ACCLIMATISATION.

Southland Times, Issue 1241, 29 April 1870, Page 3

ACCLIMATISATION.

(TO THE BDITOB OP THE TIHE3.) Sir, — I beg to call the attention of the secretary or curator of the Acclimatisation Society to the advisability of sending over to Stewart's Island a few couples of goats and rabbits for the purpose of having them turned loose upon the island. Inaccessible and unfrequented spots should be chosen, and some distance inland from the coast. Also, to the great importance of securing a specimen or two (alive if possible), of the Apteryx Maxima, or " Roa," for the purpose of sending it to the Zoological Society of London, and thereby receiving in exchange most probably a handsome reward. I believe that as yet not a single specimen of this extraordinary bird has ever reached Europe, and to the ornithological world a single specimen even would be looked upon as an untold treasure. Mr Printz informs me that this bird may still be found in the neighborhood of "Mussel Beach," and that a live one had been seen in the possession of the Maoris at Colac's Bay, some three months ago. Mr Lawlor, of Eiverton, has kindly promised me to procure a specimen if possible, but I think that the duty of procuring one ought properly to be undertaken by the Society. — I am, &c, Chas. D. Irvine. P.S.— "Dusky ; Bay" and "Mussel Beach," with the immediately surrounding country, are the only parts of New Zealand where this bird is most probably only to be found alive.