286 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION D. 



Though the consigninent is not a large one. it is hoped that a number 

 of the fishes sent may survive to propagate their species in their new 

 environment. From what I have learnt of the waters in which the 

 fishes have been placed, I would say that they seem eminently suited 

 to the species. In introducing a new form like this to waters foreign 

 to its original habitat, it seems only fair to it that the first consignment 

 should be supplemented by others for at least two or three years. 



The successful landing of such a large percentage of those sent 

 was intensely gratifying, and there can now be no doubt that with still 

 better arrangements it would be possible to carry this fine fish for very 

 long periods. In the case of an extended voyage, however, I would 

 recommend very careful feeding during transit. 



III. — -First Transfer of Australian Bass from Eastern t» 

 Western Waters op New South Wales. 



For many years the introduction of the above-mentioned magni- 

 ficent food and game fish into our western waters has been talked of, 

 but no move in the direction of carrying out such work has ever been 

 made. 



There are many places which are personally known to me in 

 which there is every reason to believe this fish would flourish. I am 

 thinking mostly of rivers like the Macquarie and other streams, which 

 usually consist of long chains of splendid waterholes, with short " ripples '* 

 in between — at least on the portions of such rivers which exist on the 

 western slope, properly so called. For very apparent natural (physio- 

 graphical) reasons, the Australian bass has not hitherto found its way 

 into these waters. 



While the consignment for Fiji was being obtained, it occurred to 

 me that the time appeared to be most propitious for the carrying out 

 of the first step toward an extensive introduction of this fish to some 

 of the feeders of the great Murray drainage area. The Minister having 

 given his approval, the first transplanting of the Australian bass from 

 the eastern into the western waters was quickly consummated. 



On Tuesday, ?th May, 1912, I took a consignment of 60 fine fishes 

 (ranging from 4 to 9 inches in length) from Penrith to Wellington. 

 The fish were all liberated in excellent condition in a splendid " hole " 

 on the course of the Bell River, not far from its junction with the 

 Macquarie River. 



The Bell River runs through Wellington, and a little lower down 

 joins the Macquarie. Notwithstanding the serious dryness of the 

 seaso)!, the Bell River was still running nicely. On its sinuous course 

 through the town is a fine deep waterhole of very considerable extent, 

 very " snaggy," and of such a nature as to offer the fish good naturat 

 protection. This was the place chosen for the bass. 



