The Express.
London, England, 1868-04-14 00:00:00

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S-PARK.

The recent return of winter did not serve to
divert from its accustomed channel the usual stream of
visitors which on each recurring Easter Monday Bows
from the more populous quarters of the metropolis towards
the Zoological Society's establishment in the Regent's-park.
The gates of the gardens were opened yesterday at 9
o'clock a.m., and shortly after that hour large numbers
of holiday makers of both sexes and all ages presented
themselves for admission. Towards the middle of the day
the crowds increased, until nearly the whole of the walks
and vacant spaces in the garden were occupied by dense
bodies of sightseers. At the close of the gates at sunset
the total number of entrances during the day was
ascertained to have been 22,619, being 610 morel,
than on Easter Monday last year. We are
happy to be able to add that among this vast
concourse of persons not a single can of misbehaviour
presented itself, nor was any injury sustained by the
society's valuable collection of Irving animals, further
than that the monkeys and other particular pets were
rather overfed, and may consequently suffer from indiges-
tion. It is much to be wished that some of the members
of her Majesty's Board of Works would visit the society's
gardens on one of these national holidays. They would
witness the interest exhibited by persons of all dames in
the society's establishment, and perhaps be more inclined
to turn a favourable ear to the repeated requests of the
council of the society for more space to exhibit the riches
of their unrivalled collection.
POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION,

The Easter entertainments at this favourite
place of resort for the young bid fair to eclipse anything
of the kind yet produced. During the whole of yester-
day the building was literally choked with visitors. The
entertainment has been entirely changed, the large theatre
has been newly decorated, and a charming new classical
proscenium has been designed and executed by Mr. J.
O'Connor, of the Haymarket; a very great improvement
has also been made in the auditorium, especially in the
reserved seats, which are now extremely commodious.
The entertainments yesterday were of an exceedingly
varied character. Science and art music and poetry, and
even a little touch of the dratna, all combined to form an
harmonious whole. Professor Pepper opened the Faster
programme by delivering a very interesting lec-
ture on optical illusions and spiritualism, in which
he produced some surprising effects, such as making alady
float in mid•air, although she was certainly of far from
etherhil proportions ; and his experimtests as light,
colour, the zoetrope, so., elicited the merited applause of
the crowded audience. After a very pretty illnatheMon by
Mr. Pepper of Anderson's tale of OA Angel and the
Flowers. Professor Dockland proceeded to give one of his
very tasteful musical entertainments, which, aided by the
genius of Mr. Pepper, Mr. Diroks, and Mr. Tobin, and by
the scenic dr of Mr. O'Connor, obtained much coin.
mendation. shadow Blondin was an amusing little
interlude, wh eh will be very entertaining to children both
of a smaller and a larger growth. In addition to these ex-
traordinary attractions there were the natal scientific thys
and objects illustrating new inventions, which cannot fail
to please all classes of- visitors to this popular place of
amusement and instruction.
I GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION.

Mr. and Mrs. German Reed have partly
changed their • for the Fluter holidays. The
Qtaet Chateau, which they make highly entsrtaialag by
their inimitable acting, is still retained, but Mr. John
Parry comes out with • new song entitled " A Public
Dinner," • subject the mops of which enables him to
display his humour to the greatest advantage. In a few
weeks, we understand, • new entertainment from the pen
of Mr. F. C. Burnand will replace Orr Quiet Chateau.
POLYGRAPHIC HALL.
_ _ _

Mr. Robert Heller, whose pleasant conjuring
was diosontinned on amount of illness. be. reopened tide
hall with his miudeol and magical entertainment.
fiT. JA1111813.-.1W4

The Cliriety Dirtietrels;tal hold their ground at
ibis hall with ea entertainment whisk umlauts' saving
sad burlesque theatrical stiesetioas.

Roraima's tea is sold 3d. per pound cheap
tits dal, Is meow& This fnta+.tb bet will. WINE
karma, oyes Mew illerilia• the demand for them &doe
Hondmaa's srs not sold loose, Out oa/y Lf *wad "
sham and Co., Willful thirster@ el Qs Pon Too."—rAdoli
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