THE ROYAL MENAGERIE OF FRANCE 517 



Finally, without the menagerie French art would not be able to add 

 to its list some of the most illustrious names of modern times, that of 

 Barye, for example, or of Fremiet, his successor. 



The menagerie furnishes each year a great number of subjects to the 

 scalpel of the anatomist, and those of you gentlemen who represent 

 zoological studies in the provinces know to what an extent the museum 

 has aided, thanks to its menagerie, the enrichment of public collections. 



All these results have been obtained since 1793, in spite of quite 

 unfavorable conditions, in confined quarters, badly jDrotected against 

 the rigors of winter, with limited means, and an insufficient force of 

 employees. What a renewal of i^rogress may we not hope, now that 

 a rejuvenated staff", active and above all competent, makes its kindly 

 influence felt everywhere in the museum, and the public administra- 

 tors make known each year, by voting subsidies for long-wished-for 

 improvements, their interest in the institution founded by the national 

 convention. 



Much has been done at the Jardin des Plantes for science and for the 

 country during the century now ending; no less labor and devotion will 

 be given in the century about to begin. And without doubt the chroni- 

 cler who a hundred years hence shall take the place at this tribune that 

 the kindness of the committee has to day accorded to me will have the 

 honor and the pleasure of celebrating before a select audience other 

 great names and great events. 



