The purchase of this lovely upland, just now a sportsman's
paradise, was a singularly wise act, was indeed a stroke of genius on the part of Sir Peter Chalmers Mitchell. It will make the Zoo perhaps the best in the world. Most of us hardly realize how tiny is the area in Regent's Park, at any rate for a society that exhibits more species of animal than any in the world. It is now multiplied seven or eight times ; and the first effect should be to lessen the mortality by a wide percentage. There will be no excuse for overcrowding in London ; for any delicate animal may be taken out to Whip- snade to bear her young in sweet air and country quietude. It is true that there will not be much quietude on May 23rd next when the new Zoo is to be opened to the public. We may expect a Whit Sunday holiday crowd of immense proportions if May should be May indeed. But there is room for a great crowd ; and there are retreats prepared for the nervous mothers. * * * *
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