The Washington herald., 1907-09-02

Editor The Washington Herald:
The most. and 10 my knowledge. only
desirable spot for quiet picnic here
abouts is that reached on a single fare
for a beautiful ride out Connecticut ave-
nue.. little distance beyond the new and
magnificent railway bridge Here are
nearly leo acres-owned by You. Us &
Co, who, with Uncle Sam, pay for its
maintenance. At the eastern portion of
the tract-farther from the Connecticut
avenue entrance-are the menagerie
| buildings. containing nearly all the more
important specimens of the collection.
The western portion has been left in its
primitive state. Undulating. and with a
dense growth Of trees and underbrush.
save where space here and 11ere has been
made for a flying cage" and few in
closures for deer and other game. The
only cool drinking water on the entire
tract is 10 be found at a hydrant near the
eastern entrance and a spring, five or six
minutes walk from the Connecticut ave
nue. entrance. Near this spring I have
frequently swung my hammock and, en-
joying Otlum cum dignitate, admired
mems Of wooded growth towering above
me. With my initial camp I struck a
running stream. and was only prevented
from shaking my thirst by the approach
Of a laborer, who warned ME that this at
tractive "babbling brook drained the
flying cage and was unfit to drink. The
real spring lay concealed flrther on in a
gully near the foundation where stood
formerly a springhouse belonging 70
residence long since disappeared The
water IS splendid cold and clear: the en-
vironment is ideal for a picnic camp.
Gnderbrush cleared away and tall trees
trimmed below and it would compare ia
vorably with many OF note Hundreds
OF visitors pass this old road. many ask
ing anxiOusly Where drink may be had.
and as I lay in my hammock I have been
reused up 10 direct thirsty visitors.
thought it simply shameful that so gross
disregard should all these years have pre-
vailed OF the comfort Of the people in so
simple matter
Trees and posts are laden with elabo-
rate signs fun of don ts''-not so much
as break twig," and this underbrush
so badly needing trimming, But not a
ghos5 of sign 10 warn visitors against
the bad water they strike first. or point
provided but man keeps carefully hidden!
Gentlemen quietly ask me TO direct them
where ladies can go?' Not an apology [
for public comfort within reach OF this I
ideal spot or a ghost Of a shelter from a /
shower!
! am told il is in charge Of the Smith (
sonian Institution. Surely il should be 4
taken from so incompetent guardians and +
given TO our excellent Commissioners who 1
would, before another season. ] trow.
transform this spring camp and. at
small expense. so that for cents of /
car fare many cant-get-away could /
hnd delightful days outing. taking a
lunch that would taste so wholly different
meath those forest monarchs!
There should be signs en- route pointing
20 the spring. and large display sign.
spring at the spot. The old founda-
ton wall should be utilized for a cottage
and public comfort resort a little farther
down stream
You can render no better service 10
readers and strangers alike than by giving
the powers that Doe such a Jolt that per
force they must cease such gross neglect
J. j. SCHEMA