JO 
ADDRESS. 
commencement has already been made, and the gardens arc now 
a great attraction to numerous visitors. From our geographical 
position and well-directed efforts of the Society, and also from 
the energy and good taste displayed by our Hon. Secretary, 
Mr. Le Souef, I think we may confidently expect, at no distant 
period, to have a collection second to none in Europe. 
"The following extract, from a celebrated work on natural 
history, will show the great interest taken in the study of 
Zoology at an early period : — 
" ' The first establishment which was used practically and for 
the study of their nature, was a menagerie founded by 
Louis XIV., which served for the schools of Buff on and 
Daubenton, and following this the fine collection of the Garden 
of Plants at Paris, formed a source from which all Europe drew 
their researches. 
" ' In Britain during this period, the collection of wild animals 
were confined to one or two individuals, who made them sources 
of profit, and for many years that belonging to Mr. Cross, in 
Exeter Change, was well known as almost the only place where 
a study could be obtained. 
" ' Later years, however, and an increasing knowledge of the 
utility of natural history, have raised up noble collections. 
" ' The Tower has been renovated, London, Liverpool, and 
Dublin have now their Zoological Gardens, so England can be 
no longer taunted that she was unable to equal the menageries of 
the Continent. 
" ' The various Zoological Gardens which are established and 
establishing throughout the country, are now the schools of 
natural history, and the wild beasts of the forest and fowls of the 
air, instead of being destroyed in savage and unnatural conflicts, 
are studied to learn the wonders of their structure, and to 
discover the uses for which an all bountiful Creator has intended 
them. 
" The transactions of this Society will doubtless form part of 
the future history of this colony. I shall therefore make no 
excuse for mentioning the names of gentlemen who have been 
identified with its progress from an early date, and who are in 
every way deserving of honourable mention : — His Excellency 
Sir Henry Barkly, Professor M'Coy, Baron von Mueller, Count 
