A CAUTION TO ACCLIMATISERS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2235, 17 May 1880, Page 2

A CAUTION TO ACCLIMATISERS.

We would direct the attention of certain members of the Acclimatisation Society to the tollowing paragraph from the “ Geelong Advertiser ” :—“ We have frequently brought under the notice of our readers the rapid increase of foxes in the vicinity of Werribee and Little River, and that a raid should he made against them, with a view to exterminate the vermin while they are comparatively few in number. The shire councils should take the matter in hand, and a good reward should be offered for each head brought in. It is only lately we heard of Mr W. 11. Bullivant, of Avalon, having 200 wcaners killed by them. The foxes were introduced and liberated by Mr Chirnside, of Werribee Park, with the idea of introducing foxhunting, affording sport, and encouraging the breed of weight-carrying hunters at the same time. Eoxes are now numerous, but we have never heard of a “meet,’ nor of anyone owning a pack of fox-hounds. The animals should bo ruthlessly destroyed they will be worse than the dingo ; and although those acquainted with themallce country know how cunning the latter are, and how difficult it is to destroy them, they would find Reynard an educated animal in comparison. WTren the late Mr Austin imported the English wild rabbits, and acclimatised them at Barwon Park, he had no idea of the curse he was introducing ; or when that philanthropic colonist, the late Mr Edward Wilson, sent out the ‘ cave ’ instead of the ‘ hedge ’ sparrows, did ho dream of the nuisance they would become ?”