ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Aineefing of the Council of the Acclimatidfrtson Society was held in the Literary liistuutp yesterday afternoon, commencing at three o.'lofk Present-Up Nottidge'fln the chair) Dr Powell (hoa secretary), R,v. G. Fraser, Messrs Carruthers, J. C. Boys P Hanmer, and Robinson. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The hon. secretary read a letter from the secretary of the Zoological Society of London, thanking the society for the present of a native duck. The curator's report was read. The following i 3 a summary of its contents : — " New members—Messrs J. Wright, B. Word, P. Lockyear, 3. Smart, J. 0. St Quentin, M. Allen. " Contributione — From Mr S. Watkins, seed of the nikau palm ; Mr F. F. Builer, of Southland, plants of a native fern (Gleichenia Cunningham!) ; Mr Hislop, ailanthus trees. ard a new variety of the native flm, discovered by Mr J. Stimson ; Mr G. Biehop, a collection of native plants ; MrR. Smith, a fountain jet. " Estimated for the month of August, £19 7s 9d. " The gorse shelter for the animals has been erected in the domain; Mr Armstrong, the Government gardener, has planted a large number of frees and 6hrubs outside the enclosures with the view of affording shade and shelter; the aviaries have all been.cleaned out, the soil dug up, fresh planted, and put in a proper condition for new arrivals ; and a piece of ground has been fenced in and planted with the ailanthus trees presented by Mr Hislop. " Losses are continually sustained by the mischievous propensities of boys in the gardens; and the Curator wishes to know if he shall refuse admission to all children unless they are members or accompanied by their parents.

" The white swan, which was supposed to have been killed by a blow on the head, has been found, after a post-mortem examination, to have died from a sort of cancer on the tongue The body has been sent to the museum.

"Levels of the ponds have been taken by Mr Wylde, and an outfall of two feet ascertained to bo easily practicable ; and under the instructions of the committee a drain is being cut, which will also greatly facilitate the clearing of the mud which has been deposited in the shingly bottom. Whilst the ponds are empty, it would be very desirable to have tbe divisions of pe»forated slate fixed where needed and fresh added where necessary. " Many working men have either gratuitously assisted in the gardens, or offered their services at a mere nominal rate of pay ; and

the Curator snggeats whether they should not be entered as annual subscribers.

"Although Captain ihompson has Bailed for Melbourne instead of direct for Hobart Town, he will be in good time to bring back the expected ealmon and t out ova, unless any unforeseen delay should arise. In a letter lie states that he fee's certain the owners of the vessel, Messrs Belbon and Dowdell, will make no charge for freight of the ova, &c

" Mr Clifford, manager of the Otago Acclimatization Society, called on the Curator while on his way to Tasmania, and expressed hisreadinee* to do all in his power to facilitate the acquisition of the ova by the Canterbury Society, should anything happen to prevont Captain Thompson carrying out his intention, and as immediate action wae necessary, the Curator expressed his conviction that the Council would gladly avail themselves of hie offer.,

" The Curator suggests the advisability of ascertaining from the Otago Government whether in the event of the ova for the society being sent on to Dunedin. the services of Sergeant Quinn might be again obtained. " The kangaroos have hitherto eluded all attempts at capture." While the advisability of passing a small sum for providing shelter for the Angora goats was under discussion,

Mr Robinson expressed an opinion that the society ought not to go to any great expense orer the goats, as, even if they were successfully acclimatised, they were not likely to be of any practical use, 89 goats were much more delicate than sheep, and English people could not be persuaded to eat ioata' flesh. It would be much better to expend the society's limited funds in the introduction of birds or animals that were likely to bo useful.

After a short discussion the proposed vote was negatived. The Curator was authorised to expend the sum of £18 12s 5d during the ensuing month. In reply to questions, the Curator stated there were some English thrushes and black

birds in the Society's ground*, and some blackbirds had been seen on Mr Hislop's. Partridges and.. Californian qu«il were expected out; the. latter might perhaps arrive in a month.

A discussion took place as to the best course to adopt for preventing the destruction of property in the grounds by boys; but as it seemed doubtful whether the Society legally possesses power to exclude any portion of the public from the grounds, the matter was allowed to stand over. On the motion of the Chairman, the following resolution was carried—" That the secretary be requested to communicate with the Otago Government, asking for the services of Sergeant Quin, should the ova for the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society come from Hobarfc Town via Dunedin."

The Treasurer reported that there was a sura of £118 11s 7d to the credit of the Society in the bank, and £4 9s 3d had just been handed in by the Curator.

Mr Hunmer asked whether anything was to be done towards the introduction of birds.

The Chairman did not know, but he had repeatedly expressed an opinion that the Society's efforts should be concentrated upon one object at a time.

Mr Hanmer said the .question was what the object should be.

The Chairman said it had already been decided that the society should direct its efforts for the present to the introduction of salmon ova. It was quite possible, however, that the expense incurred in introducing the ova would be but small, and in that case the society would be able to turn its attention to some other object.

The Rev. Mr Fraser agreed that it was desirable the society should concentrate its

efiWte. Mr Carruthers drew attention to the sub-

ject of the fowls kept by the Curator. It was very desirable that the Curator should not possess property of this kind apart from the society; and ha would suggest that the fowls should be purchased from him. A sub-

committee might be appointed to decide upon the sum to be paid.

The Secretary thought the subject had better be deferred till the next meeting. The Chairman considered the society ought to purchase the fowls. It would be necessary, if the society undertook the breeding of fowls, that some mongrels should be obtained, as they were good mothers; and, moreover, Mr Johnston had purchased these fowls at his own expense for the benefit of the society, and the society had for two years past received the benefit of them with-

out paying anything ; the curator Ought, therefore to be treated with liberality.

Mr Carruthers agreed to let the matter stand over till the next meeting.

The Chairman euggssted that it might be advantageous to introduce hedgehogs, which, although they discharged eggs, were extremely useful in destroying grubs. He could get any number of them in England, and they could be brought over at a small expense. The Her. Mr Fr&ser thought the suggestion & good one. This matter was also allowed to stand over. The Council then adjourned.