It is pleasant enough to pay a visit to the Melbourne Zoological 
Gardens, and watch the animals being fed, or to study them at their 
play or in repose; but a tour of the grounds, personally conducted by 
Mr. Wilkie, is a delight not easily forgotten. Natural history then 
becomes a new study. It is absorbingly interesting, and possesses a 
fascination that compels further enquiry. It was during such a pleasant 
walk about the Zoo grounds that this book was first contemplated. 
Originally Mr. Wilkie began to tell me the stories for the children who 
know me as “Cinderella” of “The Leader.” But as time went on, it 
seemed that the delight my young friends were sharing with me should 
be offered to the wider public, and Mr. Wilkie was asked to recall what- 
ever incidents he thought worthy of transcription and add them to “The 
Leader” stories to make this volume. The proprietors and editor of 
“The Leader” not only gave a willing consent to the project; but they 
further helped to make it complete by giving all the photographs taken 
by their Mr. E. T. Luke to illustrate the series. For this courtesy we 
give sincere thanks. All the illustrations are from photographs by Mr. 
Luke with the exception of the kookaburra and the tiger (Mr. Caudle), 
which were taken by Mr. Bertram Barnett. 
Many of the stories in this collection will lead readers to the con- 
clusion that other animals besides monkeys are uncomplimentarily 
“Almost Human.” Those who do not approve of the title must remember 
that it is not any reflection upon the super-human among the sons of men. 
Much more could have been told, for much remains unsaid, but I am 
sure that this record of Mr. Wilkie’s fifty years’ observations and experi- 
ences will be appreciated, and I only hope that readers will derive as 
much pleasure from them as I did in listening to and transcribing them. 
ANNIE OSBORN. 
