APPENDIX B. 



gopl ^aologitnl Soarig of Jfretartr. 



MAY, 18 64. 



"When the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland was founded 

 in the year 1832, Decimus Burton drew up a report, on instruc- 

 tions from Government, as to a site for the Gardens in the 

 Phoenix Park. He recommended the present site, including the 

 pond and the opposite bank. The following is an extract from 

 his report : — 



" It will also be obvious, tbat to render the water of practical benefit 

 to the Society, it should be enclosed within the boundary. The best mode 

 of obtaining this object would be for the Society to obtain, if possible, a 

 grant of the opposite bank, extending to the road which leads to the Vice- 

 regal Lodge. This also would be desirable on other points. The land 

 on each bank might then be laid out with plantations, walks, and 

 buildings, designed in such manner as materially to add to the beauty of 

 the view from either side of the lake, and certainly the general effect of 

 the valley, as seen from the Park, would be greatly improved. Impressed 

 with the idea, that one day or other, an arrangement will be made by 

 which these extensions of the site will take place, I have been induced to 

 prepare the accompanying design, in which they are comprised." 



Year after year, each succeeding Council was more and more 

 impressed with the truth of Decimus Burton's observation, that 

 "the water should be enclosed within the boundary" of the 

 Gardens. The waterfowl, the greatest ornaments of the gardens, 

 strayed, and were stolen or killed ; and the deer crossing, by 

 swimming at night, trampled down the flower beds, and barked 

 or cropped the shrubs, often destroying in a single night, 

 valuable plants the growth of years. The opposite bank became 

 each year more frequented by persons who amused themselves 



