AT PARIS. 227 



It would take a large volume to give a (Jescrii)lion of it, but still I 

 shall try within a short space, to present an outline sketch. — Let me be- 

 gin with the menagerie : 



The ground plot of this department is cut through bv numerous 

 walks which serpentine so as to form a sort of labyrinlli. Twenty-one 

 large compartments or parks, surrounded and closed by a double railino-, 

 in each of which there is a small building into which the animals can 

 retire, cover all that section destined for those animals which are harm- 

 less. The rest is occupied by a vast rotunda, in which are kept the 

 large herbivorous quadrupeds — two immense aviaries — a large semi-cir- 

 cular gallery for the monkeys — and lodges for the ferocious beasts. 



The building containing these lodges is very long, and admirably 

 adapted to the exhibition and protection of the animals. There is a 

 large number of them and they are all kept in the most perfect order. 

 This department does not look very unlike any other well regulated 

 menagerie, except that the building is continuous in a line, the cages 

 are larger, and the animals are not tormented by cruel keepers for the 

 sport of gaping idleis. 



All the harmless and herbivorous quadrupeds have a large space of 

 ground to range in, so that they can take exercise, and thus their health 

 is pieserved. 



The birds, of which there is an immense number of species, are 

 kept in cages of the size of an ordinary room, in which they have am- 

 ple space to fly, — many dilTerent species are kept in the same cage and 

 seem to live in harmony, althougii there is generally one cock of the 

 ■walk, who rules all the rest. 1 think there are twenty of these large 

 wire enclosures, in which may be seen living birds from every part of 

 the world. Besides these, there are large arliiicial ponds for the water 

 fowls, and more retired enclosures thickly planted with trees and shrub- 

 bery for the propagation of pheasants and other birds, which require re- 

 tirement and silence. 



You can scarcely name any animal which may not be found living 

 in this establishment. The greatest possible care is bestowed on them 

 and every thing is done to promote tlieir comfort and keep them in good 

 condition. Here the beavers, the muskrats, the otters and all others of 

 that family have their ponds in wliich they can swim just as when in a 

 state of nature, and even the huge elephants have water deep enough for 

 them to revel in. As far as possible, all the other animals are accom- 

 modated with every tiling as they had it when roaming wild in their na- 

 tive foiests. .You find more animals in this garden than are comprised 

 in twenty of t!io largest travcUincr menageries we .■see in this country. 



