11 
because of the practical difficulties and expense of placing and 
maintaining these animals in the high mountainous regions of Gipps 
Land, in which alone the suitable climate aud other conditions 
necessary for them welfare could be found in the colony. 
Other attempts fail from different causes. Tor instance, the 
unfortunately protracted voyage of the ship Marika llimie, which 
mado a passage of one hundred and twenty days, was a source 
of much disappointment and loss to the Society. On board that 
vessel was placed a large number of birds, carefully prepared at 
a great expense to bear the voyage. By far the larger portion 
lived over the length of time of an ordinary passage, but after 
that they rapidly sickened and died, and the few that survived 
reached Melbourne for the most part so worn out that they never 
recovered. 
To those who have had any experience in shipping stock, these 
explanations may appear unnecessary, but the general public might 
unfairly ascribe this disappointing mortality to want of proper care. 
The Council has to thank the Government and Legislature for 
the continued and liberal assistance afforded, and it is trusted that 
the good resulting from the Society’s labours may be deemed a 
sufficient proof that the liberality has not been misplaced. 
The Council cannot conclude this report without once more testify¬ 
ing to the unceasing care bestowed upon the interests of the Society 
by its President, Dr. Thomas Black, and the Council also wishes to 
present its best thanks to His Excellency Sir Henry and Lady Barkly, 
of Mauritius, to His Excellency Sir Harry S. Parkes and Mr. Black, 
of Yokohama, to Captain Skottowe, of the R.M.S. Geelong , and 
Captain Farquliar, of the R.M.S. A coca, to Captain Bume, of the 
R.M.S. Bombay, to Messrs. William Grice and Co., and Mr. R. T. 
Firebrace, of London, to Mr. C. P. Layard, of Colombo, to Mr. A. 
C. Wiehe, of Port Louis, Mauritius, to Mr. E. L. Layard, and Mr. 
R. Trimen, of Cape Town, to Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Clarke, of Sun- 
bury, and to Mr. F. R. Kendall, of Melbourne, for valuable aid 
afforded by them in carrying out the objects of the Society. 
t 
