Some slight idea may be obtained from Mr. Burton’s report of the condition of the ground at the time it was allotted to the Society. He says in regard to this: ‘The ground on the other side’ (evidently referring to the constabulary side of the lake) ‘is enclosed with a stone wall, but the line it takes is very irregular. The upper or eastern portion of the site is a paddock nearly level, at about 26 feet average height above the surface of the water. In this paddock are two groups of fine timber trees and an orchard. The slope next the water is thickly covered with well-grown underwood, principally thorny. The original buildings consist of a substantial dwelling-house, an outhouse or stable, and a small cottage. The Society have had erected, but in a temporary manner, a wooden building for the reception of the deer, nylgais, etc., alcove seats, bear pits, etc., and lately they have finished, in a better style, an otter place. There is an old ice-well in the grounds.’ [Illustration: PHŒNIX PARK, DUBLIN. (Photo by R. Welch, Belfast.)] From the minutes it would appear that the cottage was occupied by Mrs. Rourke, and that the substantial building referred to was the park-keeper’s lodge. Mrs. Rourke, evidently uneasy with regard to her tenure, approached the Committee, and the Honorary Secretary was instructed to inform her that the Society did not ‘at that moment require the house,’ and that ‘they will not interfere to have her removed immediately.’ Mrs. Rourke appears to have been a somewhat troublesome tenant. In April, 1832, it was ordered that the communication between Mrs. Rourke’s house and the Gardens be cut off, and in December of the following year ‘Mrs. Rourke was cautioned not to hang any more of her linen within sight of the visitors to the Gardens.’ Ultimately, on April 27, 1835, it was resolved ‘that Mrs. Rourke be warned that, unless she do leave the Gardens before the next meeting of Council, she will forfeit the advantages so liberally accorded to her by the Council.’ During the winter of 1830-31 there were no meetings of the Committee, but after the formal acquisition of the site, operations were actively carried on with a view towards the early opening of the Gardens to the public. Up to this time the only animal mentioned as being in the possession of the Society is a wild boar. On September 25, 1830, £2 were allowed to Godden ‘for the support of the wild boar,’ and in the following year (May 28, 1831) there is an entry ‘that the sum of £2 be given to Godden for feeding the pig.’ During the summer of 1831 animals were gradually gathered in, but it is very doubtful if the Gardens could have been opened that year without the large consignment that came through Mr. Vigors from the London Gardens.