360 MR. ET/DRED ON FOREIGN ANIMALS LIVING IN BRITISH PARKS. 
III. 
NOTES ON SOME FOREIGN ANIMALS LIVING 
IN BRITISH PARKS. 
By E. J. H. Eldred. 
Read 28 th September , 1897. 
When we look at the close connexion and vast commerce that has 
so long existed between this country and the great Colonies and 
Dependencies of Africa, North America, and the Empire of India, 
in all of which countries the highest and most varied forms of 
animals are found it is somewhat remarkable that no large mammal 
of economic value has been naturalised or domesticated in the 
British Islands within modern times, nor, indeed, until quite recent 
years, does any attempt seem to have been made upon lines likely 
to lead to success. 
More interest and attention has apparently been given lately to 
the subject, and there seems an increasing desire among owners of 
property to acquire foreign animals and birds for their estates, as 
well as, let us hope, protecting some of our scarce indigenous species. 
We have heard a great deal lately about the progress and advance- 
ment that has taken place during the last sixty years, but to the 
animal world this period has been disastrous in the extreme, some 
species have become nearly, if not quite, extinct, and others are fast 
verging on disappearance. 
In offering these remarks, I do not in the least range myself on 
the side of thoughtless or ill-considered schemes for the introduction 
of either mammals, birds, or fishes, for there is nothing in these 
islands of ours we want to see displaced, and in view of the evils 
wrought in this way, in New Zealand and elsewhere, the greatest 
care ought to be exercised in introducing new forms into any 
