22 



reverse, during the spring and summer — the occurrence of ob- 

 jects of attraction in other places during these seasons — and, 

 perhaps, in no inconsiderable degree, on the state of pros- 

 perity or distress of the middle and lower classes of society. 



Your Committee think that the arrangements now in pro- 

 gress for differently lodging the Carnivorous animals will 

 greatly add to the attractions of the Gardens. The larger 

 animals of this class are always objects of curiosity and in- 

 terest to those who do not study zoology very deeply, and the 

 place in which they have been hitherto confined has been 

 found in warm weather, when the Gardens are mostly fre- 

 quented, unpleasant to enter. When these animals can be 

 seen without any such unpleasant sensation the attraction 

 will be much increased. The formation of the Museum within 

 the Gardens, so that the living and dead specimens can be 

 seen at the same visit, will also most probably, attract a larger 

 number of visitors. 



EXPENDITURE. 



Your Committee have much pleasure in reporting, that the 

 Council have, in accordance with the recommendation of the 

 Committee of Auditors last year, so far reduced the Expendi- 

 ture, that notwithstanding the falling off of Income before 

 alluded to, there is a surplus balance of cash in hand. It is, 

 however, a subject of regret that it has been necessary to ex- 

 pend a less sum in the " Cost of animals " than in the last 

 year, but they hope that the arrangements before alluded to, 

 by improving the health of the animals, and the liberal Do- 

 nations of the friends of the Society, may keep up the Mena- 

 gerie to its present full extent. 



ASSETS. 

 The subjoined account will show that the Stock of the So- 

 ciety in the Fimds remains as last year, but that there has 

 been an increased Investment in Exchequer Bills, making 

 the whole Assets, including the Museum Fund,£l4,690 2s. 8d., 

 being an increase of £376 18«. Id. on the last year. 



