38 Royal Zoological Society of Ireland 



Council could have wished, but thus limited in extent by 

 the funds placed at their disposal, which still are in- 

 sufficient to cover the expense. This house will, however, 

 they have no doubt, prove a most serviceable and effective 

 structure for its purpose, besides being of ornament to 

 the Gardens, and of interest from commanding a most 

 extensive prospect. 



The sum expended for the Giraffe house 



is already ... ... ... £370 17 6 



The amount of actual subscriptions paid 313 7 6 



" A considerable sum will still be required for the 

 permanent enclosure. 



' The Garden continues to be improved and the 

 collection to be tolerably well maintained, though there 

 has been an unusual mortality in the smaller animals, the 

 cause of which has not been accurately ascertained. 

 Glandular disease seemed generally present in the throat, 

 accompanied by excessive fatness, thus demonstrating 

 that the complaint was not the effect of insufficient food. 

 The Giraffe and other ruminants continue to enjoy the 

 highest health. The losses of the Society this year by 

 death may be estimated to exceed the acquisitions by 

 about £45 in value. 



" An alteration in the supply of water to the pond in 

 the Vice-Regal Demesne induced the authorities to cut 

 off the pipe which supplied the Swan paddock and small 

 ponds with water. This has rendered them stagnant, and 

 injured for the present that part of the Garden ; however, 

 it is hoped a method can be devised for restoring a supply 

 of water, or that by raising the head of the large pond the 

 object of keeping the paddock full may be attained. This 

 latter measure would be a considerable improvement both 

 to the Park and Gardens and in keeping with the works 

 already accomplished in that quarter by the Commissioners 

 of Woods and Forests. 



" Your Council are happy to be able to say that the 

 route to the Gardens has been greatly improved ; the 

 road at each side of the river being now open to the 

 King's Bridge and the space opposite the Royal Barracks 

 handsomely railed in ; while within the Park the path on 

 the right from the gate to the Gardens has been made 

 one of much interest by the landscape gardening improve- 

 ments of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests. 

 These circumstances will doubtless contribute to make 



