One of the largest and most beautiful natural parks in the world is Rock Creek Park, extending from the William Howard Taft Bridge northward to the boundary line of the District of Columbia, and comprising 1,632 acres. Congress authorized the creation of the park in 1890, with an appropriation of $10,000. Adjacent to the park is the National Zoological Park. [Illustration: JOAQUIN MILLER CABIN IN ROCK CREEK PARK] [Illustration: PLAN OF ANACOSTIA PARK] ANACOSTIA PARK The plan for the development of this project provides for the reclamation of what are known as the Anacostia Flats, along the Anacostia River, on the east side of the District of Columbia, into Anacostia Park, of 1,100 acres. The distance from the point near the War College to the District line is about 6 miles. The park will be one of the largest and most beautiful waterside parks in this country. The breaking of ground for the park took place August 2, 1923. As has been related, more than three centuries ago, or in the summer of 1608, Capt. John Smith, in an exploration of the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, landed on these very banks. He found a tribe of peaceful Indians, the Nacotchtant (Anacostans), numbering some 80 men, kind and well disposed, who did their best to content Captain Smith and his fellow explorers. These Indians no doubt made their home in this neighborhood on account of the abundance of game. One of the largest water-lily gardens, the Shaw Lily Gardens, is situated opposite Mount Hamilton, on the east side of the Anacostia River. It is thought these ultimately will become part of the Anacostia Park. The Anacostia is also a popular place for fishing, and it is expected fish ponds will be established there later. A large stadium and playground at the end of East Capitol Street, adjoining Anacostia Park, is proposed. The National Arboretum will be adjacent to it from Mount Hamilton eastward. NATIONAL ARBORETUM The movement to establish a National Arboretum was first definitely proposed by Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture, in his report for the fiscal year 1899-- One in which can be brought together for study all the trees that will grow in Washington, D. C., * * * furnishing complete material for the investigations of the Department of Agriculture, and so managed as to be a perennial means of botanical education. In 1918 the Commission of Fine Arts, at the request of the House Committee on the Library, made a study of the problem of the location of a proposed botanical garden and arboretum. After an elaborate study, conducted with the help of the Department of Agriculture, the commission recommended the purchase of Mount Hamilton and adjacent land, and Hickey Hill, together with the lands between those heights and the Anacostia marshes, in northeast Washington. The report of the commission encountered opposition, but its logic has prevailed.