86 On the Introduction of 



that many of the indigenous birds are quite sufficiently disposed 

 to be troublesome in this way, as soon as they find out what the 

 fruit is. 



Incidental to this subject, I may mention that a very inte- 

 resting list was lately sent me by some intelligent man connected 

 with the Botanical Gardens, of the various birds frequenting 

 that locality. Many of my hearers will be surprised to learn 

 that nineteen different kinds of water-birds, and no fewer than 

 sixty-three kinds of land birds, are to be seen at one time or 

 other in these gardens. The list is very carefully prepared, 

 showing the arrival and departure of such as are migratory, and 

 the time of building of many ; and also attaching to each the 

 volume and page in which it figures in Gould's great illustrated 

 work. The list is very well worthy of publication. 



The committee appointed by the Legislative Assembly to 

 consider the subject of the introduction of new animals, has just 

 brought up a report recommending the annual expenditure of 

 three thousand pounds in experiments of this kind. I trust that 

 the House will give encouragement to this sort of enterprise. 

 But I regret to notice that the mention of such a scheme is but 

 too apt to provoke what I cannot but consider a very ill-placed 

 levity. Considering the resources of the country, and its not 

 only undeveloped but unknown capabilities, I do not think that 

 a moderate amount could be more beneficially bestowed, than in 

 the introduction of new and interesting animals. I have no 

 idea of living in a half-fiirnished country, when, with a little 

 spirit, it could be amply supplied with almost all that could 

 contribute to our enjoyment. Would it not be worth the while 

 of this Institute to keep an eye upon this probable annual grant, 

 and, if confirmed by the Assembly, endeavour to secure some 

 voice in its application ? Perhaps it might not be out of place 

 to petition Parliament to set apart a sum for such a purpose. 

 The expression of opinion of the Philosophical Institute would 

 have considerable weight, and might have a beneficial tendency 

 towards checking that disposition to sneer at undertakings of 

 the kind, to which I have already alluded as so singularly 

 characterising our Legislature. 



Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, there is a principle in social 

 organisation which appears to me to have been hitherto very 

 imperfectly developed, but which, if develoj)ed, I think would 

 lead to very astonishing results. I allude to the principle of 

 combination. 



By combination of effort we achieve most satisfactory and 

 often wonderful effects. But we do not seem to systematise and 





