ACCLIMATISATION. (From the Daily Times, Jan. 7.)

Otago Witness, Issue 685, 14 January 1865, Page 1

ACCLIMATISATION. (From the Daily Times , Jan. 7.)

The success which has attended the operations of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria should afford encouragement to the kindred institutions in this Colony. It is really surprising to find what a great deal has been done for the cause of acclimatisation in Victoria during the three years of the Society's existence, and the members of that association may, with pride and satisfaction, anticipate that, in a few years, a vast number of new and valuable animals will, through their exertions, have become fairly established in the Colony. The objects of societies of this character are most praiseworthy and important, and their operations are calculated not only to advance the cause of science and add to the supply of food, but to increase the resources and wealth of the countries in which they are established. The Acclimatisation Society of Victoria has already introduced birds, animals, and varieties of fish, which in a few years will form a really valuable addition to the list of articles of food, or contribute usefully or ornamentally to the comfort or pleasure of the colonists. Foremost amongst the operations of the Society is the introduction- of Salmon. In spite of many disheartening failures and repeated disappointments, the Society persevered, and ultimately its efforts were rewarded with the success they meritedThe Report of the Society states that, although from the few ova that were retained in Victoria, it cannot be said with certainty that salmon is yet established in that Colony, sufficient has been done to show that there are no insuperable difficulties in the way. In Tasmania the success has been complete. Dr Officer, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tasmania, states that continued success has attended the treatment of the trout and salmon in Tasmania. He anticipated that in a years time they would be in a position to send as many fish to other Colonies as were desired. The healtby

salmen in the pond had been counted to over 4000, a sufficient number to allay all doubt as to the establishment of the fish in the rivers in the Colony. A second^ attempt, however, is to be made to bring over a-large supply of dva from' England, and for this purpose the Tasmanian Legislature have voted the sum of £800. It is something like a reproach to New Zealand, that it has not co-operated in this ■ useful work, more especially as the rivers of this Colony are pre-emi- j . nently suited to the constitution and . habits of the salmon. The Otago rivers ■ particularly, have been declared by competent persons to possess every requisite for the successful aclimatisation of the salmon. Now that the live fish can be obtained from Tasmania, it is to be, hoped an effort will be made to introduce some of them into our rivers. In addition to the importation of salmon the Society has succeeded in introducing the gouramier, a fish of great delicacy, from the Mauritius, twenty-four of which have arrived safely in^ Melbourne, and are in a healthy vigorous state. The other introductions of the Society during the past year comprise a list of nearly twelve hundred specimens, including deer of various kinds, hares, partridges, game and singing birds from England, China, Java, India, Cape of Good Hope, and other countries. In addition to these a large number of the valuable Murray codfish have been procured, and placed in a suitable breeding place. "With respect to the alpaca experiment, it is to be regretted that so far the results have not been satisfactory; the flock of llama alpacas belonging to the society having been decreased by death, owing, probably, to the unsuit ability of the climate. Measures, however, have been adopted for removing the remainder to the Gipps Land ranges, as being a more congenial climate. On the other hand, the Cashmere Goats have thriven and increased in number, and £400 has been sent home for the purpose of procuring them in larger numbers, an additional sum of £600 having been given by Mr. M'Cullough, of Maryborough, for a like introduction on hi 3 own account. The Angora Goat has also been successfully introduced, and the number has increased considerably. Another very important introduction is that of the Ligurian bee, which, from its industrious and wonderfully prolific properties, may be considered the most valuable in the world. It has been firmly established in Victoria, and will soon be procurable by all classes. Besides introducing specimens into the Colony, the Society assists kindred institutions in other countries, and has sent away to London, Paris, St. Petersburgh, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hamburgh, Cologne, Copenhagen, Calcutta, Mauritius, Bourbon, Sicily, Rangoon, Java, Burtenzong, Sydney, Adelaide Hobart Town and New Zealand, a vast number of the birds and animals of Australia.

The excellent organization of the Victorian Society, and the energy it has displayed, ought to be followed by the similar institutions in this Colony, and we should like to see more general public interest taken in the subject of acclimatisation. It is a cause in which colonists of every class should feel an interest, for it will benefit them all. Otago has been sadly behindhand, for although it certainly has its acclimatisation society, it has as yet done but little. This is due doubtless to the inadequate public and Government support it has received, an obstacle to success which we should like to see removed. The Otago Society should set about getting the salmon from Tasmania, concerning which we should fancy there would be no difficulty. It is to be regretted that none of the Alpacas recently sold at Sydney were secured by Otago, although the •»Auckland, Nelson, and Wellington Governments each purchased some of the animals. The climate and pasture of Otago are N considered to be well adapted to the habits of the Alpaca, and it cannot be denied that the successful introduction of this valuable animal would materially contribute to the productive wealth of the Province.