64 



The Irish Naturalist. 



March, 



Roses and creeping plants have been planted in a portion of this 

 structure, inacessible to the inmates, so that it is to be hoped that before 

 long the rather formidable wire partitions, which it was necessary to 

 erect, will be hidden in an exuberant mass of foliage. Excellent photo- 

 graphs of the new enclosure are given with the Report. 



The repairs of the Nesbitt Aviary, and the reconstruction of the bird 

 cages inside and outside, which were commenced in 1903, were com- 

 pleted last year. The small birds are now seen to better advantage, and 

 many of them have laid eggs and reared their young in the nesting 

 boxes proyided for them, so that the Council have been able to dispose 

 of the surplus stock. 



It has often been urged upon the Council that the attractions of the 

 Gardens should combine instruction with a certain amount of amuse- 

 ment. With a view to providing the latter, the Council engaged an 

 Elephant trainer, who very soon succeeded in inducing " Padmahati" to 

 carry an old saddle on which were placed dummy figures, and heavy 

 weights as an experiment. A new saddle was then ordered, and a plat- 

 form constructed by means of which the elevated position of the 

 animal's back can be reached by children ; and hundreds of them have 

 this summer enjoyed the innocent amusement of having " elephant 

 rides " in the grounds. Another form of recreation which has been 

 provided is a small carriage drawn by a Shetland Pony, which likewise 

 has been greatly patronized. 



There still remain a number of important works which the Council 

 would wish to carry out as soon as funds are available, such an open-air 

 Monkey House, a new den for Badgers, Foxes, and Hyaenas, enclosures 

 for the Pig tribe, an extension to the cages for tropical birds, and many 

 others. At the same time it must be remembered that there are some 

 of the larger animals which the Council would wish to purchase if 

 possible, so that a portion of the future resources may have to be spent 

 in acquiring desirable additions for the collection. 



The gifts have been more numerous during last year than for many 

 years past ; we may here refer to a few of the more important : — A young 

 Serval from Africa, given by Captain Cramer ; a large collection of Irish 

 native birds, given by W. W. Despard ; an African Leopard, given by 

 Major Fairtlough ; a Mustache Monkey and several foreign Squirrels, 

 given by J. N, Ivcntaigue ; a collection of small Tropical Birds, given by 

 General Sir John Maxwell ; a Chimpanzee from W. Africa, give/i by Dr. 

 Vivian Stanley ; an African Leopard, given by Drs. Garland and Mont- 

 gomery. Altogether no less than 202 specimens have been added to the 

 Society's collection by presentation. 



The gifts, however, have by no means been confined to animals. Food 

 for the animals, including meat as well as vegetables and fruit, has 

 been most generously supplied for the Gardens by members and friends 

 of the Society. Mr. T. Smith, of Newry, has presented a hundred holly 

 bushes to plant a considerable portion of the western side of the lake, 

 which will greatly improve the look of the grounds. Finally, several 



