6 
appreciation of tlie efforts of tlic Society, 80,428 visitors having paid at 
the gates during the year, being an increase of nearly 4,000 on last year. 
The funds of the Society have also been otherwise increased, the 
Government and Parliament having granted the sum of £2,000, being 
an increase of £500 on the usual vote, and the Hon. the Chief 
Secretary was good enough to have the sum of £1,000 placed on the 
additional estimates as a special vote for building and fencing. This 
amount has been a great assistance to the Society, as it has provided 
funds for several necessary works. 
A new Reptile house will shortly be erected, and other improve¬ 
ments are in contemplation, which will have the effect of rendering the 
Gardens even more attractive than at present. 
A new feature in the Gardens, which promises to become a great 
success, and add much to their popularity, is the establishment of the 
Saturday open-air concerts, which were commenced on the 12tli of last 
December, under the auspices o± the Melbourne Coffee Gardens Society. 
Mr. Siede, the well-known musician, is conductor of the band, which 
numbers twenty-five of the best instrumentalists in Melbourne. It is 
intended to continue the concerts during the summer months. A 
commodious band-stand has been erected, and also a large shelter-shed, 
where excellent light refreshments can be obtained on concert days. 
It is intended, before the the next concert season commences, to effect 
many improvements in that part of the grounds, and no effort will be 
spared to make these entertainments both attractive and popular. 
It has been determined to despatch the Assistant Director, Mr. 
Dudley Le Souet, to Europe at once for fresh attractions fQr the 
Gardens. It has been found from experience that the best and 
cheapest way to procure animals is to send for them, and the Council 
fully recognises the great importance of not only keeping up the 
Zoological collection, but also increasing it as funds permit. 
There is little to report as to acclimatisation in the past year. 
The Pheasants continue to spread at Gembrook, but the Californian 
