CHAPTER XVII 



ZOOLOGISCHER GARTEN, HANOVER : DIRECTOR, 

 DR. SCHAFF 



The origin and the flourishing continuance of Zoo- 

 logical Gardens in other great towns inspired the wish 

 for a similar institution in Hanover, and ever since 

 1850 people were endeavouring to bring the idea to 

 realization. Especially active in this respect was 

 Dr. Schlager, with whom Herr George Schultz heartily 

 collaborated. 



In 1866 a company was formed for the laying out 

 of a Zoological Garden, at the first meeting of which 

 Baron von Munchausen, Herr Rasch, Dr. Schlager, 

 Professor Gerlach, and Mr. ' Wine-merchant ' Schultz 

 were chosen directors. 



On a plot of ground given to them by the Town 

 Council in the town forest sprang up the first buildings, 

 made after the plans of Architect Llier, which con- 

 sisted of aviaries, a bear pit, with ponds, etc. In May, 

 1865, the Garden was opened to the public, which 

 gave the liveliest sympathy to the budding under- 

 taking. The Garden did not escape hard times on 

 account of the wars in 1866, 1870 and 1871, but it 

 finally overcame all difliculties. Especially after 1870 

 rapid progress was made ; patlis and roads were im- 



