I903- , 83 



IRISH SOCIETIES, 



ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Recent gifts include a Kestrel from Mr. P. Higgins Three Jaguars, 

 two Bactrian Camels, a pair of Black vStorks, a pair of Dorsal Wallabies, 

 and a pair of Nutcrackers have been acquired by purchase or exchange. 



The Annual meeting of the Society was held on January 27th at the 

 Royal College of Phj-sicians. The Report for 1902 then presented by the 

 Council was of a most encouraging nature. During the past year 197,603 

 visitors entered the Gardens, the Societ3^'s receipts at the gate 

 amounting to ^^2,700 18s. 6d These figures show a great advance on 

 those for 1900, the year when they reached their precisely highest stan- 

 dard (156,000 visitors and ;^2,365}. The great attractions to the Gardens 

 have been the new " Roberts " House for the large Carnivora, which was 

 opened formally by the Lord lyieutenant on May 20th, and the arrival of 

 the young male Giraffe— given by Butler Bey — from Khordofan, The 

 Report contains an interesting account of the journey of this valuable 

 animal from the Soudan to Dublin. The enterprise of the Society in 

 facing the difficulties and risks involved in the transport of the Giraffe 

 is most praiseworthy, and it is gratifying to know that the animal 

 attracted so many visiters. 



The stock of Lions is now the largest ever got together in the Dublin 

 Gardens. Only a single litter of three cubs— the parents being " Prince " 

 and "Stella " — were born during 1902, but the young animals (two males 

 and a female) are thriving. The new " Roberts " house is eminently suit- 

 able to the animals, and the interesting experiment of keeping two lions 

 in the outdoor cages throughout the winter has proved a marked success. 

 These specimens have kept in excellent health, and are developing 

 shaggy coats. The Persian Lioness, presented by the King, has markedly 

 improved in health and condition since her arrival. 



But few animals died during the year 1902. The most serious loss was 

 that of the Ostrich, who came to a tragic end by catching and breaking 

 his neck in the railing when quarrelling with the Cassowary in the ad- 

 joining paddock. 



The Society's Photographic Medal was awarded to Mr. G. E. Low. 



Sir Harry H. Johnston and Professor J. Cossar Ewart have been 

 elected Honorary Members of the Society, With the present year some 

 important changes in the officers of the Societj^ take place. Lord 

 Roberts resigns the Presidency, and is succeeded by Professor D. J. 

 Cunningham, who is succeeded as Honorary Secretary by Dr. R. F" 

 ScharfF. I\Ir. Jonathan Hogg resigns his position as Honorary Treasurer, 

 Mr. A. E. Goodbody taking that office in his stead. 



