120 CHARACTERS OF THE PANTHER. 



THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



The preparation of the ground lately added to the gardens in 

 the Regent's Park is now approaching to a completion. It 

 appears to have been laid out with great taste and judgement, 

 and we may venture to assert that in the ensuing summer this 

 delightful establishment will be more attractive than ever. 



Among the rarities of the menagerie maybe noticed in the 

 parrot-room a large and handsome bird from New Holland, 

 called the Laughing King-fisher {Dacelo gigantea), and a sin- 

 gular species of lizard with the tail beset with a kind of spiny 

 armour (Uromastyx). 



The establishment at Brighton on the plan of the Zoolo- 

 gical Gardens in London is now broken up, the speculation 

 not having succeeded. We have received from our valuable 

 correspondent W. C. of Liverpool the following account of 

 a spirited undertaking of a similar kind at that place. "At- 

 kins has taken a large piece of ground, about eight acres, or 

 more ; part of it has been an old marl quarry, and presents a 

 great undulation of surface. He has employed the first archi- 

 tects here for the plans, &c, and is really doing things in 

 style. Several of his friends interested in the cause have 

 talked about funds to him, but at present there is no want ; 

 he has ^30,000, he says, ready if needed. Animals are cheap 

 here, and many will be given. The grounds are planted very 

 well with trees and shrubs of all descriptions, and about May 

 it will be opened. The elephant-house is quite ready. He has 

 the tiger-lions of which you have heard, and, as far as I can 

 learn, his collection is good : his situation though on high 

 ground is central, about half way from the two ends of the 

 town." 



CHARACTERS OF THE PANTHER. 



[From a Correspondent.] 



The interesting communication of W. H. S. relative to the 

 Panther was received just as our last sheet was going to press, 

 and we regret that it did not reach us earlier in the month. 



torpidity may be appropriated. I have even observed that methods which 

 secure moderation in temperature, lead to hybernation : hedgehogs sup- 

 plied with hay or straw ; and dormice, supplied with cotton wool, make 

 themselves nests and become lethargic ; when others, to which these ma- 

 terials are denied, and which are consequently more exposed to the cold, 

 remain in a state of activity. J n these cases, warmth or moderated cold 

 actually concur to produce hybernation." 



