"The increase in the number of subjects in the collection during the
last year has been considerable, and many of the additions have been of
the utmost importance to science. The whole of these, with a few
exceptions, have been presented by the friends of the society. A
detailed list of these donations which are too numerous for insertion in
this report, is laid upon the table; a reference to the contents of
which will evince that the spirit of liberality, which laid the
foundations of this already valuable collection, has not decreased.
"A very extensive correspondence has been established with naturalists
of foreign countries, and persons resident in distant parts, who are
anxious to promote the objects of the Society. Through these channels
many valuable acquisitions have been already received; and it is
expected that much of novelty and interest will continually pour in to
increase the attractions of the Museum and Menagerie.
"The Garden in the Regent's Park is the principal source of attraction
and of expense. The nature of the soil, which consists of a thick
ungrateful clay, increases the cost of every work. The health of the
animals requires that oak floors be raised above the surface of the
ground; and it is necessary to lay a thick substratum of dry material
under every inclosure and every walk.
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