Genre:

Short Fiction, Serial

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Museums, Menageries, Animal Behaviour, Biblical Authority, Cruelty, Piety

    Observes that the 'collection in the Zoological Garden' is 'yet in its infancy', but that it contains a few species 'of rare occurrence either in museums or menageries' (297). The narrator and his pupils observed an emu and discussed the behaviour of ostriches, relating their conversation to biblical themes and quotations. Similar conversation was prompted by viewing the leopards. The narrator disapproves of the humiliating 'raree-show' of the bear pit (299). The party viewed several species of birds, and again related their observations to biblical themes and quotations. The narrator observes: 'Thus it is not only in the beauty, symmetry, colour, sweet voices, or habits of inferior creatures, that we behold the glory of the Creator; but their very presence may to a well regulated mind excite emotions of gratitude, raise a hymn of prise, or bring into the bosom of the mourner some motive for strong consolation. They ought also to urge us on in the path of duty' (300).