592 The Surrey Zoological Gardens. [MAY, 



readers must have seen the trot of a horse when at liberty in his pasture, 

 which differs greatly in freedom from his action in harness, or when 

 saddled. The trot of these gnus was somewhat similar, but there was a 

 degree of deliberate ease about it which resembles nothing we ever wit- 

 nessed before, and which made them seem as if they were moving on air. 

 Near them is an elk, who, having lost his horns, presents a most gro- 

 tesque figure. A young camel amused us with his gambols, and an 

 ingenious youth who accompanied us was rewarded by the lama, in 

 return for sundry pokes with a stick and tugs at his ear, with a mouthful 

 of chewed grass and saliva, which the animal shot with the force of an 

 air-gun into his eyes, nostrils and mouth ; a fact which we record for the 

 benefit of visitors with similar mischievous propensities. The remaining 

 objects of inspection must receive their due share of attention at some 

 future opportunity, which we shall not fail to take. The monkeys shewed 

 to great advantage j exhibiting their gambols in all the delight of a 

 tropical climate. The botanical arrangements of the gardens are under 

 the care of Mr. Phillips, who has already done so much for them. The 

 circular glazed building, containing the lions and other beasts, was 

 planned and executed by him j he has also planted the avenues to 

 the various buildings with specimens of every forest-tree which is 

 to be met with in England -, and it is in contemplation to form a 

 botanical garden on a small scale. There is a list of donors and bene- 

 factors to the gardens, amongst the names inscribed in which we were 

 glad to see those of many scientific and noble persons. 



We are sure that this description of the Surrey Gardens and their 

 inhabitants will not. particularly at this holiday season, be unacceptable. 

 But at all events it is proper that the spirit with which Mr. Cross (a 

 monarch in menagerie matters) has taken up the idea suggested by the 

 Zoological Society, and established a sort of quadruped association for the 

 diffusion of useful and entertaining knowledge in Surrey, should be known 

 to the public. His gardens promise to excel the parent gardens in other 

 things than beauty of foliage and extent of space j and his sheet of water 

 will at least be unrivalled. When we look at what he has done in a very 

 short space of time, it must be admitted that he has far outstripped the 

 exertions of the Society, backed as they have been by the wealth and 

 science of the country. But Mr. Cross has committed a mistake he 

 should not have subjected his visitors to the penalty of procuring a ticket 

 of admission. The shilling should have been all sufficient. It is very 

 characteristic that the aristocracy, whose gardens are supported by the 

 public, should stand upon so silly a distinction j but Mr. Cross should 

 have scorned exclusiveness. 



