^6 The Irish Naturalist. Mareh^ 
IRISH SOCIETIES, 
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
Recent gifts include a young Otter from Mr. R. J. Ussher, a Kestrel 
from Miss Johnston, an Alexandrine Parrakeet from Mrs. Forbes, and twa 
Hybrid Ducks from Col. Claude Cane. Five Lion -cubs — three males and 
two females — were born on January 30th, the parents being " Red Hugh " 
and "^ Nigeria," A white -collared Mangabey and a Ferret have been 
received on deposit, and a young female Chimpanzee has been bought. 
January 30.— The Annual Meeting was held (by permission) in the 
Lecture Theatre of the Royal Dublin Society. The President (Sir Charles- 
Ball, Bart.), in the chair. 
The Hon. Secretary (Professor G. H. Carpenter) submitted the Report 
and moved its adoption. 
The attendance of members and visitors during 191 2 numbered 185,265,. 
as compared with 199,856 in 191 1, and the receipts at gate were :^2,344 
as compared with ;£2,393 in the preceding year. Entrance fees and 
subscriptions from new members amounted to ^784 in 191 2, as compared 
with ;^8i2 in 191 1 ; this decrease is accounted for by the election of only 
twelve life-members in 1912, while fifteen joined in 191 1. 
The Honorary Officers have worked unchanged through the year. 
Both the Secretary and Treasurer are indebted to Professor J. A. Scott, 
who kindly undertook, at different times, both offices during vacation 
absences. Sir Frederick Moore has given much time in advising and 
superintending improvements in the grounds. Professor Mettam continues 
to act as the Society's Honorary Prosector, and to furnish valuable reports- 
on the causes of death of animals in the Gardens. Early in the year it 
was found that Mr. J. Nugent Lentaigne had completed more than twenty 
years' service on the Council ; his colleagues experienced great pleasure in 
electing him to an Honorary Vice -Presidency. The resulting vacancy,, 
among ordinary Members of the Council was filled by the co -option of 
Mr. James Inglis. 
Dr. B. B. Ferrar, the new Superintendent, has now completed a year 
in office, and has worked most zealously for the improvement of the 
Gardens and the comfort of the animals. During his vacation he visited 
the Gardens in Regent's Park, London, and several of the great Continental 
menageries. 
In the Report for 191 1, reference was made to the Fish Hatchery just 
commenced. Its completion can now be recorded, and several thousands 
of eggs of Salmon and Trout, given by the Fisheries Office, are undergoing 
development in its tanks. Many unforeseen difficulties arose in con- 
nection with details of the building, its water-supply, and equipment, 
but it is hoped that these have all been satisfactorily overcome, and that 
hundreds of young fishes will be on view in the ponds during the coming 
spring. The Council's hearty thanks are due to the Irish Fisheries Office, 
and to the Conservators and Riparian Owners of the Liffey, for the support 
which they have accorded to this undertaking. 
