a similar writ, dated the 23rd of the same month, commanding the Sheriffs of London to “cause to be built at the Tower of London, a house forty feet in length and twenty in breadth, for the King’s elephant.”  Economy however, it seems, was not neglected by the monarch in his menus plaisirs; for the Sheriffs are expressly charged to see that the house be so strongly constructed that, whenever there should be need, it might be adapted to and used for other purposes; and the costs are to be ascertained “by the view and testimony of honest men.”

[12] The shortest and most convenient passage from France to
England appears to have been from Whitsand to Dover.  The
tenure of certain lands in Coperland near Dover, was the
service of holding the King’s Head between Dover and
Whitsand whenever he crossed there.

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ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT’S PARK.

(Continued from page 201.)

Returning from the Elephant’s Stable and Enclosure, we pass the shed and enclosure for Ostriches.  Here are fine specimens of the African Ostrich, distinguished by their black plumage, and sent from Tripoli, by Hanmer Warrington, Esq., and a fine female bird from the collection of the late Marchioness of Londonderry.  The general colour of the feathers of the female is ashy-brown, tipped with white; and the exquisitely white plumes so much prized are obtained from beneath the wings and tail of both sexes.[13]

[13] Some curious facts in the economy of the Ostrich will be
found at page 262 of the present volume.

[Illustration:  Ostriches.]

Retracing our steps to the Southern Garden we find several buildings unnoticed; as a large Aviary, appropriated to various birds, but usually to those of rare description.

[Illustration:  Aviary.]

The slope or valley in the garden, between the terrace and the Park road, is partly occupied by a Pond and Fountain, where are Swans and other swimming birds.  In the distance of the cut is seen the principal aviary, where are some of the finest birds in the garden, as varieties of Cranes, Storks, Herons, Spoonbills, Curassows, and the revered bird of the ancients—­the splendid scarlet Ibis.

[Illustration:  Pond and Fountain.]

As you return by the main path to the terrace, opposite the Llama House is a large octagon summer cage for Maccaws where red and yellow, blue and yellow, and red and blue species, are usually kept; with cockatoos.  In winter they are removed to some of the warmer repositories.

[Illustration:  Maccaws.]

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