(_Continued from page 201._)
Returning from the Elephant's Stable and Enclosure, we pass the shed
and enclosure for _Ostriches_. Here are fine specimens of the African
Ostrich, distinguished by their black plumage, and sent from Tripoli,
by Hanmer Warrington, Esq., and a fine female bird from the collection
of the late Marchioness of Londonderry. The general colour of the
feathers of the female is ashy-brown, tipped with white; and the
exquisitely white plumes so much prized are obtained from beneath the
wings and tail of both sexes.[13]
[13] Some curious facts in the economy of the Ostrich will be
found at page 262 of the present volume.
[Illustration: _Ostriches._]
Retracing our steps to the Southern Garden we find several buildings
unnoticed; as a large _Aviary,_ appropriated to various birds, but
usually to those of rare description.
[Illustration: _Aviary._]
The slope or valley in the garden, between the terrace and the Park
road, is partly occupied by a _Pond and Fountain,_ where are Swans and
other swimming birds. In the distance of the cut is seen the principal
aviary, where are some of the finest birds in the garden, as varieties
of Cranes, Storks, Herons, Spoonbills, Curassows, and the revered bird
of the ancients--the splendid scarlet Ibis.
[Illustration: _Pond and Fountain._]
As you return by the main path to the terrace, opposite the Llama
House is a large octagon summer cage for _Maccaws_ where red and
yellow, blue and yellow, and red and blue species, are usually kept;
with cockatoos. In winter they are removed to some of the warmer
repositories.
[Illustration: _Maccaws._]
* * * * *
It gives us great pleasure to hear that the Commissioners of Woods and
Forests have in consequence of an application made to them by the
Zoological Society, granted an extensive piece of land, on the
northern verge of Regent's Park, to be added to the Gardens. It will
be speedily laid out in walks and shrubberies, and in habitations for
the numerous animals for which the society have at present little
room, and has, in fact, caused the application for the grant. It is
also in contemplation to erect a superb Museum on part of it, and to
remove the Society's present one from Bruton-street.
* * * * *