Zoological Society. 523 



a quietness not to be obtained in the Regent's Park, while at the same 

 it might be easily accessible; a farm has accordingly been obtained near 

 Kingston, consisting of a house with some convenient buildings, and 

 about 33 acres of land, the soil of which is very hght, and peculiarly 

 favourable for rearing birds, and which is well supplied with very abun- 

 dant springs, and with some excellent ponds. During the present year, 

 but few results can be expected from this new acquisition, from the late 

 period at which it was occupied ; but the repairs will be proceeded with, 

 stock will be procured, and proper receptacles formed. The application 

 of the Farm to the purposes and objects of the Society will be under the 

 following heads : 1st. In affording a convenient relief and assistance to 

 the Menagerie in the Park, by removing from it such Quadrupeds and 

 Birds as may require retirement to bring forth and rear their young ; also 

 in receiving the duplicates of the collection which it may be expedient to 

 keep in hand to replace those which are exhibited in the Park, when 

 necessary; and likcwis** to maintain such as require a more extended 

 range than the Garden at present admits of, or which it is necessary to 

 allow to remain at liberty. 2. The rearing various domesticated Birds 

 and Quadrupeds, both of ornamental as well as useful varieties, either 

 with a view of having their kinds true and free from mixture, or of effect- 

 ing improvements in the quality or properties of those which are used for 

 the table, and likewise in domesticating subjects from our own or foreign 

 countries, which have not hitherto been inmates of our poultry or farm- 

 yards. 3. The breeding and trying experiments on Fishes. 4. The 

 conducting experiments on all matters relating to breeding and points of 

 animal physiology connected therewith. The range of such is very vari- 

 ous and extensive, and many of them will require much time to complete, 

 though some may be brought to a conclusion within a year or two. The 

 great point of attention in these will be a careful and correct record of 

 facts, accompanied with statements of the precise object intended to be 

 ascertained by the institution of the experiment. The conclusions from 

 these may be then drawn by persons of science who have given attention 

 to the subject. It is remarkable that there have never been published any 

 correctly recorded facts, on which the opinions at present entertained by 

 physiologists on many of these matters can be supported. It is to be 

 hoped that the Zoological Society may be the instrument of settling many 

 questions of this description in a more satisfactory manner. 



