ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 967, 15 February 1862, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

By the Constance, from Sydney, the following birds and animal were received by the hon. secre- • tary of the Auckland Acclimatization Society :— 9 magpies (3 died), 7 quails (5 died), 3 laughing jackasses (1 died), 12 rose-breasted cockatoos, 1 wallaby (died). The birds have been placed under the temporary care of Captain Stack, Mechanics' Bay, who has taken every care of them. The magpies appear to be an acquisition to this country, as," two of the birds on being turned loose set at once to' work killing grubs and caterpillars in the garden., The cockatoos are not of much service, and we fear will be destroyed before they multiply to any ex-. tent. The laughing jackasses, if allowed,to incease" in the province, will assist to extirpate the insect pests of the country. Captain Butt of the Constance, purchased the birds and pair of Wallabys in Sydney ; and we understand that he will endeavour to increase the obligations the Acclimatisation! Society and the public are under to him, by bringing a number of useful birds from California, whither he will shortly sail. We hope steps will be immediately taken to secure a portion of the government demesne for the use of the Acclimatisation Society. There is a large space of ground covered by shrubs and trees, which could be used as a preserve for imported birds and animals, the Acclimatisation Society taking care to exclude the mischievous persons who seem to take delight in destroying what has been imported with so much pains. As an instance of this, we may mention that a nest of 12 eggs of the Cape pheasants, brought by Sir George Grey, has been destroyed in the demesne ; and one of the geese was run down by boys, and sold for 55., but subsequently recovered. Shots were also heard a few evenings since in the cover referred to, leading to the presumption that boys are not the only. destructives. We believe the government would willingly meet the views of the Acclimatisation Society in this matter ; and early steps should be taken to prepare a home for the arrivals by the Constance and other vessels.— S. Cross, Jan. 21.