328 Proposal for the Formation of 



in characteristic structures and enclosures adapted to their 

 respective natures. The Paris establishment was originally 

 formed, and is still supported, at the expense of the govern- 

 ment. Without having received direct public aid, London 

 now possesses two zoological gardens ; one in Regent's Park, 

 the other in Walworth. The Regent's Park institution is on 

 an extensive scale, and the collection is extremely rich. It 

 was set a-going by a society of influential individuals, and is 

 now amply supported by the small admission money paid by 

 visitors. The zoological garden at Manor Place, on the 

 Walworth Road, is entirely a private speculation of Mr. 

 Cross, well known as an indefatigable collector and successful 

 exhibitor of curious and rare live animals. It does the pro- 

 prietor great credit, the structures being elegant and com- 

 modious, and the specimens of animals numerous and in fine 

 condition. Liverpool possesses an excellent zoological gar- 

 den : it is a private speculation of Mr. Atkins. Dublin has 

 an admirable one in the Phoenix Park, formed and supported 

 by a society like that of the Regent's Park institution, but 

 with the advantage of the grant of a site in the vice-regal 

 domain. A zoological garden, on an extensive scale, is now 

 in progress at Bristol ; it may be regarded as a subscription 

 garden, but is liberally fostered by the corporation of that 

 city. 



" That the Scottish capital should still be without such an 

 interesting and useful institution, is to be regretted. Edu- 

 cation is one of our staples; and education is now extended to 

 general knowledge, and necessarily involves, to a greater or 

 less degree, the study of nature, an acquaintance with the 

 animals, plants, and minerals of our planet. Museums are 

 extremely useful, but no one is satisfied with seeing plants in 

 a horlus siccus, or with wax figures of fruits ; we must resort 

 to the botanic or horticultural gardens to examine the realities. 

 The means of studying living animals, their characters and 

 manners, is at least equally desirable ; and it is believed no 

 one will dispute the propriety of forming a zoological garden 

 at Edinburgh : on the contrary, there appears to be a general 

 desire for so delightful and instructive an addition to our 

 intellectual enjoyments. But the difficulty is, how to accom- 

 plish the design. The following hints are thrown out for 

 the consideration of the public : — 



" Garden shareholders might be constituted, who should 

 enjoy certain privileges on paying a certain sum ; and, when a 

 sufficient number of shareholders or members were obtained 

 to insure the advance of 2000/. or 3000/., according to the 

 extent of the plan to be at first adopted, then an offer might 



