To the Zoological Gardens, in the Regent's Park, at 3 p.m., in Time to
see the Otter fed with live Fishes, which he do chase round his Basin in
the Water, and dive after mighty clever. Then to the Wild Beasts,
hungry, in a terrible Rage, as I have seen others than Wild Beasts
waiting for Dinner. Some of the Dens with Trees in them for the Beasts
to climb in; Lions, old and young, Lionesses, He and She Tigers, a
Jaguar, an Ounce, a Cheetah, a Spotted and Black Leopard: and on the
other side Hyaenas, and Pumas, and more Leopards, and Bears. Their
Yelling and Howling for Hunger a most horrid Musique, while the Tigers
rear on their hind Legs, and dash at their Bars, and grin and glare at
the Children outside. The Ramping and Roaring doubled when the Keeper
come with the Meat, and Lack! how they did fly at it with Teeth and
Claws, and howl and snort over it, and munch and crunch the Bones! But
one Hyaena droll, the Keeper passing him by, and he, thinking he was to
go without his Meal, throwing himself on his Back, and moaning, and
crying in Despair. Pretty, to see the Bears in their Pit climb up their
Post for Buns; which the Visitors did hold to them on the End of a long
Stick, and them below fighting for the Morsels that fell; and their
Clumsiness, and awkward Standing on their hind Legs. The White Bear,
also, swimming in his Tank, pleasant, I being on the outside of his
Cage. A fine old Wolf and Cubs, but snarling and snapping over their
Victuals, seemed not a Happy Family. Saw the Eagles and Vultures Prey,
treading on their Meat, and tearing it up with their Beaks; the Eagles
brave, but the Vultures look ignoble. Yet fine the Great Condor Vulture,
when the Wind blew, stretching forth his Wings upon it; and glad, no
doubt, would have been to sail away. The Parrots gay; but so shriek and
squall, that their Abode do seem the Madhouse of the Place. Much taken
with the Seal swim in the Water, and waddle out on his Stomach with his
Tail and Flappers, like a Fellow with his Legs tied for a Wager.
Diverted by the Gambols and Antics of the Monkeys and Apes: yet ashamed
to see such vile Likenesses of ourselves: and the Apes especially; and
the Crowd of Women and Ladies gazing at them! With Pleasure, yet Horror,
did view the Snakes and Lizards in the Reptile House, and glad they
could not get at me; but hoped to see the Boa Constrictor swallow a live
Rabbit: but did not. Bought Gingerbread Nuts to feed the Elephant, cost
me 2d. and he did please me, but I wished he had been bigger; but the
Rhinoceros did give me great Delight, and with Mirth heard a Countryman
standing by, call him the Hog in Armour. The Bison, with his huge shaggy
Head and Mane, Horns, and fiery Eyes, do look the most like a Demon I
ever did see. To the Camel-Leopards, graceful Creatures; after the Bison
and Rhinoceros. Then about the Gardens to watch the People and the
Children stare at, and feed and poke the Animals. Did mark some pretty
Damsels, and, having done gazing at the Beasts, gaze at them. So Home,
and described to my Wife what I had seen, except the Damsels, and did
discourse with her of Natural History; which the Zoological Gardens do
breed a pretty Taste for among the People.
[Illustration: _WESTMINSTER HALL, SHOWYNGE YE CEREMONYE OF OPENYNGE
TERME._