The Giza Zoological Gardens. 287


Two very unusual meteorological events occurred during

the year, namely a very severe thunderstorm during which three

very fine Australian Silk - Oak trees were killed by lightning,

and in December there was frost several nights running which

did much damage to tropical plants and shrubs and killed

hundreds of fish, though the mammals and birds seemed none

the worse for the abnormal visitation of winter weather.


The total number of birds bred in the Gardens during the

year is not a large one, namely fifteen Zebra-finches, two Buff-

backed Herons, four Barbary Doves, four Central African Doves

(Turhir decipiens'), nine Palm Doves (T. senegaleusis) and fourteen

Barred Doves (Geopelia striata), besides which four Water-hens

(Gallinula chloropsis ) were hatched, but apparently not reared.

Considering what shy breeders the Barred Doves usually are in

captivity, the rearing of fourteen in one year is an extraordinary

event. But what might not we do in this country if we had the

Egyptian climate? The breeding of Buff-backed Herons is

perhaps the most noteworthy event, so far as the birds are

concerned.


Besides the Annual Report of this institution we have

received a Report of a Mission undertaken by the Director, in

accordance with a decision of the Council of Ministers, to the

various Zoological Gardens of Europe, with a view to the acqui¬

sition of information for the benefit of the Giza Gardens.


In this Report Captain Flower gives a most instructive

and useful list of the Zoological Gardens of the World and of

the dates of their foundation. During his tour of inspection he

visited no less than thirty-one different Zoological Gardens, and

of the chief of these he gives an account in this Report, besides

numerous Aquariums and Zoological Museums. It is satisfactory

to note that, after visiting all the chief Zoological collections,

Captain Flower comes to the conclusion that Regent’s Park

contains the most valuable collection ever brought together.



