“The increase in the number of subjects in the collection during the last year has been considerable, and many of the additions have been of the utmost importance to science.  The whole of these, with a few exceptions, have been presented by the friends of the society.  A detailed list of these donations which are too numerous for insertion in this report, is laid upon the table; a reference to the contents of which will evince that the spirit of liberality, which laid the foundations of this already valuable collection, has not decreased.

“A very extensive correspondence has been established with naturalists of foreign countries, and persons resident in distant parts, who are anxious to promote the objects of the Society.  Through these channels many valuable acquisitions have been already received; and it is expected that much of novelty and interest will continually pour in to increase the attractions of the Museum and Menagerie.

“The Garden in the Regent’s Park is the principal source of attraction and of expense.  The nature of the soil, which consists of a thick ungrateful clay, increases the cost of every work.  The health of the animals requires that oak floors be raised above the surface of the ground; and it is necessary to lay a thick substratum of dry material under every inclosure and every walk.  These disadvantages are however amply counterbalanced by its immediate vicinity to the town.  The Council have, notwithstanding the nature of the soil, endeavoured to give to the garden all the attractions which good cultivation and an abundance of flowers can afford:  and they have to return their thanks for the very liberal supplies for this purpose which they have occasionally received from the Horticultural Society.  The resort to the garden has far surpassed the most sanguine expectations of the Council; 112,226 persons have visited it during the last year.”

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THE NOVELIST

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THE SIEGE OF ABYDOS.

A Romantic Tale.

(For the Mirror.)

The infidel Turks, ever at variance with the Christians, were, in the reign of king Orchanes, extremely ambitious to possess the famous Castle of Abydos; and accordingly vast preparations were made for a close siege.  Previous to the arrival of the Turkish army before the castle, the angelic Sophronia, daughter of the governor of Abydos, was visited by a dream.  She thought, that while walking out on a beautiful evening, breathing the fragrant air, and gazing on the brilliant stars, she fell into a loathsome ditch, in which she remained an hour, terrified, and unable to move.  At length, a handsome youth passed, and she implored him to rescue her.  She did not implore in vain; the young man assisted her out, cleaned her clothes, and comforted her with pleasant words.  They then