Suggestions for the Introduction of Animals, ^c. 153 



Art. VIII. — Suggestions for the Introduction of Animals and 

 Agricultural Seeds into Victoria. By W. Lock hart 

 MoRTONj Esq. 



[Read before the Iloj-al Society of Victoria, October 8th, 18G0.] 



The subject which I liave the honor this evening of bringing 

 under the notice of this Society, bears directly upon the ma- 

 terial welfare and advancement of this colony ; and it is thus 

 invested with more than ordinary interest, claims more than 

 ordinary mention, and deserves that full consideration which 

 I trust it will receive. 



For a lengthened period the condition of this country has 

 occupied much of my deepest tliought, and I have come to 

 this conclusion, that if lasting prosperity is to be attained at 

 all, it must be through industry applied to the cultivation of 

 the soil, as well as to gold-mining ; not indeed for the growth 

 of cereals, to any great extent, because our market is too 

 limited for that ; but for the production of all such articles 

 as are valued and cultivated in other lands, and for which a 

 good retiu'u could be obtained by exportation now, or by the 

 establishment of manufactures hereafter. Actuated by this 

 con^^ction, I began to endeavoui' to find out what seeds and 

 plants are cultivated, and what animals are reared and kept 

 with the greatest amount of profit in other countries of the 

 world. A little inquiry was sufheient to make knoAvn that 

 nearly every country is in possession of seeds and animals of 

 great value altogether unknown to the rest of the world. The 

 question next to l^e settled Avas, how can this colony obtain the 

 valuable seeds, plants, and animals, of other countries. It 

 occurred to me that the only proper Avay to accomplish so 

 desirable an end was to suggest the formation of an associa- 

 tion for the express purpose ; hitherto, however, I have met 

 with no success in tins matter. I therefore determined to try 

 a different course, which will be made known and best ex- 

 plained by the following letter, which I addressed to His 

 Excellency the Governor: — 



" To His Excellency fiir Henry Barkly, K.C.B., Governor of Victoria, &c. 



"Sir, — Knowing how deep an interest you feel in whatever is 

 calculated to benefit the Colony, and Australia generally, I ha^'e the honor 



