96 Royal Zoological Society of Ireland 



tent house, where is displayed the gigantic skeleton of 

 a Plesiosaurus, and round which has recently been 

 hung a series of instructive diagrams illustrating the 

 classification of animals. 



The Council has continued to be successful in the 

 management of Aquatic Vivaria, and a considerable in- 

 crease in this department is being made. In this the 

 system of aeration, here first used, will be further 

 developed, and means are being taken to make the whole 

 both useful and instructive. In addition to the rosary 

 above referred to an extensive fernery has been formed, 

 which, it is hoped, will in coming years afford much 

 gratification. For the greater number of ferns here 

 planted the Society is indebted to the exertions of 

 Professor Melville, by whom they were collected in the 

 County of Galway. 



In the last Report it was stated that an endeavour 

 had been made to improve the appearance of the Garden 

 in winter by the plantation of evergreens ; the good 

 effects of this measure were apparent in the past winter, 

 and may be expected to manifest themselves still more 

 in future seasons. 



The collection, since last Report, has not received any 

 important additions or experienced any serious loss. 

 The Lions which had been purchased at the end of last 

 year have thriven extremely, and are now, for their age, 

 remarkably fine animals. 



The conduct of visitors has, on the whole, been com- 

 mendable, and it is hoped that when they bear in mind 

 that the flowers and animals collected in the Garden are 

 for the public gratification, they will themselves feel it to 

 be their duty and interest to protect them from injury. 



Admissions. 



Free ... ... ... ... 2,763 



do. Schools ... ... ... 1,334 



At 2s. 6d. ... ... ... 398 



„ Is. 3d. ... ... ... 28 



„ Os. 6d. ... ... ... 9,277 



„ Os. 3d. ... ... ... 2,138 



„ Os. Id. ... ... ... 122,356 



Total ... 138,294 



