REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 29 



national scientific value, and the formation of what, as regards its site, 

 at least, is the finest zoological garden in existence — all these consider- 

 ations have moved it to see in this an opportunity to carry out its legit- 

 imate work, "the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." 



When, therefore, Senator Beck made the understanding that the Smith- 

 sonian Institution would accept the charge of such a park, the primary 

 condition on which he would undertake to recommend it to Congress, 

 the Secretary felt authorized to say that he believed it propable that 

 the proposition would be favorably viewed by the regents, and, the 

 matter once brought before Congress, he has not disguised his own 

 interest in the success of the measure. 



The bill, brought in by Mr. Breckinridge iu the House (and by Sen- 

 ator Morrill in the Senate), appropriates $200,000 for the purchase of 

 not less than 100 acres of laud. The land actually most desired for the 

 zoological park covers about 120 acres, being precisely that portion of 

 the Rock Creek Valley which will be soonest destroyed, as regards its 

 picturesque and attractive features, by the laying out of streets and 

 lots. Nevertheless, and largely owing to the very fact that the pict- 

 uresqueness of the locality implies the existence of rocks, precipices, 

 and valleys, which it would cost much to level and fill in, this land can 

 still be obtained at rates which, considering its neighborhood to the 

 city, are remarkably cheap. Tbe most thorough examination that I 

 have been able to make, the testimony of various real-estate experts 

 and others, have satisfied me that the purchase may and will be com- 

 pleted for somewhat less than the sum named in the appropriation, even 

 leaving a small margin for the erection of a preliminary shelter for the 

 animals. 



I beg most respectfully to urge upon the attention of the committee 

 the fact that it is at once the strength and weakness of this measure 

 that, so far as is known, it is an entirely disinterested one, the real- 

 estate holders iu the vicinity being generally indifferent or opposed to 

 it, for reasons which can be explained, if desired, and that it is being 

 thus pressed upon Congress by those who have the measure at heart, 

 because anything that is done must be done soon. It is probable that 

 within a year or two more, the good fortune which has kept this singu- 

 larly iuterestiug spot intact, while the growing city is encircling it, will 

 protect it no longer. It is not the mere space ou the map which is to 

 be secured, but natural advantages which have no relation to tbe num- 

 ber of acres, and which can not be restored if once destroyed, since it 

 is not in the power of Cougress itself by any expenditure of money to- 

 recreate a rock or a tree. 



I am, very respectfully, yours, 



S. P. Langley, 



Hon. Samuel Dibble, Secretary. 



Mouse of Representatives. 



It appears, however, that this recommendation could not be brought 

 to the consideration of Congress in season for action, and at nearly the 

 same time Senator Edmunds introduced an amendment to the District 

 bill. There were at this time two measures being pressed upon the 

 attention of Congress, one for the creation of a national park, includ- 

 ing a thousand or more acres upon Kock Creek, extending far beyond 

 the limits of the proposed zoological park, and requiring a large ex- 

 penditure not for buildings but for lands, a measure with which the 



