ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2302, 22 September 1870, Page 2

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

A meeting of the society was held,this afternoon. Present —Messrs W. D. Muriaon (chairman), Ecclcs, Garrick, and Turton. The Manager reported that the ova were all lobbing well, and young brown trout were hatching. Four English wild ducks were sent to Mr F. Fulton, Kakanni, and the white woodhen to the Lunatic Asylum. Thirteen English wild duck eggs were sent to Mr Dawbin to be hatched out. It was reported that the Manager had received a letter from Mr Young, of Palmerston, in which die mentioned that two of the trout, very fine and large, had been seen in the pond, but he did not know how many more there were. He would write and inform the society. It was resolved that Mr Merry should be appointed collector to the Society, Mr Garrick reported that a letter had been received from his firm from Messrs Cross and Co., San Francisco, stating that they hoped to procure Californian quail about September, and seeds about November. A letter was read from Mr Ewen, stating that Mr R. Lippincott, of Overconrt, had promised either five or seven fallow deer, but as two were bucks, he hoped an exchange would be made with others from Berkley Castle so ns to secure a change of stock. Mr Lippincott was giving the fawns free from charge Eighteen promised by the Earl of Dalbousie were being rear d by hand, so that it was uncertain what number would be obtained. A few black cooks had been promised by the Duke of Buccleugh, and lie hoped to obtain more through Mr J. D. Bathgate, who had a friend, proprietor of an estate adjoining that of His Grace. Two coveys of grouse were promised by a Yorkshire gentleman. The apteryx sent by the Otago A cclimitisation Society to the Zoological Society, was much prized by them With regard to rooks, Mr Ewen was not sanguine, as the season was too late for shipment, and the bird’s sulked and fretted unless taken immediately from the nest. He was afraid on account of the letters being received late in the season, the birds would not stand the voyage. The following letters, forwarded by Mr Ewen, were read : “ The Holm, Sanquhar, “ 6th May, 1370. “J. A. Ewen, Esq. “ Sir,—l received the newspapers, and have forwarded them to your address. I carefully read the report regarding the Acclimatisation Society which you represent. In the meantime I cannot promise you more than four or five brace, as I have not beard from his Grace since I received your last. I do not think his Grace would wish his birds to be sold, should they arrive alive in New Zealand, for the purpose of being kept in an aviary. “ i quite agree with you regarding the proportion of both sexes, independent of the mortality among the females, ‘or rather hens,’ as black game do not pair like red grouse. “ When you write mo again, perhaps you may say whether you intend keeping them in an aviary in this country for a time previous to shipment, so as to prepare them for tire voyage. 1 believe this would bo a good plan, as many die going from here to Ireland, even when sent right off immediately after being caught. I have no doubt but you have got the best advice regarding their safety. “ I am, kc , “ Gavin Lindsay.”

“ The Holm, Sanquhar, Duinfrieshire, “ 19th April. IS7O. “ J. A. TiWven, “ Sir, —I enclose letter which I have received regarding black game for New Zealand. I hope you may be able to givo mo such an answer as may satisfy his Grace as to their safety, fee. I will be glad to procure a few birds for you in compliance with his Grace's letter, ‘ or rather instructions’; but I cannot sec my way to get any until the cud of August or September, when young strong birds could bo got, which I fancy would answer your purpose best. Old birds are shy ; they won’t come to feed like pheasants at this season. “ His Grace has sent many to Ireland, which we think were not properly cared for, and this is the reason why his Grace is so particular. “ I am, f:c., “ Gavin Lindsay.”