The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 12, No. 330, September 6, 1828Various
General
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 12, No. 330, September 6, 1828
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
communicating with their pit, in the centre of which is a pole with
steps for the animals to ascend and descend. At the extremity of the
upper walk, the pit is surrounded with a dwarf wall and coping, to which
(since our sketch was taken) have been added iron rails. There are here
two Arctic bears, and a small black bear, the latter brought from
Russia,[3] and presented to the Society, by the Marquess of Hertford.
There is usually a crowd of visiters about this spot, and the sagacity
and antics of our four-footed friends ensure them liberal supplies of
cakes and fruit, handed to them on a pole. We were much interested with
their tricks, especially with the vexation betrayed by one of them, at
the top of the pole, when he saw his companion below seize a cake which
the former had previously eyed with great _gout_. His wringing and
biting his paws reminded us of many scenes out of a bear-pit. Then the
snorting and snarling of the old bear below, when the young one
attempted to obtain a cake thrown to him; and above all, the small share
which our black friend _Toby_ enjoyed, probably from his docility
over-much,--like good-natured men who are mastered by those of rough
natures. We could have staid here a whole hour, watching their antics,
and likening them to the little trickery of human nature.
[3] He was previously at Sudborne, the seat of the Marquess of
Hertford, where Toby, as our Russian friend was christened,
became equally sagacious with bipeds, in distinguishing strong
ale from small beer. To the former beverage, Toby became freely
attached; but when we saw him at the Gardens in the Regent's
Park, he appeared too docile for his companions.
8 and 9. Ground enclosed for _Kangaroos_,
of which there is a little herd, large and small. They are natives of
New Holland. The fore legs are seldom more than twenty inches in length,
whilst the hinder ones are sometimes three feet and a half long. They
rest on the whole length of the hind feet, supporting themselves by the
base of the tail, which, in truth, acts as a fifth leg, and is sometimes
used as a weapon, being of such strength as to break a man's leg at a
single blow. They move by leaps, which have been known to exceed twenty
feet. Several kangaroos have been kept in the park at Richmond, and
where they have produced young ones.
10. _Dens_
containing two fine _leopards, a porcupine_, and _racoons_. In an
adjoining den are three _wolves._
11. Gothic House for _Lamas_.
[Illustration]
This is one of the most picturesque objects in the grounds. It contains
two lamas. These animals are common in South America, particularly in
the mountainous parts of Peru, where they are employed as beasts of
burthen. One of the lamas was presented to the Society by the Duke of
Bedford.
12. Circular Aviary for _Birds of Prey_
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account