110 PRESERVATION OF ANIMALS. 
The displacement of one species by another species of the same 
genus is noticed by Darwin as follows:— 
“‘ We see this in the recent extension over parts of the United 
States of one species of swallow having caused the decrease of 
another species. 
‘ The recent increase of the missel thrush in some parts of Scot- 
land has caused the decrease of the song thrush. 
‘¢ Again, the endemic productions of New Zealand are perfect, 
one compared with another; but they are now rapidly yielding 
before the advancing legions of plants and animals introduced 
from Europe. 
“The red legged partridge, according to the Rev. F. O. Morris, 
where naturalised, has had the effect from some cause of banish- 
ing the indigenous partridge, and I think I have recently seen it 
stated that the swift in some districts in this country is giving 
way to the swallow.” 
Among the objects of the French Acclimatisation Society, 
established by a few energetic and learned men in 1854, is— 
“1st. The preservation of useful animals, precious gifts which 
we have received from nature, and which we often lose through 
our ignorance, and especially through our carelessness. 
“To take care of what we have is such common-place wisdom, 
that it seems strange to recommend it in these enlightened days, 
yet the barbarism of past ages still stalks erect amidst the civili- 
sation of the nineteenth century. 
‘Man amuses himself more than ever in destroying the bene- 
factors which nature has presented to him, and which he might 
retain by simply abstaining from mischief. 
‘“¢ The war which man wages, under pretence of shooting and 
fishing, against every animal he is able to destroy, is as fierce as it 
was during the middle ages, and is aggravated by the possession 
of more destructive arms.” 
In conclusion, I would observe that the subjects brought for- 
ward in this paper are by no means exhausted, and it is to be 
hoped that not only will they be followed up by more competent 
members than myself, but also by practical action on the part of 
this Society. 
