40 
We must bear in mind that acclimatisation is a slow and 
somewhat tedious process. Sheep have been reared from the 
wild state for thousands of years, have added untold wealth and 
comfort to the multitude, yet it lias not attained the perfection 
that may be expected when an increased care and culture shall 
be bestowed upon it. We must consider also the contingencies 
that are so liable to happen when a new animal is introduced, 
and the stock limited in number, constituting one of the greatest 
obstacles in first attempts at acclimatisation. A great collection 
was accumulated at Knowsley by the late Earl of Derby, and it 
took twenty-five years to bring it to a useful state; and then, 
when by great perseverance and expense the breeding stock of 
llamas, alpacas, zebras, deer, and antelopes of many species, had 
been got to a point which in five years more would have nuV 1 
large and permanent results possible, the Earl died. The fiat 
of dispersion was pronounced, and the whole work crumbled 
away. This will be a sufficient lesson of the uncertainty of 
private collections, and the necessity of founding societies based 
on a general and public interest. 
The Australian public must bear in mind that in the year 
1807 the importation of wool from Australia into England was 
245 bales ; in the year 1848, by the exertions of the Macarthurs 
and others, there were 23,000,000 lbs. At the present time only 
a few bales of cotton are imported into England ; but I expect, 
before ten years have elapsed, it will have increased to some 
thousands. 
I trust that what I have stated will lead you to reflect on the 
importance of acclimatisation, especially when, out of thousands 
of animals the world furnishes to man, we limit our attention to 
about forty-three ; and I am also desirous of impressing upon 
the minds of all the necessity of preserving from wilful destruc¬ 
tion the birds and other innocuous animals of this country. The 
great Creator “ gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, and 
over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth 
upon the earth,” for his use, benefit, and study; not to lay waste 
and destroy for mere wantonness. 
WM. GOODIIUGH AND CO., PRINTERS, FLINDERS LANE EAST. 
