ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1686, 12 May 1866, Page 3

ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETY.

The usual monthly meeting of the members of this association was held on April 27, at 2 p.m., at their room, at the Mechanics' Institute.

The following members were present: Messrs, Haast, chairman; Gould, Stevens, Packe, Aynsley, Speechley, Davie, and Hall. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The following contributions have been received:—A Paradise duck from a gentleman ; a bat or flying fox from Fiji Islands, from Mr. TV. Eayner, of Lyttelton; a pair of black swans by Dr. Mueller, of Melbourne; and a collection of seeds of trees and shrubs, 180 varieties; seeds of the custard apple and Adhumba bean from the Fiji Islands, by Mr. F. T. Adams; Scotch heath and Californian prairie grass by Mr. Hislop j a quantity of cuttings of the Cupressus torulosaor Cathmeriensis a very beautiful variety of the cypressfrom theHiinalaya mountains, by Mrs. J. C. Wilson ; a sea-gull by Mr. J. 6. Cotton, and a pair of bantam fowls from Mr. Traherne.

The following letter was read from Dr. Mueller.

The Pittospora are such lovely hardy and quick-growing plants that thousands of these plants aro wanted for our cemeteries, town churches, and schools, hence I accept the seed you bo kindly offer with the utmost of gratitude. As a commencement of a reciprocation, I beg to offer jou two collections of seeds of shrubs and frees, which will at least be useful to you for interchanges, if you should not want them yourself. The native flax is now in abundance here, but we have not a single plant of the Aralia. Schaltflira, Dichonia antarlica is a very common variety in Victoria, but we have no Qyathia dealbata here. Jitheso plants are packed, the roots having been soaked in water for a night, they would arrive in safety, and might be sent here under the caro of a friendly captain of any vessel, free of charge. I have a gully or ravine which I am anxious to dress with specimens of this plant. Some animals mil, ere long be sent by myself under the care of the captain of the Albion; others will be sent through the Victorian Acclimatization Society. F. Mobiles.

A letter was also read from the Provincial Secretary, stating that the order in Council prohibiting the importation of certain animals, including poultry, does not, in Ids opinion, extend to small birds, or to pheasants and partridges. The letter added that the Collector of Customs would give fuller information on the subject. The following is the letter of the Collector of Customs :

In reply to your letter of April 6,1 beg to state that I am not instructed to what limits the Government intend to confine the interpretation of the word " poultry." The best course would, perhaps, be to write to the Commissioner of Customs to ascertain if he intends (hat game birds shall be included in the prohibition now in force. J. W. Hamilton.

The Secretary stated that, in conformity with the recommendation contained in Mr. Hamilton's letter, he had written to the Commissioner of Customs at Wellington for a definition of the word " poultry." The Secretary also stated that he had acknowledged with thanks the various contributions received.

It was mentioned that Mr. Marshman had been authorised to furnish Mr. Hill with a sum of £IOO for the purpose of purchasing insectivorous birds, particularly hedge sparrows. Mr. Johnson was provisionally authorised to send £SO to Mr. Hill for the purchase of small birds, in case the answer of the Commissioner of Customs should be favourable to their introduction.

It was decided that the black swans presented by Dr. Mueller should be given to Mrs. Deans of Riccarton, as an acknowledgment of the interest she has always taken in the welfare of the Society, and also as a compensation for those belonging to her, which strayed away with the swans of the City Council. It was stated that some of the swans belonging to the Society had strayed into Marlborough Province, and a suggestion was made that the authorities there should be communicated with in order to prevent the destruction of these birds. Some discussion ensued as to the desirability of allowing the Curator to proceed to the Peninsula, in order to procure pheasants for the Society, and also to obtain specimens of ferns, &c, to he sentto Dr. Mueller. The consideration of the subject was deferred until the annual meeting which was fixed for Monday, May 7, at half-past seven o'clock, p.m. The question of sinking an artesian well in the ground of the society for the use of the salmon and trout ova expected shortly, was also deferred for the present.

Mr. Deßourbel having kindly offered to procure some seedß, plants, and shrubs from the Himalaya mountains, some discussion arose as to whether the offer should be be accepted or not, carriage to the amount of £ls being guaranteed by the society. It was decided that Mr. Deßourbel should be requested to obtain such seeds of hardy plants and trees as it might be desirable to introduce into the province. It was resolved to present some guinea fowls to Mr. Eedwood of Nelson, who had expressed a wish to obtain some specimens. A Sub-Committee consisting of Messrs. Speechley, Dr. Haast, Davie, Gould and Macfarlan was appointed to draw up the annual report of the society. Some of the swans belonging to the society having strayed to the Horse-shoe Lake, it was settled that an advertisement should be inserted in the local journals, warning the public against destroying them. The Curator mentioned that some gentlemen had kindly offered to use every exertion to protect them. The Curator stated that he had sent to Melbourne for some magpies. Mr. Spkechlet suggested that as these birds were very hardy, those procured should be turned loose into Kiccarton Bush. The thanks of the society were unanimously voted to Mr. Fleming for his kindness in offering his assistance in procuring pheasants for the society, and for the other services which he has rendered to it.

The monthly balance-sheet was produced ; it showed a credit in favour of the society of £SB 133 ; after which the meeting adjourned.

The annual meeting of thia Society took place on May 7, at half-past seven, p.m., in an upper room of the Mechanics Institute. Among other persons who were present we noticed Dr. Haast, chairman, Mr. Johnson, secretary, Dr. Prins, Major Scott, Captain Packe, and Messrs. Aynsley, Fereday, Macfarlan and Stevens.

Dr. Haast said that he regretted that the President, of the Society, Mr. Weld, was not present, but his absence was owing to his continued ill-health. Dr. Haast then said a few words on the objects of the Society, dwelling particularly on the necessity of bringing in small birds to destroy noxious insects. He next touched on the mildness of the climate of New Zealand and its adaptability to various animals and vegetables not to be found here at present, ft would be a most excellent thing to havesalmon and tiout in the rivers of the country, these fish were already thriving in Australia, and it was hoped that the Society would be able to obtain a supply from that place. He had heard that the Lincolnshire had arrived in Melbourne with salmon and trout ova on board, from which he hoped the rivers of this country would soon be stocked.

Mr. Macfarlan read the report of the Eociety for the year ; it was as follows :

BEPOKT. « The Council of the Canterbury Acclimatization Society, in reviewing the labours of the past year and submitting their second annual report, congratulate the members.on the healthy financial state of the society, a>d on the increasing interest shown by the pub.lie at large in acclimatization so substantially evinced by the large number of additional subscribers, numbering for the present year 124, and the numerous donations of plants, seed's, birds, &c. This result is due in a great measure to the resolutions brought forward by the late secretary, G. Macfnrlan, Esq., at the previous''annual meeting, of throwing open the privilege' of membership to all classes by an unrestricted subscription.

"Impressed with the desirability of obtaining a supply of insect-eating birds as the best means of counteracting the alarming increase of caterpillars and insects in the province, their attention has been directed to the furtherance of that object,, and, as offering the readiest mode of attainment, a list of sums offered by the society for various descriptions of birds to be brought out by emigrants from England was printed and circulated in London, at Mr. Marehman's offices, and several shipping offices. The result, however, has not been such as to show the advisability of trusting much to this source ; the few shipped by emigrants, and also others ordered through other jersons, having this year, with few exceptions, perished on the voyage.

"To guard as much as possible against future lesses and further disappointments through inexperience, simple hints for the preservation of birds on the voyage out from England have been drawn up, and publicity given to them in the papers. " A grant of £250 having been obtained from the Government for acclimatization purposes, it was decided to take advantage of the proffered services of J. Hill, Esq., about to return to England, and £IOO was placed at his disposal in London, for the purchase and bringing out of insect-eating birds, to which an additional sum of £SO has also been decided to be sent by the next mail. " Opportunities of obtaining a future supply from other colonies and countries, has also not been lost sight of, and from the fact of so many gentlemen taking a warm interest in the society, being on their way or about to return to England, little doubt remains but that a future sufficient supply of birds may be relied on.

" The experience of those best qualified to form a correct judgment on the subject has proved that the plan of turning out newly arrived birds is unwise in practice till they have been sufficiently acclimatized,, spacious aviaries therefore have been erected for their reception on a spot of ground presented to the society by the Government, which with Curator's house, upper section of fish ponds, &c, at present enclose an area of about 4 acres. It has been deemed advisable to set this apart for the more exclusive use of the society for the rearing and acclimatizing of all useful and desirable introductions whether plants, birds, animals or fish.

" As a necessary preliminary to obtaining the much needed shelter, a surrounding hedge has been planted, intersected by numerous others, as far as the ground has been laid out.

" A sufficient supply of canary seed, large colza rape, sun-flower seed, and other crops, has been raised for the use of the birds, &c. "The now proved adaptability of this climate to the growth of canary seed, hitherto all imported; its increasing demand, and remunerative price render it well worthy the attention of our own agriculturists; and the colza rape has shewn itself a most valuable acquisition in the gardens, as affording besides the seed, an abundant supply of insect food for the birds. ■ "Enclosures have been made for water-fowl and other birds, including native species, as affording a great object of interest in the gardens, and a valuable medium of exchange with other countries; one has been set apart for the silver grey rabbits, presented by Sir G. Grey, which have thriven well and inCreased to a great extent, and have been distributed to members far and near.

"The like successful increase cannot, however, be recorded of that beautiful hardy aud prolific bird, the Californian quail, the merit of whose introduction into the province is due to J. Hill, Esq. The birds in possession of the society are unfortunately all males. "The Australian quail, although laying a large amount of eggs, showed no inclination to set, and though many eggs were hatched under common hens, the young birds were, with few exceptions, owing to their diminutive size, trampled to death.

"To guard against these disappointments for the future, a quantity of Bantams have have been reared by the Curator, and through the kindness of J. Hill, Esq., an incubator, is expected out from Endgand. From the large quantity of insects eaten by these birds, they will no doubt prove a moM; valuable addition for turning out, and supply the place of the once abundant, but now nearly extinct Native Quail. "The Guinea fowl although introduced by Guise Brittan and Cracroft Wilson, Esqs., some years ago from India, have from some cause or other failed to be as productive as in other countries. A few were obtained from which a large quantity has been reared. This success is principally attributed by the Curator to the liberal supply of insect food, of which the Cabbage tribe affords a ready stock. These birds are admirably adapted for turning out on the Canterbury Plains as they subsist chiefly on insects, grass seeds and the eggs of Caterpillars, are very hardy, lay quantities of eggs, and are better suited to country devoid of bush than Pheasants, They have become wild in some parts of Australia, and are said to yield very good sport and to be almost equal to Pheasants in flavour. " The Pheasants in the gardens have increased but by one, It is hoped however, that by past experience a similar success may be achieved to that awarded to the efforts of Rlrs. C. Wilson, who has reared this season fifty Pheasants. "The thrushes, linnets, blackbirds, skylarks, goldfinches, and other English and Australian birds, turned out in various parts the previous season, have, in many cases, done well; the greatest success having been attained by the little Australian diamond sparrow, which may now be seen in flocks. The Australian magpie has proved himself a most valuable bird in the destruction of the caterpillars, without theattendantevil attached to his English namesake. The English birds turned out in the neighbourhood of Governor's Bay, under the care of T. H. Potts, Esq., from the well sheltered character of the spot, have increased very satisfactorily ; whilst at Brackenfield, the residence ofF. A. Weld, Esq., the successful establishment of pheasants, partridges, Californian and Australian quail is now accomplished. " The swans, in a few instances, have laid, but the eegs were destroyed, owing to a fresh in the river at the time. No increase in their number can be chronicled. With a view, however, to the more effectual destruction of the water-cress, which still continues a great expense, and will no doubt prove an obstacle to the well-doing of the expected salmon and trout, a correspondence has been opened on the subject of the introduction of the water buffalo, which, from its docility, great strength, superior quality of flesh, freedom from many diseases incidental to other cattle, and consumption of a. species of fooJ unutilized by other animals, would be a most important and valuable addition to the live stock of the province. It is, however, a matter of regret that the state of the law should prevent its being obtained from England, where it has been so successfully climatized.

" It being found necessary to keep a supply of domestic poultry for the purpose of hatching and rearing valuable species of birds, a choice description of poultry has been obtained, including white cochins, white dorkings, grey dorkings, polish, pheasant, and bantam fowls, with the intention of keeping the breeds pure, and as an acceptable medium of exchnnge amongst members for the acquisition of native birds, amongst which the kiwi or apteryx, paradise ducks, tui birds, kakas ind ground parrots would be the most valuable to the society. _' _ "The addition of an artesian well with fountain as yielding ft pure and abundant supply of water at a low mid even temperature, will make the fish-ponds all that can be_ desired, whilst the water from a stream passing over a gravelly filter, which by a simple contrivance is easily cleaned, aifords an additional supply of a food-bearing quality. The importance also of shade and shelter round the ponds, as an additional advantage to the birds and fish, has not been overlooked. Four divisions, separated by fine gratings have been set apart for the trout, perch, tench, gold fish, and frogs, which it is hoped will be received in the course of the winter. " The lower section of more extensive unfinished ponds can be easily made available for the still more valuable salmon. The introduction of desirable acquisitions of a botanical character from other countries has also been duly cared for, and as will be seen by reference to the list, already com-

prise additions of a highly interesting and important kind. Large assortments of seeds have been distributed amongst the members, quantities have been sown in the gardens, and a surplus is still on hand ready for distribution.

"Our own beautiful ond too little appreciated native plants have not been neglected, and thanks to the kindness of Mrs, Deans, of Riccarton, in placing the bush there at the disposal of thu society a large collection of native speds and plants with additions from other parts of the provinco has been obtained by the Curator with the twofold object of utility, viz., for the use of the birds in the garden, and as a valuable medium of exchange with other countries. Large quantities of native seeds also have, with descriptions, been sent to various Society's all over the world, as a commencement of reciprocal kindnesses. " A pleasing feature worthy of all encouragement is the interest taken in the society by the juvenile community who have the means of rendering important aid to the objects of the society, not only in preserving the birds, fish, &c, distributed, but in contributing to a further knowledge of the habits of our native species.

" An enclosure of 10 acres has been made in the domain also placed at the disposal of the society by the Government with a wire fence 5 ft. 6 in. high, the lower portion composed of wire netting. This will, it is expected, be a sufficient protection to the deer offered the society by Sir G. Grey, and be also available for other animals including hares.

" Notwithstanding the unfinished state of the gardens and the Domain, they are well patronised by the public, particularly on Sundays. " The subject of bees, as an important item of domestic economy, has also received a share of attention, as affording a wide field in a colony so well adapted to the production of honey. With proper management the produce might be largely increased, and the importation of sugar considerably lessened. Hives constructed in a simple and inexpensive way have been made on the principle of taking the honey without destroying the bees, whilst a more expensive and elaborate plan, containing all the latest improvements, as adopted and recommended by the Melbourne Acclimatisation Society, has, through the kindness of one of their members, been also made as a pattern.

"Whilst every encouragement has been given to the introduction of all desirable acquisitions, those of a dangerous or undesirable character have been watchfully guarded against. "The Council wish to call attention to the severe penalties now attaching to the importation of noxious animals, some venomous live snakes, which were imported as curiosities, were immediately destroyed. " The difficulties attending, a new undertaking in a new country are to a great extent overcome, and the objects of the society are daily becoming better understood and more thoroughly appreciated, particularly among the agricultural class; and the Council hopes that means will not be wanting for largely extending the operations of the society, and both directly and indirectly adding to the enjoyments, wealth, and prosperity of the people in Canterbury." Dr. Prixs moved that the report be adopted, and that a vote of thanks be given to the officers of the last year. Mr. Prince seconded the resolution, and it was carried, The Chairman said that the balance-sheet would be submitted at the next monthly meeting. There were £BO in hand, £3O remaining out of £250 received from Government. The members would now proceed to elect officers. Mr. Macfahlan read a letter from Mr. Weld expressive of regret that his continued ill-health has prevented him taking that part in the society' business, which he had wished to do. He thought therefore especially as he was shortly going to Europe, that he should retire from his office of President and not be re-elected.

The Chairman said he thought that Mr. Weld should be re-elected in spite of his letter.

The following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year. F. A. Weld, Esqr. President; Dr. Haast, Messrs. Macfarlan, J. H. Potts, C Wilson, R. Wilkin, Vice Presidents. Messrs. J. Hall, A. C. Barker, W. S. Moorhouse, W. T. L. Travers, G. H. Lee, E, C. J. Stevens, C. Davie, J. Hordern, H. P. M. Aynsley, G. Packe, R. Gpeechley, and Major Scott, Council. Mr. Gould, Treasurer. Mr. Johnson, Secretary. A vote of thanks was given to Mr.' Johnson for his past services,

Mr. Stevens said that he had observed that the society suffered very much from want of funds; better accommodation should be provided for animals imported by the society. On conclusion, he moved—" That it is expedient that, prior to the next session of the Provincial Council, a memorial be addressed to his Honor the Superintendent for the time being, praying that a sum of £ be placed on the estimates of the ensuing year, to be advanced to the society for a period of years, the society undertaking to re-imburse the Government the interest and sinking fund on the loan at the same rate as the average paid on provincial debentures; and that the before-mentioned loan be proportioned to the probable ability of the society to defray the charges on such advance." Mr. Prince seconded the motion.

Mr, Macfarlan said that every member of the society would be personally responsible for the loan; he thought the motion should not be passed hastily.

Mr. Speechley said that there was not sufficient accommodation in the, society's grounds at present for any birds which might arrive; at the same time, he felt the force of what had been said by Mr. Maefarlan. The annual subscriptions amounted to only £2OO, which was riot sufficient. Mr. Fsreday said that one of the great objects of the Society was to introduce birds for the destruction of caterpillars and other noxious insects, and every effort should he made to get funds to carry it out. Proper accommodation should be provided for birds arriving, so that they might not be left to perish. With regard to the manner of their introduction he thought the best way would be to offer so much a head for different kinds of birds brought in alive and well. Mr. Fereday then made a few remarks on the way in which birds should be treated after they were brought into the Province, and on other subjects of interest to the Society. Dr. Prins moved as an amendment—- " That a deputation consisting of Dr. Haast, Mr. Stevens, Captain Packe, Mr. Fereday, and Mr, Macforlan be appointed to wait on the Superintendenc previous to the next session of the Provincial Council to get a grant placed on the Estimates sufficient to cover the necessary expense of places to hold the birds expected from England," Mr. Murray-Aynsley, in seconding the motion, said that the object of the Society was not a selfish one, for it desired to benefit the province without looking for any pecuniary reward, He should like to see the subscribers more numerous ; the society should certainly be encouraged by the farmers of the province. On the question being put bj the Chairman the amendment was carried. Mr. Speechley called attention to the destructive habits of hawks. He was certain that they would destroy all the small birds let loose. He begged to move that a reward of ss. per head should be offered for all hawks that should be killed, Mr. Fereday snid that would be rather an expensive mode of proceeding; he had heard of their being poisoned by sheep-farmera in large numbers, The Chairman said that there were three kinds of hawks in the province, two of which fed on lizards, Danger was to be apprehended only from the smallest kind, viz., the sparrow-hawk; but he thought it was less destructive than it had been represented.

After some discussion the resolution was nmended and passed as follows—" That it is very desirable that all persons having it in their power to destroy hawks, wild cats, and olher destructive animals should do so, as the society hopes shortly to make valuable importations."

The Chairman said that he hoped the press would advocate the objects of the society more than it had done hitherto. Mr. Brooke proposed that the Council should meet at 7 p.m., instead of 2 p.m.

Mr. Muitiuv-Avx9iJ!Y move/! as an amendment that the matter should be left to the Council, and it was carried, The meeting then adjourned, after a vote of thanks to the Uairman.