45 8 The Smithsonian Instihttion 



tivity. In New York City a zoological society has been 

 formed which has recently had set aside for its use a tract 

 of land in one of the public parks two hundred and sixty-one 

 acres in extent. Upon this it is intended to erect buildings 

 at a cost of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and to 

 maintain a large collection of animals both native and foreign. 

 It would seem proper that the National Park should have an 

 establishment at least equal to this. A feeling of national 

 pride should lead all public-spirited citizens to take an active 

 interest in the increase and suitable maintenance of the col- 

 lection. At present it is not as widely known as it should 

 be. When United States officials in all parts of the world 

 become interested in its advancement, it is believed that the 

 scope of the enterprise will be vastly increased. 



