Evening star., 1909-05-06
ASK FOR SUM OF $244,0OO
Seals in Crowded Quarters and
Birds Home Unsuitable.
PAY OF KEEPERS TOO SMALL
More Animals Needed and Roads
Need Keeping Up-Purchase Of
Land Proposed.

Declaring that because OF inadequate
equipment the National Geological Park
Is unworthy OF the nation and of the
National capital, officials in charge Of the
park have submitted to the Secretary of
the Treasury estimates for appropriations
of $244,OO for the park for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1911, a large increase
over past allowances. They say:
"The National Geological Park, with its
unequaled site and already large and val
liable collection, does not stand upon the
footing which 1t should and deserves to
have. because of its inadequate and i'm
perfect equipment. Its condition Is un-
worthy of the nation and of the Capital
city. of which 1t is one of the most i'm
portant and popular feature.
Makeshift Buildings Erected.
Appropriations during the eighteen
years since it was established have per-
mitted the erection of only three perma-
nent buildings, all the others having
necessarily been constructed cheapiy and
as temporary makeshifts to meet the
successfully urgent requirements of the
growing collection.
THE result Is that at the present time
most OF the animals are housed in poor
wooden buildings and exposed cages.
which are not only inadequate and un-
expense for repairs and maintenance than
the dictates of economy would seem to
Justify.
Elaborate and ornate buildings are not
tial structures adapted to the require
ments of the different groups of animals
cannot be too strongly urged.
1T Is also to be borne in mind that
the Geological Park Is part of the great
park system extending through Rock
Creek valley. Its main roads are con-
tiguous to those leading up the creek and
are traversed by the same vehicles, in
cluding heavy automobiles. which make
it necessary to maintain these roads
on better basis than would be required
II they were intended solely as entrances
to the Geological Park. The heavy ex-
pense which this involves falls on the ap-
preparation for the park, a fact which. 1t
Is felt, may not have been fully realized
In considering the park estimates.
"The sea lions and seals are kept In
small pools intended for other animals
with insufficient water for their COM
fort and good health or proper exhibition.
With suitable accommodations these ami
mails would be one of the most interesting
features OF the park.
Help Poorly Paid.
1.-The general advance in living expenses
has greatly Increased the cost of mainte-
nance supplies Owing to this it is highly
desirable that the pay OF some OF the
employees, especially the keepers and
watchmen be somewhat increased"
Besides asking $4,000 for the purchase
Of new animals and the general mainte-
nance of the park, the officials ask $50 600
for the construction of new aviary
building, with exterior or interior cages;
$4,000 for reconstructing and repairing
roadways and walks in the park, and
$40, 900 for the purchase of land lying be-
tween the park boundaries and the recent
ly established highways on the southeast
and the west
Regarding the need for a new building
for birds. the report containing the es-
innate says:
THE old wooden buildings used for
birds are nothing but a makeshift. en-
tirely unsuited for the purpose, and should
be replaced by building where the fine
series of birds belonging to the park.
some of them of great rarity and in
terest. may be properly and safely housed.
There should also be outdoor cages and
shelters for such hardy birds as can stand
exposure"