14 THE ACCLIMATISATION 



had yet succeeded in carrying them alive 

 thirty degrees south of the equator ; and 

 there could be no doubt of the possibility 

 of guarding against the causes of their 

 destruction at that point. An active body 

 of accHmatisers in Tasmania undertook to 

 construct hatching boxes and breeding 

 ponds on the banks of the river Plenty, 

 an affluent of the Derwent, and the govern- 

 ment liberally provided the funds. The 

 physical conditions were more favourable 

 perhaps than in any other of the colonies, 

 and this was to be the centre of distribution 

 for all, as it has actually proved. A sketch 

 of this establishment may not be unwel- 

 come to those who have begun to appreciate 

 the difficulties connected with this endea- 

 vour to acchmatise the salmon family. 



The estuary of the Derwent is indented 

 with innumerable bays swarming with the 

 small fry of native fish, Crustacea, and other 

 suitable food. At the head of the tributaries 

 of the Derwent are lakes 3000 feet above 

 the sea level, affording a constant supply 

 of cool water. In the month of July, the 



