1226 Zoological Gardens, a Critical Essay. [Decemb $ 
ity of the animal kingdom, are yet allowed to languish in dun- 
geons and vaults. 
Indeed, the noble beasts of the desert appeal particularly to 
our sympathy from their iron-grated cells, and their perpetual, 
uneasy walking to and fro is intensely distressing to every com- 
passionate beholder. In briefly alluding to this sad feature of 
every zoölogical collection, I do not so much desire to opena 
new field of operation to the societies for the prevention of cruelty 
to animals, but rather to impress upon the managers of zodlogt 
cal gardens, at least, that the sight of cruelty, however unintet 
tional, must necessarily detract from the pleasure and comfort of 
the visitors. The superficial observer may not recognize such 
niceties of distinction, but to the mind trained in utilitarian pur 
suits, they are important considerations in the attainment of the 
highest possible state of mental and physical comfort for all cot- 
cerned. : : 
Before proceeding any further, let us first consider the real m 
sion of zodlogical gardens in contradistinction to menageries © 
“shows.” I have before me the constitutions and by-laws of oF 
different zodlogical societies in the United States, and according 
to the language of these documents, this mission is o T 
“the study and dissemination of a knowledge of the natu! i 
habits of the animal kingdom.” This definition does not a 
to me to cover the ground, for the reason that there must first 9è 
the ne uniti dy ; and these Ùt 
necessary opportunities before we can study; ê m 
disappointed zodlogist seeks in vain. In fact, in this ; fe) 
zoological garden of to-day affords but few more advantage ‘ 
any of those traveling “shows” that come to us every®™ 
By way of example, I have passed days and weeks by oe 
lion’s cage in European and American gardens, intent al 
and observation; but with the exception of having, by a 
sketches, impressed upon my mind the anatomical > pe 
these interesting animals, I cannot say that in other respec a 
perseverance has been rewarded to any great extent. I have’ i 
ply found that an animal, as closely confined as most ¢ A 
in zodlogical gardens, retains none of its natural habits o 
exists—a mere automaton; and even this existence 1$ 5 
under protest. Therefore, this aforesaid “ study and di 
tion of a knowledge, etc.,” is “ a delusion and a snare. — | 
In reviewing a few of my observations as well as some 
