9 
found it very difficult indeed to have made any 
important additions to our stock of animals had we not 
been enabled to realize a sum of about £260 by the 
sale of lion cubs and other animals born in the gardens. 
Passing by this retrospect, which shows the diffi- 
culties we have had to contend with, we have pleasure 
in announcing that we have in the gardens, at the 
present moment, a very valuable collection of animals, 
as will be seen from the appended lists. 
New Houses and Repairs, §c.—The alteration in the 
Monkey Houses and the opening a doorway between them 
has proved most beneficial in every way. The question 
of constructing outdoor dens in connection with the 
monkey house, claims some consideration; but owing 
to the nature of our climate is not exactly of pressing 
necessity. 
A fine paddock and shelter for our small flock of 
Red Deer have been constructed at the end of the lake. 
The Aquarium has been much improved by the 
introduction of skylights at the ends, and some other 
changes. 
Our chief desideratum, at present, is a house for the 
Herbivores, which are now much scattered in various 
enclosures through the gardens. In order to build a 
suitable one a considerable sum of money would be 
required, but the Council are prepared, should they 
receive promises of aid, to so plan it that it could be 
built in sections which could be added from time to 
time as funds were provided. 
Breeding of Lions—In the account given of the 
Lions in last year’s Report it was stated that up to the 
close of the year 137 Cubs had been born, and that the 
stock in hand consisted of 10 Lions. During 1887, 
4 Cubs were born on the 5th August, all being males, 
thus raising the total number of births to 141. Five 
Cubs were sold for £225, or at an average price of 
£45 each, which is considerably im excess of the average 
