128 



THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



intended to obviate this by increasing the area of the yards, and 

 laying them down in grass. The structure, including the part 

 previously stocked with zebras, was described in the Press as 

 " the most commodious and suitable building for animals yet 

 erected in the Gardens, and by no means deficient in architectural 

 merits." At first the stock consisted of: 



1 Blesbok 



1 Lechee 



1 Sable Antelope 



1 Hartebeest 



2 Addax 



3 Leucoryx 



2 Nylghaie 



1 White-tailed/and 



1 Brindled Gnu 



It was, however, largely increased before the end of the year, 

 chiefly by the valuable donations of Sir George Grey. 



This year it was decided to lay out about £1,500 in providing 

 better accommodation in the refreshment-rooms, at that time 

 occupying part of the present site. The Council believed that 

 the result of this expenditure "would greatly increase the 

 attractions of the Gardens as a place of public resort." 



In the North Garden the Superintendent's house was 

 practically rebuilt ; the old deer sheds by the hippopotamus 

 house were replaced by the present brick houses, with slated 

 roofs, and a new platform was erected on the south side of the 

 hippopotamus pond. 



Sheep sheds were put up in 1862 on the small lawn opposite 

 the cattle sheds ; the small pheasantry for the Himalayan chicks 

 was made on the ground afterwards turned into paddocks when 

 the ostrich house was built; and another gate and money- taker's 

 lodge was constructed at the south entrance. 



New lodges replaced the old wooden boxes for money-takers 

 at the main entrance in 1863. They were said to be " orna- 

 mental adjuncts to the Society's premises," with '' the further 

 advantage of giving shelter from the weather to persons entering 

 the Gardens whilst they paid the entrance fees or wrote their 

 names in^the visitors' books." 



The New or Eastern Aviary was rebuilt, of larger dimensions 

 and on different principles. The Council described it as " in 

 several respects superior to any other building for the care and 

 exhibition of birds yet erected in this country. The elevation 

 of the floor was better for display, in addition to improving the 

 drainage and affording more air and light." 



