Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Nutrition

    The writer tells Mr Punch that she wishes to visit the Zoological Society Gardens to see the walrus but that she is prevented from going because of fear of the 'Aunt-eater'. She explains that despite the offer by her nieces to accompany her to the gardens and her confidence in the arrangements made by the staff for visitors' safety, she remains frightened by the 'Aunt-eater' owing to the fact that it ate some aunts who were related to her. Speculates on the eating habits of the 'Aunt-eater', although this prompts her to seek the stimulant of smelling salts and brandy and water. In a postscript, she asks whether 'there is any animal whose ordinary diet is Uncles'.