REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



65 



It has hitherto beeu impossible to give suitable housing to these animals, most of 

 which are gifts ti»the Government, and many of them are kept in a long, low shed, 

 imperfectly lighted and heated, wherein animals accustomed to the most diverse cli- 

 mates are of necessity indiscriminately placed, the common Virginia opossum receiv- 

 ing the same heat and treatment that serves for the parrots and cockatoos. In an 

 annex to this shed the monkeys are placed, and it has been possible to give them 

 somewhat more suitable protection. The larger animals are confined either in sep- 

 arate out-door cages or in shelter-barns and pens, but these constructions are un- 

 suitable and insufficient even for the small number of such animals kept. Happily, 

 this condition is not a permanent one, as Congress has provided for the care and 

 maintenance of the collection in the National Zoological Park. 



No zoological collection has ever been placed in a site so satisfactory. It is ample 

 in extent, being about four times larger than any zoological garden in this country 

 and from ten to fifteen times the size of most of the gardens of Europe. It is within 

 a short distance of the city, being but little over one-half mile from its limits (see 

 map No. 1) easily accessible by excellent roads; yet it has all the quiet and seclusion 

 of a remote country district. Within its bounds every variety of slope exposure ia 

 found, from the north sides of hills covered with dense growth, suitable for animals 

 requiring coolness and shade, to the sunny southern aspects for tropical and sub- 

 tropical species. The natural variety of surface is also great. Rocks form natural 

 cliffs where wild sheep and goats can jump and climb ; densely wooded portions form 

 an excellent cover for shy animals, and a large open field along the creek affords an 

 opportunity for excellent grazing grounds. In the creek itself aquatic animals and 

 birds may be suitably reared. 



That the picturesqueness of the region is notable is shown by the names given to 

 different parts of it in the grants and early deeds of the eighteenth century. There 

 it is found that a considerable part of the park was known as " Pretty Prospect," 

 also as "The Rock of Dunbartou," while other parts are from the tracts of "Mount 

 Pleasant" and " Pleasant Plains." The actual owners from whom the site was im- 

 mediately derived are shown on the accompanying map No. 2. A iiortion of it 

 was once owned by John Quiucy Adams, who built upon the creek the "Columbia 

 Mill," for many years past known as "Adams's Mill." Fragmentary ruins of some 

 of the mill buildings still remain. 



The only habitable building found within the limits defining the park was that 

 known as the " Holt House." This mansion is one of the few remaining in the District 

 dating back to near the beginning of the century, it having been built in 1805. 

 Though in a very dilapidated condition, it is thought desirable to repair it, pre- 

 serving as far as possible its characteristic features, and it will be used for the offices 

 of the Park. 



The original forest covering this land was doubtless mainly oaks, hickories, and 

 tulip trees. A portion of this was cleared away, and the land w^as probably cultivated 

 for many years. Being then allowed to lie fallow, there sprang up upon it a thick 

 second growth of scrub pines and cedars. A large variety of trees of natural growth 

 is found. A list of those already noted that may be classed as indigenous follows : 



Popular name. 



Scientific name. 



Tulip tree 



American holly 



White or silver maple 



Red or swamp maple 



Box elder 



Common locust 



Honey locust 



Red bud or Judas tree 



H. Mis. 129 5 



Liriodendron Tulipifera, L. 

 Ilex opaca, Ait. 

 Acer dasycarpum, Ehrh. 

 Acer rubrum, L. 

 Xegundo aceroides, Moencli. 

 Robinia Pseudacacia, L. 

 Oleditschia triacaiitlios, L. 

 Cercis Canadensis, L. 



