26 



Sheep of the Himalayas {Ovis burrhel), which appear to 

 enjoy their new quarters very much. The amount ex- 

 pended on the materials for the new Sheep-yard was 

 £257 5*. If/., as already mentioned under the head of 

 extraordinary expenditure. 



b. The Smaller Cats'-house. 



The only other item of extraordinary expenditure in 

 1885 was caused by the thorough repair of the old Reptile- 

 house, and its conversion into a house for the smaller 

 Carnivora. 



The separation of the Carnivorous Animals from the 

 Rodents and other Frugivorous Mammals, which have been 

 hitherto placed all together in the small Mammal-house, 

 has long been considered very desirable. The vacancy 

 caused by the removal of the Reptiles to the new Reptile- 

 house on the other side of the Gardens afforded an oppor- 

 tunity for the partial realization of this plan. After having 

 been thoroughly repaired and refloored, the former Reptile- 

 house has been fitted up with cages suitable for the Exhi- 

 bition of the smaller Cats and allied Carnivora. The actual 

 cost of these cages (£58 10*.) has been charged to extra- 

 ordinary expenditure, the repairs having been executed by 

 the ordinary staff of workmen. 



In order to relieve the small Mammal House still further 

 from its hitherto crowded condition, it is proposed to build 

 a new house for the wild species of the genus Canis, 

 embracing the Wolves, Dogs, and Foxes, which are now 

 scattered about in various parts of the Gardens. It is 

 hoped that this work may be accomplished during the 

 present summer, the plans for the new Dog-kennels, 

 prepared by Mr. Trollope, having been already settled 

 and approved of. When this has been done, the former 

 small Mammal House will furnish good accommodation 

 for the Poi'cupines, Squirrels, and numerous other animals 

 of the Rodent order, which are not habitually of a Carni- 

 vorous nature. 



