ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, DUBLIN 213 



Pirn, junior (41, Dame Street), was elected the first 

 Honorary Treasurer. 



Although numerous meetings of the Managing Com- 

 mittee were held during the summer and autumn of 

 1830, there does not appear to have been much pro- 

 gress made in the formation of a Garden until the 

 summer of 1831. This was largely due to the fact 

 that the Duke of Northumberland left Ireland in 

 December, and to the difficulties which, in consequence, 

 arose in obtaining the formal possession of the site in 

 Phoenix Park. In June, 1830, the Honorary Secretary 

 intimated that the Lord Lieutenant ' had been pleased 

 to give formal possession of the ground in Phoenix 

 Park,' but it was necessary that this grant should be 

 officially confirmed by the new Viceroy, the Marquess 

 of Anglesey. It was not until May 28, 1831, that a 

 letter was received from Colonel Gossett, the Under- 

 Secretary, who, in his capacity as Park Panger, con- 

 veyed the necessary powers, and at the same time 

 intimated that the Lord Lieutenant would be ' happy 

 to patronize the Society and give it his support.' 



At this stage it is right to bring prominently forward 

 the valuable services which were rendered by Mr. 

 Nicholas Aylward Vigors, F.P.S., in connection with 

 the early struggles of the Society. Having taken an 

 active part in the foundation of the London Zoological 

 Society in 1826, he had been elected its first Honorary 

 Secretary, and held that office until 1833. He was 

 deeply interested in the Dublin project, and ten days 

 after the public meeting he wrote to the Managing 

 Committee to say that the London Society would 

 extend its co-operation to the Dublin Zoological Society. 



