IO 
consequent prohibition of any stock from South Africa being 
allowed to land in Victoria, the Society has been compelled to stop 
all shipments from the Cape for the present. 
The attendance during the past year on week days was 52,367, 
which was about the same as the previous year (1895). The large 
number of free visitors on Sunday afternoons shows no sign of 
diminution. 
The Receipts from all sources were slightly in excess of the 
amount received in 1895. The Government grant was the same, 
namely, /3000, which it is to be hoped will not be further 
reduced, but may ere long be restored to its original amount, as 
the Society’s funds are now very limited, and the greatest 
economy has to be exercised to make both ends meet. 
The Gardens have been kept up to their usual high state of 
excellence, and many of the young trees, planted for the purpose of 
giving more shade and ornament, are already commencing to serve 
their purpose, and add greatly to the beauty of the grounds. 
No new cages have been built during the year ; but the permanent 
staff has been fully occupied in keeping all the buildings and 
fences in a thorough state of repair, and the grounds in good order. 
The location of several of the grass-feeding animals has been 
changed, so as to bring the various kinds of sheep in adjoining 
enclosures. The Zebra has also been removed to a more suitable 
paddock. 
The Tallegallas, or Scrub Turkeys, received some time ago from 
Queensland, have made a large mound of dry leaves and mould, and 
it is probable that the hen birds have deposited their eggs 
therein. 
The health of the stock has, on the whole, been good, and no very 
serious losses have occurred, the most valuable being the curious 
Great Ant Bear, from South America. 
Several Tree Kangaroos were received from Northern Queensland 
in December last, the Assistant-Director having procured them from 
near the Bloomfield River. These animals thrive well in these 
Gardens, and form an interesting and attractive exhibit. 
The following births have taken place in the Gardens during the 
past year:— 
One Water Buffalo. 
One Zebu. 
One Brown Bear. 
Two Leopards. 
Four Dingoes. 
One Indian Antelope. 
One Macaque Monkey. 
One Green Monkey. 
One Mongoose Lemur. 
Five Beaver Rats. 
Three Grey Kangaroos. 
Two Red Kangaroos. 
One Tree-climbing Kangaroo. 
One Kangaroo Rat. 
Two Short-eared Opossums. 
