CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS IN THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING. —The California Sea Lions, which afforded such a fine illustration of the taxidermist’s skill and attracted so much comment in the Government Building, were like old friends, not merely to Californians who had seen them or their relations, enjoying themselves in the waters of the coast, but to thousands of people familiar with scenes in the parks of the great cities. The Sea Lions exhibited in the Government Building were fine specimens, well mounted and shown in the attitudes so familiar to those who have watched the movements of such animals when alive. This was but one of the many fine exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution, and but aided to impress upon public attention, as did a host of other objects, the wide range of usefulness of that great public storehouse of scientific treasures. The Smithsonian Institution and National Museum, both stood higher in popular favor after than they did before the Columbian Exposition, because, a portion of their treasures having been seen by millions, their aim and objects were better appreciated. A group of stuffed Sea Lions, was, of course, nothing to speak of , in such connection, but was one little thing illustrative of the great work which has extended in Washington year by year since a generous Englishman showed more zeal for this country s advance in some directions than a host of wealthy Americans have done, leaving, as he did, the most of his possessions to aid in the promotion of general knowledge by the creation of a special and practical means of education.