ACCLIMATISATION AND BREEDING 215 
country in the world for the establishment of such reserves 
would be Florida; and, if any wealthy American could be 
persuaded to set aside even so small an area as 1,000 acres in 
that wonderful country, he would be performing a service, the 
importance of which can scarcely be exaggerated. Giraffes, 
zebras, all the large species of antelopes, as well as the most 
beautiful cranes, ostriches, emus, etc., would live peaceably to- 
gether in such a park. Indeed it would almost be possible to 
transfer a complete portion of the African fauna to Florida if 
this were done. The site selected for such a park would 
have to include woods and thickets, large meadows as well as 
hilly ground, and should be traversed by a river where the 
animals could go to drink. If they were properly protected 
they would undoubtedly breed well and remain healthy. 
There would be very little difficulty in carrying out this 
project. If such a reserve on a small scale can be maintained 
in Southern Russia, where the temperature often falls many 
degrees below freezing-point, how much more easily could it 
be accomplished in the magnificent climate of the Southern 
States of America! Nor would the expense be so very great ; 
$200,000 to $250,000 would be amply sufficient to cover 
the cost of all the animals that would be required. Among 
the other animals that I have mentioned kangaroos could be 
easily included, for experience in my animal park has shown that 
they thrive admirably in such large spaces. 
Closely connected with the subject of acclimatisation is 
the art of breeding, including the crossing of animals of 
different races. This has always been one of the special 
points of interest in my garden at Stellingen. It is very 
important from the commercial point of view on account of 
the prospect which it affords of improving some of our 
domestic races of animals. From this standpoint careful 
attention ought to be paid to the indigenous cattle of uncivil- 
ised lands. The acclimatisation of these is usually attended 
with but little difficulty, and a careful selection of them 
for breeding purposes might be attended with results very 
