14 THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



characters. They were also defined in almost similar terms 

 by Aristotle, who may be called the father of Natural History. 

 In the system of Linnaeus they are termed ' Pecora,' and form 

 the fifth of his great divisions of the Mammalia, or animals 

 that give suck. In the arrangement of Cuvier they are termed 

 6 liuminantia,' and constitute his seventh order. 



The zoologist divides the ruminating order into three sub- 

 ordinate groups : two of these subdivisions or tribes, founded 

 on the nature of their horns, have been already pointed out ; 

 the third embraces the camels and llamas, which are altogether 

 destitute of horns, and defend themselves with their teeth. 

 In zoological strictness we might consider the giraffe as the 

 pattern of a distinct tribe ; but from the before-mentioned 

 analogy of his horns to those of the deer, &c. he is ranked 

 in the solid-horned tribe, and with Linnaeus formed a species 

 of the Stag (Cervus Camelopardalis). In the modern ar- 

 rangements the giraffe forms a distinct genus. It has been 

 supposed, that the giraffe which is found in Abyssinia is 

 specifically distinct from the one inhabiting the southern 

 extremity of Africa: a third species or variety without spots, 

 is also supposed to have been seen by Mungo Park in Central 

 Africa. 



THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



So many descriptions of the Zoological Gardens have already 

 been given to the public, that we shall not at present attempt 

 to enter upon this subject ; more particularly as we take for 

 granted that most of our readers have had an opportunity of vi- 

 siting the interesting and valuable collections preserved there. 

 We intend however, occasionally, to notice the proceedings of 

 both institutions, and to report such matter as we think will 

 be interesting. 



Amongst the latest additions at the gardens in the Regent's 

 Park, are three rare species of Antelope; two from the Deserts 

 of Northern Africa, called the M'horr Antelope (Ant Hope 

 Dama), and the Cervine Antelope {Ant. Bubalh), and a 

 female specimen of a fine species from India, called the 

 Sing-sing Antelope. — There is also a rare species of Bear from 

 South America, the Ursus ornatus, or Spectacled Bear^ so 

 called from the peculiar broad light-coloured band round each 

 eye. Of this species we think we have seen a fine specimen 

 in Wombwell's collection. — Two living Beavers presented by 

 the Hudson's Bay Company supply the place of those which 



