THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 23 



were much addicted to wild beast shows. Considering the advanced state 

 of knowledge, it is to be expected that the new Zoological Association will 

 beat both the Romans and King Henry, in spite of his porcupine ; though 

 we do not know how the inhabitants of the Regent's Park will like the 

 lions, leopards, and linxes so near their neighbourhood. 



The Gazette afterwards became quite sympathetic. 



On May 5, Committees were appointed (1) to frame bye-laws, 



(2) to acquire a site for breeding fishes and rearing waterfowl, 



(3) to manage the grounds in Regent's Park, (4) the Menagerie, 

 (5) the Museum, and (6) to form a library. On the first four the 

 President had a seat. The first animals to come into the possession 

 of the Society were a griffon vulture and a white-headed eagle, 

 presented by Mr. Joshua Brookes, of the celebrated Anatomical 

 School in Blenheim Street ; and " a female deer from Sanger," 

 the gift of Captain Pearl. This vulture was known to the older 

 keepers as " Dr. Brookes," and must have lived in the Menagerie 

 for nearly forty years. In 1869 Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier, writing 

 in the Field (May 5), referred to it as having " died recently." 

 At this time no keepers were engaged ; and arrangements were 

 made with those at the Tower and Exeter 'Change " for taking 

 charge of such animals as may come into the possession of the 

 Society till their own establishment is completed." 



In May four Vice-Presidents (Lord Auckland, the Earl of 

 Darnley, the Marquess of Lansdowne, and the Duke of Somerset) 

 were appointed. A month later, No. 33, Bruton Street was taken 

 for offices and a Museum, and here some animals were kept till 

 the Gardens were opened. Then, of course, most of them were 

 transferred to Regent's Park ; but for some time afterwards the 

 house was used for such species as needed special care. At the 

 end of June the plans of Decimus Burton for the Gardens were 

 approved ; the sum of £5,000 was appropriated for carrying them 

 into execution, and £1,000 for the Museum. Cross offered his 

 services for the management of the Menagerie, at the same time 

 proposing that the Society should purchase his collection, but the 

 suggestion was not favourably considered. 



The death of Sir Stamford Rafiles from apoplexy took place 

 at Highwood, Hendon, on July 6. At the Council meeting 

 two days later the Duke of Somerset, who presided, announced 

 that the Members " had been summoned in consequence of the 



