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.