S6 THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Zoological Society, 33, Bruton Street, 

 1827. 



Sir,— I take the liberty, with the sanction of 

 of sending to you the last report* of the Zoological Society. 



It is possible that, in the course of your residence at 

 opportunities of promoting our views and objects may occur to you, and 

 that you may be able to send to us occasionally, and at a very inconsider- 

 able expense, specimens of subjects in Zoology of much curiosity and 

 interest. 



Living specimens of all rare animals, and particularly of such as may 

 possibly be domesticated and become useful here, will be much valued by 

 us ; and above all varieties of the Deer kind, and of gallinaceous Birds ; 

 but beyond this preserved insects, reptiles, birds, mammalia, fishes, eggs, 

 and shells will be gratefully received. 



And I may mention that where a more scientific method does not 

 occur, the promiscuous immersion of any number of subjects in a tub 

 of strong brine (feathers, bodies, and all) will be sufficient for preservation, 

 not quite effectual perhaps for the skins in all instances, but perfectly so 

 for purposes of j dissection and comparative anatomy. 



Then followed a paragraph on the necessity of confining expenses 

 within the narrowest limits, and the advisability of consulting 

 the authorities at home before incurring any considerable charge. 

 Practical directions for preserving animals, skins, skeletons, 

 and fossils, and packing specimens of all kinds, were also sent 

 to collectors abroad. 



The circular, dated on the day of the new President's election, 

 is important, in that it negatives the idea that the foundation 

 was the work of any one individual. It opens with the state- 

 ment that 



This Society was instituted in 1826 under the auspices of Sir T. Stam- 

 ford Baffles, Sir Humphry Davy, Bart., and other eminent individuals, for 

 the advancement of Zoology, and the introduction and exhibition of 

 subjects of the Animal Kingdom alive or in a state of preservation. 



The public were informed that the Gardens in Kegent's Park 

 had been pegged out, and that workmen were actively employed 

 upon them. Those interested in the project were invited to 

 inspect the plans and drawings at Bruton Street, and the hope 

 was expressed that the Gardens would be opened in the course 

 of the summer. 



* The first Report printed appears to be that presented by the Council to the 

 General Meeting held April 29, 1829. Yarrell's copy, now in the possession of the 

 Society, bears on the title the word" First " in his handwriting. 



