80 



CHAPTER IV. 



1841—1850. 



Early in January, 1847, Mr. Ogilby tendered his resignation 

 to the Council, which was accepted with reluctance. In their 

 Annual Report they expressed their appreciation of "his dis- 

 interested and energetic exertions on behalf of the Society 

 throughout the long period of his official career," and their deep 

 regret at the loss of his valuable services. At the same time the 

 fact was recognised that they could not expect from their Secre- 

 tary that degree of responsibility to the Society and constant 

 attention to its affairs, which were then of vital importance, so 

 long as the appointment was an honorary one. The matter was 

 discussed at two Council meetings, and the following resolution 

 was passed : 



That it is expedient to supply the present vacancy in the Secretaryship 

 by the appointment of a paid officer ; and, assuming that the whole time 

 of the future Secretary shall be at the disposal of the Council, they con- 

 sider that his salary cannot with propriety be fixed at less than £250 

 per annum. 



In pursuance of this determination, Mr. David William 

 Mitchell, F.L.S., was provisionally elected with unanimity, and 

 the choice of the Council was ratified at the Annual Meeting. 



Some minor changes also took place. In 1845 Mr. Rees, the 

 Assistant Secretary, was succeeded by Mr. Charles S. Bompas, 

 who performed the duties for two years, when the post was 

 abolished. The only change of importance at the Gardens 

 was that Professor Youatt ceased to have medical charge of the 

 animals. Hunt became head-keeper, replacing Devereux Fuller, 

 who entered the service of the Society in 1827. 



Some anxiety was felt, at the commencement of this decade, 

 with regard to the action of the Crown Office in dedicating to 

 public use that part of the Park lying to the south and south- 

 west of the South Garden. Strange rumours were current, and 



