78 Royal Zoological Society of Ireland 



Society has passed through years of extensive distress 

 and trial : that it now occupies a position gained by large 

 expenditure of time, thought, and money, that it ministers 

 to the enjoyment and improvement of a very large 

 number of people at a nominal rate, or altogether free 

 admission ; that it possesses a singularly beautiful Garden 

 furnished with adequate houses. &c, and that by its 

 services rendered, it has a fair claim to share in the 

 general prosperity which now appears to dawn on this 

 country. 



'* The Society has continued to experience the kindness 

 of the London Zoological Society in the grant of animals 

 and loan of a remarkably fine condor, which, with four 

 other species of vulture, form a fine feature in the 

 collection. 



" It is stated that in the coming summer a collection 

 of reptiles may be formed, members could assist in this 

 by asking their friends in foreign countries to send home 

 specimens, which, for the most part, will come safely if 

 put in a box having a few air-holes, and placed in the 

 hold of a ship where they may not be subject to much 

 change of temperature. The reptiles may be appro- 

 priately managed in a house which is now in course of 

 construction for the reception of the finest skeleton of 

 Plesiosaurus known. It was presented by the Marquess 

 of Xormanby to Sir Philip Crampton, who has kindly 

 placed it at the disposal of the Society for exhibition. 

 This most interesting relic of one of " the great Sea 

 Dragons" of the ancient world, will, no doubt, prove 

 eminently attractive, not only to the citizens of Dublin, 

 but to the many scientific and other visitors likely to visit 

 this city during the next few months, its size is so great 

 that the Council felt obliged to construct a special building 

 of 36 feet long for its due exhibition. The building will 

 be soon completed, and the skeleton and illustrative 

 specimens prepared for inspection in it. 



'" Some measures have been taken towards providing 

 an Aquatic Vivarium, a matter of much interest but not 

 easily accomplished, owing to the large supply of good 

 water, soft and fresh, required. It seems difficult to 

 foretell the effect of the great Exhibition on the society, 

 it doubtless will lead to the Garden being visited by many 

 strangers and non-residents, and it is hoped that many of 

 the nobility and gentry may thus be led to aid the Society. 



