30 



The Secretary remarked that the question as to the best method of 

 destroying rabbits on runs had become one of extreme importance, not 

 only to the sheepowners of the colony, but to the public in general ; 

 it was one, too, which lay strictly within the scope of the aims and 

 actions of the Koyal Society. He had recently learned that Mr. John 

 Bisdee had been very successful in destroying rabbits which had been 

 particularly numerous on his runs ; and he also had been informed by 

 Sir. Maclanachan that he had adopted Mr. Bisdee's method with very 

 excellent results. On communication with Mr. Bisdee on the subject, 

 he (the Secretary) had been favoured with the following observations 

 which he would proceed to read to the meeting, (^^iee pane 4>L) 



Discussion ensued, in which Mr. W. Gellibrand, Mr. Justin Browne, 

 Mr. J. Pavies, Mr. Webster, Mr. Barnard and others took part. It 

 having been remarked that rabbits could readily be exterminated if all 

 sheepowners acted in concert, it was suggested it might be necessary 

 to obtain a compulsory Act of Parliament for the purpose of securing 

 united action. It was observed, however, that even this would scarcely 

 be effectual, as it could not readily be brought to bear in the case of 

 Crown lands where the rabbits w^ould still continue to breed. 



The Secketaey intimated that he expected to hear frcm Mr. Maclan- 

 achan on the same subject before next meeting, and he hoped that 

 others also who may have tried experiments in the destruction of rabbits 

 might give him the results of their experience for the purpose of bringing 

 them under the notice of the Society, and thus securing for them due 

 publicity. 



Mr. Morton Allport read a paper on the Salmon Trout (Sdlmo trutta) 

 lately sent to England, and a letter, received by last mail, from Dr. 

 Gunther on the same subject. 



A vote of thanks to the authors of papers, and the donors of pre- 

 sentations, closed the proceedings. 



