present fashion has taken the best direction for the advancement of botany and horticulture, it is evident no society can prosper unless it directs its attention to suit the popular fancy. No doubt this worthy Society will realise this, and emerge triumphant from its present embarrassments. The third and best known of the societies is the Zoological one. What London child has not spent moments of supreme joy mingled with awe on the back of the forbearing elephant? And there are few grown persons who do not share with them the delight of an hour’s stroll through the “Zoo.” More than ever, with the improved aviaries and delightful seal ponds, is the Zoo attractive. It was the first of the three Societies to settle in the Park, having been there since 1826. Some of the original buildings were designed by Decimus Burton, who, next to Nash, is the architect most associated with the Park. The Society was the idea of Sir Thomas Raffles, who became the first President in 1825. In three years there were over 12,000 members, and the gardens were thronged by 30,000 visitors. A pass signed by a member was necessary for the admission of every party of people, besides the payment of a shilling each. An abuse of this soon crept in, and people waited at the gates to attach themselves to the parties entering, and well-dressed young ladies begged the kindness of members who were seen approaching the gates. Now only Sunday admittance is dependent on the members. A Guide to Regent’s Park in 1829 gives engravings of many of the animals, and shows the summer quarters of the monkeys--most quaint arrangements, like a pigeon cot on a pole, to which the monkey with chain and ring was attached, to race up and down at will. [Illustration: STONE VASE IN REGENT’S PARK] The only alterations of importance after the completion of the Park were the making of the flower garden, and the filling up of the artificial water to a uniform depth of 4 feet, after a terrible accident had occurred in 1867, when the ice broke and forty skaters lost their lives. The flower-beds are now one of the most attractive features in the Park, and were originally designed by Nesfield in 1863. The centre walk continues the line of the “Broad Walk” avenue at its southern end. In the middle is a fine stone vase supported by griffins, and other stone ornaments in keeping with the formal style.