38 THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF EUROPE 



able and attractive form, not only by exhibiting stuffed 

 animals, but also by a collection of living animals and 

 birds.' 



In a very short time 120 persons, whose numbers 

 quickly rose to 400, gave their services and help to 

 the enterprise, and were inscribed as members of the 

 Society, paying an annual subscription. 



Encouraged by this first success, the Council decided 

 to negotiate for a loan, with part of which a convenient 

 site was arranged to receive the collections of M. R. 

 Draak. Gradually the number of members of the 

 Society rose, and in 1839, with the authority of the 

 general assembly, the menagerie of C. van Ascen, at 

 that time well known, was bought. Bitter disappoint- 

 ment was, however, caused when the Council, who had 

 asked permission of the municipal authorities to build 

 further houses on their grounds for the animals of the 

 above-mentioned menagerie, were given permission, 

 but on such bad terms that their request was to all 

 intents and purposes met by a refusal. With much 

 regret, the Society was therefore obliged to lodge 

 the animals provisionally in some barrack-stables. 



However, little by little other buildings were ac- 

 quired, with large gardens, and the collection of living 

 animals and objects for the museum was enriched both 

 by generous gifts and by purchases. 



In 1840 the Society numbered 700 members, and in 

 1841 the number rose to 1,000. The members then 

 agreed to pay double the former subscription — i.e., 

 twenty francs. The grounds had now increased to the 

 extent of three and a quarter acres. In 1 843 M. Wester- 



