"It is, indeed," said Mr. Gooch. "Before we look at the horses, I want you to come into this little room. The collection here is unique—it cannot be approached by any other in the world. This large cage is intended for the Jabberwock—when we obtain him. In the meanwhile here are some Mome Raths—a sort of green pig who has lost his way, you know; two Borogoves and a Slithy Tove."
I gazed with feelings of deep emotion on the Slithy Tove—"something like a badger, something like a lizard, and something like a corkscrew." The two Borogoves, who were both very mimsy indeed, did not belie their reputation for looking like live mops.
"This room is admirable! Have you any other animals in it?"
"Yes," Mr. Gooch replied, "here is the Pobble Who Has No Toes."
"The genuine Pobble?"
"Absolutely genuine. The veritable Pobble who went to fish for his Aunt Jobiska's runcible cat with crimson whiskers. Over there you can see the Griffin who once carried a Minor Canon on his back. And beside him—"
I saw a large and sulky-looking bird, seated in a chair, in a state of deep dejection and invalidism. His head was tied up, as if he were very ill.
"Surely that is The Cockalorum."
Mr. Gooch nodded.
"Follow me, please. This room—" he opened a door that led into what seemed to be a vast and absolutely empty apartment—"this room contains a Snark, and the Invisible Dog who figured in the Stories of Three Burglars. Beyond are some of the animals who once lived on a certain island with one Dr. Moreau. Would you like to see them?"