STRIPED HYÆNA, LONDON.
To give some idea of the provisions required by the 2,865 or so animals, birds, and reptiles in the Gardens, it may be mentioned that in 1901 there were consumed, besides many other items, 153 loads of clover, 238 loads of straw, 144 loads of hay, 185 quarters of oats, 34 quarters of barley, 39 quarters of wheat, 197 quarters of bran, 24 quarters of canary seed, 48 cwt. rice, 60 cwt. oil-cake, 6,262 quarterns bread, 5,086 quarts fresh milk, 303 cwt. of biscuit, 33,300 eggs, 341 horses (weighing 104 tons), 252 goats, 2,178 lb. flounders, 29,120 lb. whiting, 9,530 fowl heads, 6,030 bunches of greens, 1,306 dozen bananas, 36 cwt. monkey-nuts, 342 dozen lettuces.
In Mr. Clarence Bartlett the Zoological Society is lucky in possessing a thoroughly practical and clever man as superintendent, and in Dr. Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., etc., the Society possesses as Secretary one of the most energetic, learned, and distinguished of zoologists in Europe. No wonder, then, that with such men at its head, and under the Presidency of His Grace the Duke of Bedford, this Garden has remained, and will remain, one of the best managed, the most healthy, and one of the richest in Europe.
CHAPTER XXXIV
THE GARDENS OF THE BRISTOL, BATH, AND WEST OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, CLIFTON
The foundation of Zoological Gardens for Clifton and Bristol was first laid by the establishment of ‘the Bristol and West of England Zoological Society’ in 1835, when the twelve acres of land now laid out were purchased. The situation of this ground, better known nowadays as ‘the Clifton Zoo,’ lies at a high level north of Bristol. At the north entrance, outstretched as far as the eye can reach, extend the Clifton and Durdham Downs. Facing the south entrance is Clifton College, whilst in close proximity is the famous suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge.
The Clifton Zoological Gardens have long since acquired a reputation as one of the most favourable localities in the country for the breeding and rearing of wild animals in captivity. This is a distinct advantage no one will dispute. Moreover, although so popularly known as Zoological Gardens, they are, as was originally intended, combined Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Nor has the latter half of the scheme been neglected; for the Gardens, occupying a remarkably sheltered and retired position, are tastefully laid out with extensive lawns, rare exotic trees, and beautiful flower-beds, which from early spring to late autumn present a veritable kaleidoscope of varied blooms. In the centre is the ornamental lake, which, with its islands and water-fowl, lend additional variety to the scene; whilst around the grounds wind shaded paths, bordered by shrubbery and rockwork, flowers and ferns, and judiciously studded with rustic seats. In winter the ring of a thousand pairs of skates may be heard on the lake. For the amusement and recreation of its visitors, subscribers, and shareholders, the Gardens are additionally provided with tennis-courts, roller-skating rink, orchestra, and—for the children—‘giant’s strides.’ During the summer al fresco concerts are held on afternoons and evenings at advertised dates and times, and on all public holidays the popular fêtes form a prominent holiday feature of Bristol and the surrounding district.
The admission to the Gardens is sixpence, and they are open on week-days from 9 a.m. to sunset, and on Sundays to shareholders and subscribers only from noon till 4 p.m.
The Gardens contain a fine new carnivora-house. In front of a handsome structure of coloured glazed bricks and free-stone are commodious iron-girt enclosures, which communicate with the dens inside and allow the animals, when the weather and season permit, to come out into the fresh air and sunshine. The monkey house is constructed on the best principles for securing efficient ventilation, whilst at the same time maintaining the high temperature that is so necessary to its tropical inhabitants. A double set of heating pipes surrounds the principal cage and passes round the room. The central cage is divided into three compartments, and is furnished with a large rotating iron framework resembling a sort of skeleton wheel, upon which the inmates amuse themselves. In the museum in the centre of the Gardens are to be seen mounted skins of various animals which have lived in the Gardens. There is also a fine collection of birds, presented by Dr. H. and Mr. E. Wheeler, also a good collection of birds’ eggs and beetles.