and the Anatomy 0/ Fishes. > 299 



turalists to unite their powers in the formation of a society for 

 the purpose of congregating hving animals, as well 9» thp 

 preservation of specimens in every branch of zoology ; and 

 which, in the extraordinary short period of four years, has 

 already arrived to a condition which rivals even the oldest es- 

 tabhshments of the kind in Europe, or in the whole world. — 

 The museum and gardens of the Zoological Society, being in a 

 rapid state of improvement, have already diffused a taste for 

 one of the most rational and interesting species of intellectuiJ 

 enjoyment. It is a " Noah's ark" realized, in which one may^ 

 as it were, see at a glance all over the animal world. .-» 



This exhibition will, of course, become more interesting in 

 proportion to the accessions made in point of number, and to 

 the accommodation afforded the animals, — especially as thei^ 

 natural habits become better known. On this point, fox- 

 instance, I should beg leave to recommend, that the two beavers 

 in the gardens be furnished with means for a, display of the 

 extraordinary powers and economy of this sagacious, cleanly, 

 and industrious animal, in cutting timber and constructing 

 their own houses, instead of one formed for them of stones — a 

 domicile they are not accustomed to in their own country : 

 besides, their most congenial food is derived from the bark an4 

 tender twigs of trees which they fell, cut up in junks, and 

 carry for building and constructing dams. This is the more 

 desirable, as many people are unable to give credit to sucl^ 

 reports respecting the natural habits of this animal ; nor could 

 1 myself, perhaps, had I not witnessed it. 



Amongst those trees of which the beaver is most fond, are 

 the black birch (betula nigra), and common ash {frcmnus 

 juglandifolid), of North America. v 



J.H. 

 Stafford-place, Pimlico, 





