1 88 FISHES 



Though there are altogether about a dozen species of indigenous 

 fresh-water fish, yet to the early settlers of the colony, the rivers and 

 streams seemed singularly empty. There was no sport for the angler, 

 unless he happened to live near a stream where the grayling abounded, 

 and except eels — which were abundant — ^there was practically nothing 

 of an edible character to be found. It is not to be wondered at, 

 therefore, that the minds of the colonists early turned to the idea of 

 importing such fish as they knew would provide both sport and food. 

 The success of attempts to introduce species of Salmonidae into 

 Tasmania and Victoria encouraged the hope that it would be possible 

 to do the same in this colony, and in the sixties and seventies a 

 systematic importation was commenced, not only by the Government, 

 but by all the principal acclimatisation societies. Over a dozen species, 

 or, counting varieties, about 17 kinds of Salmonidae have been 

 introduced into this country. The success of several of these has been 

 phenomenal, but the failure of others to establish themselves has 

 been inexplicable. The majority of the streams and lakes of both 

 islands are now stocked with species of Salmonidae, and an interesting 

 problem has arisen, namely, are the species remaining distinct, or is 

 there a tendency among the allied forms to hybridise and produce 

 a generalised type ? Another interesting problem faces both the angler 

 and the naturalist. In a number of streams which are now heavily 

 stocked with trout, the native aquatic fauna has been nearly ex- 

 terminated, and the question of future food supply has been raised. 

 Are new species of animals to be introduced, or can any method of 

 renewing the indigenous fauna be devised ? 



I have dealt with the particulars of the introduction of the various 

 species in some detail, but here I propose first to give some facts 

 regarding the general question, and the early attempts to bring 

 Salmonidae into Australia and New Zealand. These show the diffi- 

 culties which had to be faced in the early days, when transport was 

 by sailing ships, and refrigeration was unknown. Mr J. Murdoch 

 contributed an article, I think to The Field, but I have failed to find 

 the date, on "The Introduction of Trout into Australia and New 

 Zealand," from which the following facts are gleaned: 



The first attempt to introduce ova into Australia was made in 1852 

 by Mr Borcius, who however failed, and lost £300 in the experiment. 



In 1854 Mr Youl began to study the subject, and made many 

 experiments. No hope of success was held out by the most experienced 

 pisciculturists, and Mr Youl was told that he might as well try to 

 fetch England to Australia as to carry spawn to it in moss. Mr Edward 

 Wilson, President of the Victorian Acclimatisation Society, associated 

 with Mr Youl and some influential colonists in obtaining ;£6oo by 



