FIFTIETH CONGRESS, 1887-1889. 1211 
not only to purchase 20 acres in excess of the limit of the bill, but 
also to erect the necessary structures. 
The reason of this is that the ground is very undulating and there- 
fore is not so suitable for the erection of dwellings, as has been sug- 
gested by gentlemen who oppose this measure. It is just because of 
the natural beauty of the ground that it is not suitable for buildings, 
and the establishment of some such park is necessary for the purpose 
of preserving certain species of animals which are rapidly becoming 
extinct. Mr. Speaker, I shall not go into platitudes about the benefit 
of scientific education or the advantages of fostering scientific insti- 
tutions. We have the Smithsonian Institution. We are proud of 
the Smithsonian, and the Smithsonian has already, by gift, not by 
purchase, the nucleus of a collection. It has the buffalo; it has the 
white bear; it has-other animals which are passing away in this coun- 
try, and I am informed by the Secretary of the Smithsonian, Profes- 
sor Langley, that this place furnishes the right kind of location and 
the proper temperature for the propagation and perpetuation of these 
rapidly disappearing species of American animals, while at the same 
time it will serve the purposes of a public park. This is an enter- 
prise to be connected with a Government institution for a Govern- 
ment purpose, and I do not think that the Government should stand 
upon expending this small amount of money, in view of the important 
objects to be attained, especially when the property to be acquired 
will never depreciate in value, so that if the Government should here- 
after choose to abandon the experiment it will be able to get back its 
money two, three, or four fold. 
Mr. Wiiu1am H. Haron. As this subject has been before the gentle- 
man’s committee, will he state, for the information of the House, 
whether he wishes to be understood as saying that this $200,000 is all 
that is necessary to establish this zoological garden, or is this merely 
the first installment? 
Mr. Diepie. I am informed that the inquiries, estimates, and offers 
indicate that the 120 acres which is included in the design now in 
front of the reporter’s desk can be purchased for something less 
than $200,000; that is, for a sum which will leave enough to erect 
the structures necessary in the meantime for the accommodation of the 
animals. Of course there will have to be further appropriations in 
the future; and as to that gentlemen are informed from the estimates 
of others. I have not examined the subject; but the statement was 
made here’ yesterday that this will add about $25,00C a year, fora 
couple of years or so, to the annual appropriations for the Smithsonian 
Institution. 
Mr. Hinary A. HERBERT rose. 
Mr. Dresxe. I do not yield for further questions, and I do not wish 
to detain the House longer. I yield five minutes to my colleague [Mr. 
Hemphill]. [Cries of ‘‘ Vote!” ‘‘ Vote!”] 
