45 The Smithsonian Institution 



this was associated an appropriation of $200,000 for the pur- 

 chase of land for the desired site. It became a law upon 

 March 2, 1889. 



The commission constituted by this act made an exhaust- 

 ive examination of all the land in the valley of Rock Creek 

 available for a site, and finally selected about one hundred 

 and sixty-six acres lying two miles from the Executive 

 Mansion and not far distant from frequented public roads 

 and street-car lines. Some difficulty was found in estab- 

 lishing the boundaries of some of the tracts, owing to the 

 fact that many of the landmarks described in the earlier 

 deeds had become obliterated by the lapse of time. This 

 was, however, satisfactorily overcome at last, and the survey 

 of the grounds was finally completed November 21, 1889. 

 It was not until November 4, 1890, that possession was 

 finally obtained of the entire site. 



On April 30, 1890, an act was passed definitely placing 

 the National Zoological Park under the direction of the 

 Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, authorizing them to 

 transfer to it any living animals in their charge, to here- 

 after make exchanges of specimens, and to administer the 

 Park "for the advancement of science and the instruction 

 and recreation of the people." Thus the National Zoological 

 Park became an accomplished fact, and the work of develop- 

 ing it was begun with great enthusiasm. 



The first care was, necessarily, the preparation of the site 

 and the providing of means of access to it. The funds at 

 the disposal of the Regents for all objects, including roads, 

 walks, bridges, water-supply, sewerage, fencing, and build- 

 ings, were less than $100,000; and when it is remembered 

 that the zoological collections of other cities are housed in 

 buildings of modest proportions, it is true, but which have 

 cost from $300,000 to $400,000, it will be seen that no very 



