370 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 



birds, or fishes, likely to he useful in common life ; and for 

 forming a general collection in Zoology. 



" Zoology, which exhibits the nature and properties of ani- 

 mated beings, their analogies to each other, the wonderful deli- 

 cacy of their structure, and the fitness of their organs to the 

 peculiar purposes of their existence, must be regarded, not only 

 as an amusing and interesting study, but as a most important 

 branch of Natural Theology, teaching, by the intelligent design 

 and wonderful results of organization, the wisdom and power of 

 the Creator. In its relation to useful and immediate economical 

 purposes it is no less remarkable ; the different races of animals 

 employed in social life, for labour, clothing, food, or amusement, 

 are the direct objects of its contemplation: their improvement, the 

 manner in which their number may be increased, the application 

 of their produce, its connexion with various departments of in- 

 dustry and manufactures are of great importance to man in every 

 stage of his existence, but most so in proportion as he advances 

 in wealth, civilization, and refinement. 



It has long been a matter of deep regret to the cultivators of 

 Natural History that we possess no great scientific establishments 

 either for teaching or elucidating Zoology, and no public mena- 

 geries or collections of living animals, where their nature, pro- 

 perties, and habits may be studied. In almost every other part 

 of Europe, except in the metropolis of the British empire, some- 

 thing of this kind exists ; but, though richer than any other 

 country in the extent and variety of our possessions, and having 

 more facilities from our colonies, our fleets, and our varied and 

 constant intercourse with every quarter of the globe for collect- 

 ing dead specimens and introducing living animals, we have as 

 yet attempted little, and done almost nothing ; and the student 

 of Natural History, or the philosopher who wishes to examine 

 animated nature, has no other resource but that of visiting and 

 profiting by the magnificent institutions of a neighbouring and a 

 rival country. It is to be hoped that this opprobrium to our age 

 and nation may disappear, and there can scarcely be a better 

 moment for an undertaking of this kind than the present : a state 

 of profound peace, increasing prosperity, and overflowing wealth, 

 when the public mind is prepared to employ its activity, and di- 

 rect its resources to new objects and enterprises. 



It is proposed to establish a society bearing the same relation 

 to Zoology, that the Horticultural does to Botany, and upon a 

 similar principle and plan. The great objects should be the in- 

 troduction of new varieties, breeds, and races of animals for the 

 purpose of domestication, or for stocking our farm-yards, woods, 

 pleasure-grounds, and wastes : with the establishment of a ge- 

 neral Zoological Collection, consisting of prepared specimens in 

 the different classes and orders, so as to afford a correct view of 



