41 
secondly, because in all such undertakings the true basis 
should be sought in the exposition and teaching of princi- 
ples.. As will be seen, however, by all those who have 
followed the history of this undertaking, our plans have 
been made with due consideration of the advantages 
offered by the localities proposed for the three divisions ; 
and their unique character and extent are fully justified 
by the unequalled opportunities offered by the Commis- 
sioners for the founding of these great institutions, devoted 
to the entertainment and instruction of the people in the 
system of parks under their jurisdiction. 
For the Council, 
J. Walter Fetvkes, Clerk . 
Boston Society of Natural History, 
Boston, Dec. 31, 1889. 
In response to the above letter the following was received from 
the Secretary of the Board of Park Commissioners : 
Board of Commissioners, 
85 Milk Street, Boston , February 10, 1890. 
J. Walter Fewkes, Esq., Clerk of the Council of the Boston 
Society of Natural History : 
Sir: At a meeting of the Park Commissioners held this* day it 
was u Voted , that the Board of Park Commissioners, having con- 
sidered the letter of the Boston Society of Natural History, dated 
Dec. 31, 1889, which embodies the Society’s plans for the estab- 
lishment of a Marine Aquarium, a Fresh Water Aquarium and a 
New England Zoological Garden, and appreciating the governing 
principles of these plans, desires to express its disposition to co- 
operate with the Society in canying them into effect for the bene- 
fit of the public, reserving for future consideration the extent to 
which the ground in the parks can be devoted to the same.” 
Respectfully, 
Geo. F. Clarke, 
Secretary . 
