indicated. Elk
perts or specialists abroad have agreed
with this financial view.
Professor .Agassiz, in conjunction
with his work in the United States,
maitains a private aquarium at New
port He was approached last evening
on the general subject Professor
Agassiz is quite enthusiastic over this
location for a station. He says that
it would be the only aquarium of any
account near a coral reef and for that
reason if for no other would attract
scientific men and students and lay
visitors from all parts of the world.
He thinks all the conditions here fay-
Orable to the building up of an &C
quarium that would be second to none
When the subject of placing an es-
innate or fixing figure on a good or
creditable aquarium for this region
was preached, Professor AgassiZ want
ed to turn the channel of conversation.
He said he had heard that Mr. G. R.
Bishop had become the owner of a
set of plans, specifications and prices
and that so long as another man had
made calculations he would not do so
in any way at all specific unless es-
pecially and properly invited. His own
aquarium was merely for study and
demonstration. For public or a
large station considerable sum of
money would be required. An az
quarium here would be grand thing.
There has been report in circula-
ton that at one time Professor Agas-
siZ placed the coast of such station
as might be expected to be established
here by Mr.. Bishop at a quite reason
able price. He would only say last
night that he would not enter the
field Of estimating in any way so long
as Mr.. Bishop was under negotiations
with the gentleman whose figures have
caused at least temporary abandon
ment of the plan. Naples has the
great aquarium of the world. The
Australians have been talking of es-
tablishing on coral reef near solon-
lal shore, but will not do so as long
as there is any prospect of having the
station here. Several countries are
awaiting a revised estimate on the Ha-
waiian aquarium.
Being asked as to the educational
value of Geological gardens for this
place. Professor Agassiz said the mat
ter Of expense would in all likelihood
defeat any scheme under that head.
Animals of the tropics could be easily
secured and kept at reasonable pay
but the difficulty would be in getting
specimens from the other zones and
maintaining that section of the dis
play. No community of this size any,
where has a Zoo worthy the name and
one or two Of the largest gardens in
the United States are barely kept 60
ing. The educational advantage of
such an institution here. he was sure.
would be very great. 1t was pitv
that many of the children of the Isl
ands grew up without being able to
see the important animals that are
common sights to the youngsters in
larger countries.
Professor Agassiz is pleased indeed
with the prospect for a botanic garden
here, This is the idea of Mr.. s. M
Damon, Minister of Finance. and he is
working it out on his Moanalua es
tate. Professor Agassiz says this is
one OF the most sensible and practic-
able and ueful projects in the educa-
uonal realm that could be conceived
Tor this country. The study of trees.
plants and flowers will be of great
benefit to all.
By the Australia today. Professor
Agasslz and party, three in all. will
leave the Islands. Very soon after
arrival at San Francisco, they will
continue on Eastward. where an i'm
mense amount of work awaits Profess
sor Agassiz. He has not been idle
during any of his recent tour. but has
great task in compiling, for lectures
and for publication under his direction
all OF the data, with maps and figures
gathered during the past few months
one important work, perhaps the one
OF most moment will be an elaboration
OF the lecture delivered in Pauabi han
Tor the University Club. Several
other subjects will be handled Pro-
fessor Agassiz is equally noted in ZOO
logy and geology and the first subject
noted will receive several additions 10
It's literature and text books as one Of
the results of this trip.
The noted scientist hopes to agoin
return to Hawaii. He says he has al
ways had an aloha for the Islands and
that since he extended his acouain-
lance here finds Honolulu donbIv
charming and himself doubly 10th to
leave it. -'n 70