We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country
as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens,
to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial,
and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the
tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air
becomes chill and misty, though
The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And, by the bright track of his fiery ear,
Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow:
the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by
their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in
which the majority of them will pass the coming winter.
The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in
the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and
weathercock[5] to the Llama House.
[5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded
vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A
kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that
point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very
strange introducing of natural weathercocks."
[Illustration: (_Llama House._)]
Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and
a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose
brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams
of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for
Goats.
[Illustration: (_Armadillos._)]
The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who
are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The
innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are
here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows,
is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary.
Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the
Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535,
opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the
extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the
Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as
variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient."
We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the
Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of
splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the
ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque.
[Illustration: (_The Repository._)]
[Illustration: (_Deer._)]
[Illustration: (_Elephants._)]
Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the
straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity
of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the
Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the
Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching
horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants,
opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No.
560.
In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most
interesting resort.
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