7 
The deaths in the Gardens during the year have been numerous. 
It is found to be an impossibility to maintain a large Zoological 
Collection in a state of captivity, and consequently, in an artificial 
state without a considerable death rate, necessitating a constant 
system of replenishing, which is a heavy drain on the Society’s re¬ 
sources. It may, however, be stated that the death rate in the 
different Zoological Gardens of Europe, is much greater than here; 
the European climate being much colder, and consequently, more 
unsuited to animal life. 
The tramway to the garden gates is now made, and when open 
to the public will doubtless prove a great convenience to visitors. 
The Council of the Society much regretted the departure of His 
Excellency Sir Henry and Lady Loch, who always took a deep interest 
in the welfare of the Society. Before leaving, his Excellency very 
kindly intimated that he would do all in his power to assist the 
Society from his new seat of Government, at the Cape of Good Hope. 
His Excellency the Earl of Hopetoun has been good enough to 
accept the office of Patron of the Society, which has always been 
held by his predecessors. 
The attendance during the past year shows a falling off as com¬ 
pared with last, (the Exhibition year;) excepting on Sundays ,when it 
was as large, if not larger than ever. 78,400 full tickets have been 
sold. 
The Trout-breeding and distribution of ova from Sir Samuel 
Wilson’s Estate of Ercildoune, has been much more successful this 
year than last. Sixteen thousand six hundred having been success¬ 
fully placed in the following streams ;— 
Delatitc District 
Timber Top Creek 
Butter Cup Creek, 
2,400 
