NEW POND-FISH. 355 



same career of patient study, with the view of ascer- 

 taining how the far -spreading dominions subject to 

 British sway may be most speedily stocked with the 

 various animals suited to their diverse climates. No 

 nation in the world has such an interest as we have in 

 such experiments ; and yet we may be said to be only 

 beginning them now. Though one of the primary ob- 

 jects of the Zoological Society of London was the intro- 

 duction of exotic animals for ornament or use, this 

 has been so far departed from that the well-stocked 

 garden of the Society can only be looked upon as a 

 collection of animals brought together for the illustra- 

 tion of the principal forms of animal life. The utilita- 

 rian aspect of zoology as the introducer of useful species 

 of animals is prominently presented to our notice by the 

 British Acclimatisation Society, founded in 1861, and 

 having, we are glad to observe, a branch society in 

 Scotland, with its headquarters in Glasgow. 



The acquisition of new and ornamental poultry and 

 game-birds, if successfully carried out, is sure to excite 

 public interest ; and we shall watch with solicitude for 

 further reports on the introduction of the Honduras 

 turkey, Chinese land-grouse, Canadian grouse, prairie 

 grouse, American quail, &c. 



The piscicultural operations of the Parisian Society 

 are so varied and important that we do not attempt a 

 description of them at present. We content ourselves 

 with pointing out, with the help of information furnished 

 by our French friends, that the Acclimatisation Society 

 of Great Britain has committed a grievous mistake in 

 regard to what our newspapers describe as " the new 

 fish." In its First Annual Keport (1861) we read, 

 " We want a new pond-fish. Your secretary has been 

 enabled to enlist the co-operation of Dr Gunther of the 

 British Museum, a gentleman whose extensive know- 

 ledge of fish has gained him a European fame as an ich- 

 thyologist : this gentleman has given his verdict against 

 Lucio perca, and this shows the value of not being in a 



