OPENING OF THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 



On Wednesday, November 8th, the New York Zocjlof^ical Park 

 reached the end of the first stage of its progress. For months 

 previous, tlie pressure from visitors desiring to view all the liv- 

 ing collections had been very great. It was decided to mark the 

 opening day by a simple ceremony, and the public was invited 

 more for the purpose of viewing the completed construction work 

 in the Park than to view the collections of living animals, al- 

 though some features of the latter were very creditable. 



A temporary platform, suitably draped with the national colors, 

 was erected at the north end of the Bird House, and at 3 p.m. the 

 guests of the occasion assembled. 



Hon. Levi P. Morton, President of the Society, called the 

 meeting to order, and said : 



"Ladies and Gentlemen: It gives me great pleasure to in- 

 troduce to you the man who has done more than any other for 

 the establishment of this Zoological Park, Professor Henry F. 

 Osborn." 



PROFESSOR HENRY F. OSBORN 's ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 



" Fellow citizens, you are welcome to the opening of this Park, 

 which marks another step of progress toward the great New 

 York of the future. 



" What our museums are doing for art and natural science, 

 this Park and its fair botanical companion up the Bronx will do 

 for Nature, by bringing its wonders and beauties within the reach 

 of thousands and millions of all classes who cannot travel or 

 explore. Unlike the small closed zoological gardens of Europe, 

 this is a free Park, projected upon a scale larger than has ever 

 been attempted before, designed in every detail for the benefit 

 and enjoyment of the people, and as a supplement to the work 

 of our schools and colleges. The intelligent scientific design and 

 administration of this Park in the ])()pular American spirit alone 

 justifies its establishment and maintenance by the City as a new 



