THE COUNCIL. 
9 
skeletons of various species of birds. Such illustrations of 
the structure of the animal frame are very serviceable to 
the lecturer in natural history, and it is much to be wished 
that they may be so multiplied as to form, conjointly with 
the collection deposited in the Museum by the Curator of 
comparative anatomy, a series more completely instructive 
to the student. 
It has been thought by some members of the Society, 
who take an interest in Zoology, that it would be a valuable 
improvement to this department, if in addition to the stuffed 
specimens of the cabinet, a limited collection of living 
animals could be maintained in the grounds. That the 
experiment, however, might entail no charge upon the 
Society, a small private fund has been raised to defray the 
expense of it 5 a few purchases have been made, and some 
valuable donations received. 
The arrangement of the Garden has been completed by 
covering the walks with gravel, and introducing a regular 
supply of river water. The exertions of the Sub-curator 
in promoting the objects and interests of the Society, both 
here and in the Museum, have been highly satisfactory. 
Considerable progress has been made in forming a collection 
of hardy herbaceous plants, which are disposed in an order 
of natural groups ; and many liberal contributions have been 
received. Two more Herbariums have been added to the 
dried specimens in the custody of the Botanical Curator, 
c 
