IO 
Council’s representative. When the business was over he visited 
many of the leading Zoological Societies of Europe, and obtained 
much valuable information, which will be of much use hereafter. 
A full and interesting Report of the Tour has been drawn up, 
and published in this Report (see page 13). He also obtained 
a large number of animals and birds by* purchase or exchange, 
which have lately arrived, and are now on view at the Gardens. 
Among the recent additions are a fine pair of young Polar 
Bears, which are the first imported to Australia, and they are 
a source of considerable interest to visitors. On warm days 
they spend most of their time in a large bath in their newly- 
constructed house, and gambol about like a couple of seals. In 
addition to the stock procured by Mr. Le Souef, a number of 
valuable animals and birds were lately purchased from Capt. 
McDonald, of the s.s. Argus, who brought them from India. 
Many interesting specimens have also been received during the 
past year, both from Cairo, Port Said, and from Calcutta; and 
Mr. McEacharn, the Mayor of Melbourne, on his return from his 
recent visit to Colombo, kindly presented the Society with a 
handsome pair of Ruffed Lemurs. 
The annual Parliamentary visit to the Gardens was held on 
12th of last October. A large number of members of both Houses 
were present, including the Hon. the President of the Legislative 
Council and the Hon. the Speaker. The day, fortunately, was 
perfect, and the Gardens looked beautiful, as the climbing and 
clustering roses were in full bloom, and everyone appeared to 
enjoy the outing. 
The efforts of the Council in the cause of Acclimatisation have 
in few instances been successful, and the large expenditure incurred 
in the attempt to introduce valuable birds (such, for instance, 
as the Pheasant, which were a few years ago quite numerous 
in some of our ranges, but have entirely disappeared, principally 
through eating poisoned grain, spread for the destruction of the 
rabbit) has been so futile, that it is a satisfaction to the Council 
to refer again to the successful introduction of Trout and other 
fish, which were put into many of the streams of the colony, 
especially those of the Upper Yarra, Goulburn, Delatite, and 
Ovens, by this Society. The Council thinks that gentlemen 
indulging in piscatorial pursuits might recognise the efforts thus 
made to provide them with pleasant and remunerative sport by 
becoming annual subscribers to the Society. 
The Council much regrets that the members’ roll still remains so 
small. It is the more strange that it should be so as the Gardens 
present many attractions, and constitute a place of delight for 
children; for if the weather is hot there are plenty of seats and 
shady walks, and when rain comes there are numerous shelter 
sheds. The Gardens form a beautiful resort for anyone wishing 
to spend a happy and pleasant hour or more. The member’s 
