CHAPTER IX 



THE GARDENS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ZOOLOGY, 

 ANTWERP : DIRECTOR, M. F. l'hOEST 



The Society of Zoology at Antwerp was founded 

 July 21, 1843. The Gardens then consisted of but 

 three and a half acres of land lying outside the old 

 fortifications of the city, for which a capital of 100,000 

 francs was subscribed. In 1843 Pierre Joseph de 

 Caters was President and M. Jacques Kets was 

 Director. M. Francois L'Hoest was appointed Director 

 in 1888. The personnel of the Gardens comprises 

 eighty-eight employ(:^s. The animals' food costs 

 112,000 francs yearly. 



During the year 1900 the total receipts (including 

 152,951 francs taken at the gates) amounted to 

 31,299,470 francs. In 1900, 32,703,336 francs' worth 

 of animals were bought and 33,792,396 francs' worth 

 of animals sold. Public sales are held annually. 

 Fertile poultry eggs are sold at one franc each, 

 guaranteed pure bred ; if proved not fertile, they are 

 replaced by others. 



The Gardens, which are close to the rail way -station, 

 are open from April to September from 6 a.m. to 

 sunset, and from October to March from 7 a.m. to 

 sunset. There are numerous irr^nd concerts. The 



