16 
by a hot-water heating-apparatus of the most improved 
construction. During the present Spring corresponding 
alterations and improvements have been made in the right 
wing of the same Aviary ; and next autumn, as soon as the 
breeding-season is terminated, it is in contemplation to 
renovate the centre compartment in a similar manner. 
The sum of £242 1s. 7d. was expended in rebuilding 
the breeding-Aviary for the rarer species of Pheasants, 
situated near the Cattle-sheds. The greater part of this 
Aviary, which was previously constructed mainly of net- 
ting, was destroyed by a heavy snow-storm in the winter 
of 1866, and the inmates (many of which were worth £50 
a piece) escaped into various parts of the Regent’s Park. 
To avoid a similar casualty, the roof of the Aviary has been 
reconstructed with strong iron wire; but a second roof of 
netting is stretched underneath to prevent the birds inju- 
ring themselves by flying up against the wires. 
The narrow passage in the house devoted to the female 
Hippopotamus causing much inconvenience on crowded 
days, it was determined to increase the area of the space 
allotted to spectators in this building by throwing into it 
an external court situated on the north side of it, which 
was of little use. This was accomplished last autumn at 
a cost of £103 Os. 8d., and a very great improvement, as 
the Council believe, in this building thereby effected. 
A new walk has been opened leading from the Kangaroo- 
sheds over the north side of the tunnel to the Parrot-house, 
thus avoiding the cul-de-sac which had hitherto existed in 
this part of the Gardens. The opportunity was taken of 
constructing a new house for Wombats immediately ad- 
joining the Kangaroo-sheds and facing the new walk. 
This enabled the Council to remove the Wombats from 
their'former isolated situation in the centre of the Gardens, 
and to place them in a more suitable position near the 
rest of the Marsupials. ‘The cost of these two improve- 
ments amounted to £92 15s. 8d. 
Various other minor additions to the Society’s Gardens, 
the particulars of which are subjoined, raised the total 
amount expended on the permanent improvement of this 
branch of the Society’s Establishment, in the year 1867, to 
the sum of £3097 6s. 5d. 
