PAPER 
ON THE 
ACCLIMATISATION OF ANIMALS. 
By F. BUCKLAND, M,A., 
STUDENT or CH1U8T CHURCH, OXFORD, ASSISTANT-SUROEON, SECOND LIFE GUARDS. 
In tlie present days of progressive movements we find that knowledge 
of details, and experience of facts, are collected into one focus, and 
made to bear upon the object aimed at by the means and operations 
of societies. We have amongst us societies which take cognizance of, 
survey, and reduce to practice almost every branch of human know¬ 
ledge, whether in Science or in A rt. 
There is, however, one subject which until the last few months 
would seem to have escaped the busy minds of our fellow-countrjunen, 
I mean the art and science of Acclimatisation, a term which may be 
said to comprehend the art of discovering animals, beasts, birds, 
fishes, insects, plants, and other natural products, and utilising them 
in places where they were unknown before. 
The importance of this art has not escaped our neighbours the 
French ; and in Paris there has been established, since the year 1854, 
a society called, ‘‘La Societc Imporiale d’Acclimatation,” of which I 
shall have more to say hereafter in the progress of this paper. But 
it may be asked, what is the use of acclimatising animals in this 
country 1 have we not already the best that the world can procure 1 
The answer is, you may think you have the best, but good is the 
best, till something superior is discovered. 
On 22nd January, 1860, I liad the good fortune to be invited to 
a dinner, which will, I trust, hereafter form the date of an epoch in 
