SALE OF WILD ANIMALS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 535, 19 July 1872, Page 3

SALE OF WILD ANIMALS.

A largo portion o! the celebrated collection of wild animals known as “ Wombell’a Menagerie,” was recently brought to the hammer at Edinburgh. Wombelj, the founder of the collection, wa,s a showman of no ordinary enterprise and skill. He built up the menagerie, so to speak, and made it by far the finest collection of wild animals in the country. His heart was in his work, and he spared nothing that would help it forward. He never missed Bartlemy Fair as long as it was held; once, however, he was nearly doing sb; He was at Newcastle, and had decided not to go to the fair, when he heard that his rival Atkins was advertising that his would be the only wild,beast show at the fair. This put Wombell on his mettle, ho hastened to London, (there was no railway then), and just reached the fair in time ; but his elephant died of fatigue on the road. ' Atkins instantly advertised “the only live elephant in the fair!” Wombell retorted with “the only dead elephant in the fair !” and drew crowds of of visitors. George Wombell died 1850. His widow travelled with the show till 18(56 and then handed it over to her niece, Mrs. Fairgrieve, and her husband. The novelty of seeing an auctioneer knocking down lions, tigers, and elephants, in spite of the half-crown charged for admission, attracted a large crowd to the menagerie, which was inthe Waverly Market.- Many menhgcriul celebrities were present, to wit, Messrs. Jamracb and Ross, of London, Mr. Cross, of Liverpool. Mr. Ferguson, of America (Van ’ Amburgh’s Agent), and Professor Edwards from Paris ; besides representatives from Day’s, Edmund's, and BostOck’s travelling shows. A magnificent tigress sold for 135/., the black-maned lion, “ Hannibal,” said to bo the handsomest and largest lion in Britain, fetched 2701. ; while the large performing elephant brought 0801. The sale in all realised nearly 3,0001.