39 
The difficulties which surround the whole project, — in 
many respects so novel as to offer no precedents, wholly 
new to those on whom the burden of the execution of the 
plan must fall, — as well as the great expense of the under- 
taking, have been subjects of long and thorough considera- 
tion by the Council. These difficulties account for the 
delay in replying to the last communication of the Com- 
missioners. Its deliberations have finally brought the 
Council to the assured conviction that it would be neither 
feasible nor wise to attempt to begin the three proposed 
divisions at the same time ; and yet it is obvious that the 
work of the Society in building up the department of Nat- 
ural History Gardens should not be delayed. Althougli 
the sites proposed for the Marine Aquarium and the Fresh 
Water Aquarium will not be ready for occupation for some 
time, nevertheless it is the unanimous opinion of the Coun- 
cil that the undertaking should begin with the Marine 
Aquarium. The proposed site of this division, the less 
proportionate expenditure for installation and mainte- 
nance, and its general interest to the public combine to 
make it likely that it can be made a financial success, and 
thus contribute to the foundation and maintenance of the 
other departments. 
In order to meet these difficulties and make a beginning 
without unnecessary delay, the Council suggests the propri- 
ety of starting a temporary Marine Aquarium on grounds 
already under the control of the Commissioners, and would 
therefore respectfully inquire of the Park Commissioners 
whether the establishment of a temporary aquarium at the 
Marine Park in South Boston would meet with their ap- 
proval ; and if so, what part of the grounds and water- 
front, now at their disposal, could be allowed the Society 
for that purpose. 
L The pumps, piping, and specimens would of course be 
