452 The Smithsonian Institution 



improving the grounds. There is at present a single main 

 macadamized road extending through the park. Though 

 this is by no means free from defects, as on the side next the 

 city the approach is so steep as to be dangerous for heavily 

 loaded vehicles, it has served the purpose of access. It is 

 expected that additional roads will be built at an early day. 



In view of the probable future increase of the collection, 

 it seemed desirable that the principal buildings should be 

 planned in such a way as to admit of possible extension. It 

 was also thouofht best that all structures should be of a char- 

 acter adapted to the retired and picturesque natural scenery 

 of the neighborhood. Imposing buildings, even if they could 

 have been constructed within the small sums allotted by Con- 

 gress, would have been out of place and calculated to mar the 

 restful effect of the quiet valley in which they were located. 



The offices of the park were established in an old and 

 dilapidated mansion, the only dwelling found upon the whole 

 area of the site. This mansion is one of the earliest built in 

 this region, dating back to 1805, and is in a most picturesque 

 spot encircled by a broad sweep of Rock Creek. Its isolated 

 situation makes it especially suitable for any matters of ad- 

 ministration desirable to remove from the general public, 

 such as laboratory work, the seclusion of sick animals, and 

 the growth of plants and shrubs for the grounds. 



During the first year the entire park was fenced in, a 

 single roadway was established extending through the area 

 just referred to, and the creek was spanned by an inex- 

 pensive bridge. 



While it would have been desirable to prepare at once 

 houses for different classes of animals, so that each could 

 have the treatment most appropriate to its needs, it was 

 impossible, for want of funds, to arrange for more than one 

 house which should shelter animals requiring heat during 



