FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS, 1889-1891. 13837 
acres that was originally marked out on the maps and models submitted to Congress, 
90 acres have now been purchased by agreement. The estimate to Congress of the 
cost of these 90 acres, taken separately, was $109,750, whereas the actual cost of this 
ground, by agreement, is $104,316. The plans herewith submitted show— 
(1) The relative area and location of the park, on a general map of the city and 
suburbs. 
(2) The actual metes and bounds with the names of the original owners, on a copy 
of the map described in the act. 
Judging from the progress thus far, it now seems probable that the land remaining 
to be acquired by condemnation and appraisement proceedings will cost the Gov- 
ernment a sum not widely differing from the commission’s valuation; and if this 
should prove to be the case, after allowing for incidental expenses, the total cost of 
the entire site will fall so far within the $200,000 appropriated, even after the purchase 
of about 45 acres beyond the originally contemplated area, as to leave a balance, 
’ which may be applied to necessary preliminary expenses. 
Before the expiration of the present fiscal year the Zoological Park Commission 
will have completed the duties with which it was charged by the act of Congress 
which called it into existence, and the title to the lands it has purchased will be vested 
in the United States. Pending the completion of the condemnation proceedings now 
in progress and the submission of a final report, it is extremely desirable that Con- 
gress should enact further legislation in regard to the park. The commission has no 
authority to put up fences and lay out roads or grounds, or to erect buildings, nor is 
it even certain that it has the right to accept donations. The park is declared by 
Congress to be ‘‘ for the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of 
the people.’’ In the construction of ponds and lakes, and the erection of inclosures 
and buildings for the purposes of zoological science, a stage will soon be reached 
where scientific direction seems obviously desirable; and it is respectfully represented 
to Congress that any means for laying out and improving the grounds can be most 
advantageously used in view of the purpose of Congress as to the ultimate disposi- 
tion of the park now when the foundations of its future usefulness are being laid.’ If 
the very considerable collection of living animals now in the custody of the Smith- 
sonian Institution is to form the nucleus of the zoological park collection, its transfer 
should be effected by legislative enactment and suitable measures taken for its main- 
tenance. The commission is of the opinion that the collection referred to should, 
with the consent of the Regents of the Institution, be transferred to the zoological 
park as soon as possible after the Government takes full possession of the site. 
Joun W. Nostez, 
Secretary of the Interior, 
J. W. Douauass, 
Prest. Board Com. Dis. Col., 
S. P. LANGLEY, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution, 
Commissioners for the Establishment of a Zoological 
Park in the District of Columbia. 
1 (Congressional Record, March 1, 1889, p. 2662.) Mr. BreckinripGe. I append 
the report of the Committee on Public Grounds that the record may show the exact 
object in view. There is absolute protection from jobbery in the fact that this is to 
be under the supervision of the Smithsonian Institution. 
(P. 2663.) Mr. Drssie. We are proud of the Smithsonian, and the Smithsonian has 
already, by gift, not by purchase, the nucleus of a collection, * * * andIam 
informed by the Secretary of the Smithsonian that this place furnishes the right kind 
of location * * * forthe propagation and perpetuation of these rapidly disap- 
pearing species of American animals, while at the same time it will serve the pur- 
poses of a public park. 
