I immediately went to the minister of agriculture and obtained the
information desired, and have just telegraphed you as follows:
To explain the latter part of this telegram, I take the liberty of inclosing
a letter to Professor Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution.
I may here also reiterate the statement of the telegram regarding the feeling
in government circles here at the decision of the United States Government.
At the recent festivities at court, and in private circles, I have had
occasion to meet many influential men, and they have invariably expressed
very great satisfaction.
[Inclosure in No. 89.]
Mr. White to
Professor Baird.
American Legation,
Berlin, February 12,
1880.
My Dear Sir: Under instructions from Mr.
Evarts, just received, I have to-day visited the Department of
Agriculture, &c., here, and found that the space allotted to the
United States at the International Fishery Exposition here in April is
to be up to 500 square meters. There is also space assigned us in a
separate pavilion for fishery products “of an unpleasant nature,” such
as fish guano, &c.
In talking with the officials here charged with the matter, they express
a strong desire to have, in addition to other things, such as fish-ways,
models, drawings, &c., “specimens of living fish
or fresh fish packed in ice.” They understand, of course,
perfectly, that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to send
fresh fish; but I merely mention the matter to you.
It occurs to me that it might be an admirable thing to send you, if there
were time, some barrels of the wonderful new preservative fluid invented
by the curator of the university collection here, and which is now
coming into very general use in Germany. You have doubtless heard of it,
possibly have tried it. The German Government has paid a large sum for
the use of it, and it is furnished at a low price. There seems to be no
mistake as to its great value in preserving zoological specimens in the
most perfect condition for demonstration and use. I have seen in the
university collection fish, animals of various sizes, serpents, insects,
parts of the human system, in large numbers, which, having been a month,
three months, six months, and even two years ago injected with this
simple preparation, or dipped for a short time in it, are preserved in
perfect order, perfectly flexible, looking, indeed, as if killed only an
hour ago; not the slightest unpleasant smell, the preparation itself not
betraying its composition by any odor whatever. Neither need the
substances remain in the fluid; they are simply soaked in it, then laid
away on shelves, ready for use when wanted.
Prof. Dubois Reymond informs me that there is no doubt as to the great
value of the preparation. I may mention that I saw the skeletons of
large animals among them, the articulation perfectly preserved by the
use of this fluid—no wiring or springs used. I will consult the minister
and some of the professors to-day, if possible, and if, on the whole, it
is judged advisable, will send some of it to you. By the way, I may
mention, too, that the antennae of delicate insects were preserved by
the fluid in such a condition that the insects, perfectly dry, could be
taken, and the antennas doubled and handled without the slightest danger
of breaking; that the legs and wings could be stretched out and put back
just as if the animal had been freshly killed.
The German officials also speak o£ their great desire to have samples of
every sort of commercial product which will represent our great
exportation in this department.
* * * * * * *
The satisfaction at our decision to take part in the exposition is very
great indeed. The commission, and especially yourself, will be most
heartily received here; from the Imperial family and the chancellor of
the empire down, there is a feeling of very great interest in the whole
matter. Preparations are well under way to have the exposition very
beautiful as well as useful. Some of the foremost artists in Berlin are
employed in painting large views of the most beautiful coast and river
scenes of Europe for the
[Page 400]
great
central pavilion. These, as I understand, will surround the interior of
this pavilion, and will be seen by the spectator over the ponds, and
through grottoes, as it were, in the distance. I need not say to you
that it will give me very great pleasure to co-operate with you to the
extent of my ability.
Of course the most valuable elements in our exhibit will be the practical
things; but I cannot but express an earnest hope that the beautiful
collection of models which I saw at Philadelphia may be represented as
fully as possible here. I confess to you, my dear sir, that my national
pride is considerably aroused in the matter, and it seems to me that we
can easily, even at this late day, outstrip the other nations.
I remain, &c.,
