THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE "ZOO."
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Your article headed "The Improvement of the ` Zoo ' " in the Spectator of November 23rd is a piece of valuable criticism on the points I have raised. It will be read with sympathy by all who care to bring an unbiassed judgment to bear on the question. Without wishing to discuss that part of the article with which I have less agreement, the latter, will you allow me to emphasise two points that may have received inadequate expression in my circular? First, I am aware that the funds of the Society admit of only gradual improvements in its premises in Regent's Park. But I hold very strongly that sooner than there should be any part of the Gardens that may rightly be called "slums," it were better that many genera and si ecies should be entirely un- represented in the Menagerie. Secondly, I wish it to be clearly understood that I bring no charge of incompetence against the Council. All I wish to do is to point out that the present condition of the Gardens is not in accord with modern ideas. May it not be that in the Zoological Society, as in more important institutions, the machinery of govern- ment is to blame ?—I am, Sir, &c., M. DAVENPORT HILL.
Eton College, Windsor.
P.S.—The meeting to which your article refers took place on Thursday, November 21st.
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