14 Introduction. | Jan. 
wax models of the acclimatized fruits of that continent. The full ears 
of wheat, the long silky locks of wool, and the long-stapled cotton 
(the latter introduced into Queensland from various quarters of the 
Old and New World), must be equally well remembered by all who 
visited the Colonial Courts. 
And now we come to the novel, and not less useful, salmon-breed- 
ing experiments. This enterprise was commenced as far back as 
1852, we believe, under the auspices of Sir George Grey, of whose 
efforts to improve the natural productions of the colonies placed under 
his charge it is hardly possible to speak in sufficiently laudatory 
terms. 
The first experiment failed completely, notwithstanding that fifty 
thousand ova of salmon and trout were procured and employed in the 
attempt; and that every precaution was taken to ensure their successful 
transport. The failure is attributed chiefly to the absence of a conti- 
nuous stream of water through the hatching apparatus. 
For eight years the matter was allowed to rest, no fresh action 
being taken, but in 1860 a second expedition was fitted out with the 
same object. Owing to the failure of the precautions which were taken 
to resist the high temperature of the tropics, and other causes, this 
attempt was equally unfortunate, and entailed upon a few private indi- 
viduals a loss of 650/. The colonial governments now joined in the 
enterprise ; that of Tasmania, in conjunction with two other legisla- 
tures, voting an aggregate sum of 3,700/. for a third effort. Careful 
preliminary experiments were tried in England by scientific men, and 
vessels were then fitted out specially for the transport of the ova, an 
apparatus being provided for securing a constant flow of water, as well 
as for the maintenance of a suitable temperature. 
Again, however, the attempt was unsuccessful; the failure in this 
instance being attributed chiefly to the disturbance of the water in 
which the young fry, hatched during the voyage, were contained, caused 
by the violent rocking of the ship. The young fish were dashed 
against the sides of the apparatus and destroyed. It will not be long, 
however, before another effort is made to accomplish the desired end, 
and it is believed that the experience so dearly purchased, will render 
the next attempt successful. There will be no difficulty, it is thought, 
in eventually perpetuating the breed of salmon in the antipodes, more 
especially in Van Diemen’s Land, where the rivers already contain a 
variety of trout; but it is considered doubtful whether this can be ex- 
tended to New Zealand, where the streams are rapid, and subject to 
violent floods. 
Having thus noticed some of the strictly practical applications of 
the science, we cannot pass away from the question of acclimatization 
