58 The Irish Naturalist. March 



were then carted to the shores of the lake, and on this foundation beautiful 

 walks were made round the lake and a bridge built across it. In a way 

 the unemployed, although of the greatest use to the Society, entailed 

 indirectly a good deal of extra expense. Loads of stones and gravel had 

 to be bought and numerous shrubs and trees planted to adorn the newly 

 opened walks. However, tin- look of tlie Gardens has been greatly im- 

 proved by these undertakings. 



It is proposed during the coming year to plant slulttT belts of slirubs 

 on the far side of the lake for the protection of the many l)easts and birds 

 which roam freely about the Gardens. 



Building Work. 



The expenses connected with the New I^ion House left the Society's 

 finances in a very exhausted condition. Plenty of desirable schemes 

 were discussed. The Council even went so far as to settle on a site for the 

 most urgent of these proposals, namely, the hospital antl isolation house. 

 Mr. MacCarthy submitted plans which were approved of, and yet, no 

 money being availabk , the scheme must again be siielved for another 

 year. 



The principal work finished during the past year is a fine new Aviary, 

 designed by Mr. MacCarthy, in the divisions of which the various Eagles 

 are now jilaced. It is somewhat novel in design, and was orighially 

 intended for the crow family (Corvidac). The latter will, however, be 

 put in the older cages near the Ele])hant House. This will carry out the 

 wishes of the late Mr. W. H. M. Barton, who left a legacy for the 

 purpose of providing a separate set of cages for the crow family. 



A few cages for carnivores were also designed by Mr. MacCarthy for 

 the recess (apse) in the Roberts House. These are now being put up. 

 The principal other works consisted in repairs and slight alterations to 

 the existing structures, and extensive painting. 



Thk Lions. 



It has been customary for many years past to devote a special paragraph 

 to the Lions, because they form such a conspicuous feature of the Society's 

 collection. Not only do they still constitute one of the great attractions 

 in the Gardens, but it may safely be said that never in the history of the 

 Society has such a magnificent show been brought together in Dublin as 

 at the present moment. There are now in the Lion house twenty-one 

 Lions, four Tigers, two Jaguars, and five Leopards — altogether thirty-two 

 large carnivores. 



The new wire cages are greatly admired by everyone, but especially 

 by those who wish to draw, i)aint or ]5hotograph the Lions. The Society 

 never had so many artists studying the animals as last year. 



The number of Lions and Lionesses at present in the Gardens is 

 twenty-one. Of the ten Lions seven were born in the Gardens, while 

 of the eleven Lionesses, eight are of Irish birth. 



Breeding of Stock in the Gardens. 

 Once more three Puma cubs were born in the new outdoor Carnivore 

 House. Among other births six Lion cubs deserve special mention, as 

 well as a hybrid Zebra foal and a young Llama, 



