THE ACCLIMATISATION OF FISH AND GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8056, 17 September 1887, Page 5

THE ACCLIMATISATION OF FISH AND GAME.

[BY TELEGRAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. One of the moat interesting meetings it has been my duty to attend was held last night in the Wellington Museum, the occasion being tho annual meeting of the local acclimatisation Society. ilia Excellency the Governor presided. Among the exhibits was a splendid specimen of a brown trout, which had been reared in the Society's ponds at Masterton, on beef and mutton, A brown trout captured in the Hutt Kiver, about 35 inches in length, which had been presented by Mr. A, J. Rutherford, was also on view. There were also specimens of i ock Leven trout, American brook char, and Atlantio nalmon, a skin of trout from Blenheim which weighed 2tlbs, and several casta of fish caught in .the Hutt Kiver. The exhibits were inspected with the greatest interest, by the members present. la referring to the exhibits, Sir Jas. Hector said that although the one reared in. the society's ponds was known as the brown trout, it was quite distinct from the brown trout. It appeared to him that it was either the result of a cross in breeding, or they were breeding an entirely new kind of fish. It is probable that next year there may be some doer stalking in the colony. The red deer are reported to have been seen in numerous herds along the sides of the llimutaka ranges, which may be said to overlook Wellington. The ranger reports as follows :—I am glad to be able to state that 1 was not mistaken last season as to the rapid increase of tho red deer in the district, for during the months of March and April last a mob of between 60 and 70 could be seen every morning feeding on a patch of turnips, the property of Mr. John Martin, junior, on part of the Huangaroa fetation, and this winter numerous herds have been seen on the Mauugaraki Kange, as many as nine full grown stags in one herd. It is also gratifying to report that settlers and natives, especially the Mahupaku, who own the long bush run, continue to preserve and allow no deer to be shot out of season. I think now that they are becoming so numerous, it would be advisable for the society to havo some of the young fawns caught and reared by hand. This could easily bo done, as they soon learn to drink milk, and become very tame and docile, and when old enough they could bo liberated in other parts cf the province where the country is suitable. There is a new fresh-water fish recommended for rivers in warm climates. This is the " gourami," or spotted " trout" of the Mauritius, and. common to the rivers of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the rivers flowing into the Indian Archipelago. It is said to be capital eating and excellent sport. Mr. Rutherford, the hon. secretary, has written to the Mauritius for a supply of Ova.