230 THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF EUROPE 



a number of his zebra hybrids for exhibition. They 

 remained in the Gardens for over a month. 



The Irish hon industry at this time began to revive. 

 During the first forty-four years of this industry it 

 had periods of marked depression. From 1874 to 

 1878 Dr. Ball recorded that, 'though the blood was 

 preserved, breeding was interrupted.' Again, between 

 1895 and 1898, only eighteen cubs were born in the 



LION CUBS FROM SOMALILAND, DUBLIN. 



(Photo liy Miss Grace Eustace.) 



Gardens, and of these only six were reared. Three 

 litters were born during 1900. These Avere seven 

 males and two females. The number of cubs born 

 in the Gardens since 1857 had now reached the large 

 total of 211, of which 112 were males, 98 females, and 

 one of unrecorded sex. The average litter is now 

 composed of two or three ; prior to 1886 it comprised 



