a Zoological Garden at Edinburgh. 329 



be made to some eminent collector and exhibitor of animals, 

 such as Mr. Wombwell, who might be induced to expend a 

 similar sum in stocking the garden, and to make Edinburgh 

 the ordinary head-quarters for a great number of his rare 

 quadrupeds and birds. Curious animals presented to the 

 Society might, by arrangement, be preserved constantly in 

 the garden, and remain the peculiar property of the insti- 

 tution." 



Here follow notices of the respective measures of fitness of 

 certain local sites quoted. The general ideas included among 

 these are, that " dampness is fatal to many foreign animals ; " 

 " dry and airy ground " is desirable ; and u ground having the 

 surface unequal or varied, possessing knolls, lawns, avenues of 

 large trees, sloping banks, and a pond with an islet in the 

 midst of it." 



" A good many acres would be needed ; for the elements 

 of a zoological garden are numerous* and of very various 

 character; and, as already hinted, the advance of several 

 thousand pounds would be indispensable. A brief statement 

 of the most important elements will show that both a large 

 space and a large sum will be required. Several houses for 

 birds will be wanted : one for eagles, falcons, and vultures ; 

 another for the parrot tribe ; a third for gold and silver 

 pheasants and turtle-doves ; with an aviary for rare and 

 showy small birds. Monkey houses are always extremely 

 entertaining to the young, and, indeed, are interesting to all 

 persons : one house is required for the friendly congregating 

 sorts, and another, divided by partitions, for those of pug- 

 nacious dispositions. The dens for exotic carnivorous ani- 

 mals, such as lions, tigers, hyenas, are expensive, but essential 

 to a respectable collection. Large sheds and yards for wapiti 

 and other deer, with sheds and paddocks for remarkable 

 sheep and goats, and a house and paddock for kangaroos and 

 lamas, are all requisite. A bear's pit must not be omitted. 

 Dog kennels are needed ; for many people have no other 

 opportunity of seeing the rare varieties of the canine race of 

 which they often read in books. Ultimately an elephant 

 house, little park, and bathing pond, would be required ; in- 

 deed, without such accommodation being in readiness, even 

 the temporary visit of a travelling elephant could not be 

 expected. A house and paddock for emus and ostriches, and 

 a pond and enclosure for pelicans, storks, and herons, will be 

 necessary. Pens for pea-fowls, penelopes, curassowas, with a 

 large pond and enclosure for aquatic birds, will likewise be 

 proper. A small pond, surrounded with rockwork, for gold 

 and silver fishes, might be tried. An enclosure for tortoises 



Vol. IX. — No. 62. b b 



