SESSION 1893-94. xxxi 



tlio ill-advisecl iutroduction of tho monp;ooso as an experimental 

 antidote to the rabbit-plague. These beautiful and defenceless 

 birds, nesting on the ground, fall an easy prey to the marauding 

 caruivore, which also devours their eggs. The hornbills with their 

 phenomenal beaks and helmets, and two fine examples of the 

 Brazilian screamer, a bird in which the "air-sacs" extending from 

 the lungs are so developed that it can absolutely inflate its naked 

 legs when enraged, were noticed in passing. 



The animals in these Gardens are arranged in groups according 

 to their systematic relationship, so far as is consistent with the 

 well-being of each individual, not thrown together haphazard or 

 simply with regard to picturesque effect in the way that obtains 

 in many Continental menageries. Thus, the Perissodactyla, or 

 "odd-toed" ungulates, are presented in a continuous chain of 

 houses in the shape of the sole survivors of a once enormous race 

 — the rhinoceros, elephant, tapir, and horse (zebras and wild asses). 



Having given a short demonstration on the camels and their 

 allies, the llamas and alpacas, showing how the formation of the 

 feet which distinguishes them from all other animals proves their 

 relationship, though they inhabit opposite corners of the earth 

 and each is specialized for its mode of life, the President led the 

 way to the north side of the grounds, where "Jenny," a young 

 chimpanzee, successor to the lamented and famous " Sally," and 

 a large gibbon, were taken out of their cages while their respective 

 likenesses and points of distinction with regard to humanity were 

 described. As both these anthropoid apes were very tame and 

 trustworthy, and submitted with the utmost docility to the exami- 

 nation as well as the caresses of the visitors, the lecture would 

 have been prolonged at this point had it not been for the great 

 heat and inconveniently-overcrowded state of the small house. 

 Both specimens illustrated admirably the various instances of 

 comparison and contrast, such as the entire absence of hair on the 

 terminal joint of the fingers and toes, even when viewed through 

 a strong magnifying glass, a peculiarity which we alone of all 

 animals share with them. 



The curious structure of the feather-like fur of the ant-eater, 

 each hair of which is nearly square in section, and its huge 

 development of tongue, next attracted attention; and in the 

 adjoining marsupial house another instance of that singular 

 mimicry, real or apparent, which so many of the pouched animals 

 offer in respect of higher groups, was shown by certain little 

 beasts newly arrived from Australia, almost exactly simulating 

 rabbits in their outward aspect. 



The specially-constructed dens which were inhabited for so many 

 years by the gii-affes, of which a large number were bred in the 

 establishment, are still retained in their original form, although 

 it is sadly improbable that any other example of this beautiful 

 ungulate will ever reach oiir shores alive — indeed, a skin and 

 skeleton for the li^ational Museum is now a desideratum ; the 

 relentless war which is waged against them in their native haunts 



