ACCLIMATIZATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2339, 22 June 1868, Page 2

ACCLIMATIZATION.

TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE LYTTELTON TIMES. Sir,—Will you obligo me by inserting a few remarks, principally in explanation of the manner in which my name was brought before the public at tbe last meeting of the Acclimatization Society in Clristchurch ? The kangaroos, which I am understood by anyone who has read the report of that meeting to have offered as a matter of trade to the Council, were obtained (after some difficulty in getting does) by me at Hobarton at the request of the Curator-those at the gardens being, or supposed to be, all bucksand cost there £\ each.

On my arrival, he informed me that a change in the regulations would prevent his taking them ; ergo, not having at the moment any opportunity of quoting, I asked him to explain the matter to the Council, having brought the animals free of any charge whatever except the aotual cost. The liberal offer of that body I ut tf not refer to, yet I appreciate it. A gentleman has kindly offered to take them off' my hands, relieving me of a temporary difficulty, and will, I trust, be the means of proving the value of the kangaroo, which at present does not appear to he understood. It has both a commercial and a domestic value, the flesh being equal to venison, and in other colonies is considered, even by epicures, a bon louche. The skin, when tanned, even in Canterbury, is known to be of great value. For some years, Sir, I have endeavoured to promote the interests of the Society, taking much trouble in coming from or returning to Hobart Town with fish, birds, and animals, many of which have been a source of profit to the Society. With regard to the transition of the salmon ova, much has been said of the requisite capacity of the ship, and the services of a trained person in attendance; but, from my experience in these matters, if the fish or ova a/e put on board by competent persons, with full instructions, and placed under the charge of the officers of the vessel, and received upon arrival by parsons equally an fait, it appears to me all that is necessary; for, in practice, however scientific and experienced the gentleman in charge may be, directly the ship gets to sea, in nine cases out of ten, he is prostrated with sea sickness, and the care both of himself and his charge devolves upon the stewards, and the ova may possibly receive much less attention and care, thau if tiiey had been entrusted in the first instance to the eare of the commander. I shall, Sir, at all times, endeavour to assist the people of Canterbury in Acclimatization matters, and must acknowledge the extraordinary interest that Mr Johnson, the able and energetic Curator of the society, has always shewn iu any additions, however trifling, that I have been ihe means of introducing, and can bear testimony as to how his enthusiasm was appieciated during his late visit to Tasmania. Your obedient servant, UOBT. THOMPSON. Barquj Southern Cross, June 18,16G8.