238 THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 
NOTES AND COMMENTS. 
Tun Rasprr Pest—Members of the ‘Naturalists’ Society 
will be gratified to know that one of our foundation members, » 
and past President, Mr. David G. Stead, has been given a 
Commission by His Excellency the Governor of the State of 
New South Wales, to enquire into and report upon the Rabbit 
Menace. Following are the heads of enquiry given in Mr. 
Stead’s Commission :-— 
(1) The investigation of the various methods of con- 
trolling and exterminating rabbits, such as trap— 
ping, poisoning, fumigation, digging out, fencing 
and netting, destruction by disease, shooting, fer— 
reting, hunting, ete. 
(2) The effectiveness of the various methods and their 
relative costs. 
(3) A close study of the life-history, habits, ete., of 
the rabbit, with a view of endeavouring to evolve 
a more effective method of control. 
(4) The effect (as far as it is practicable to ascertain) 
upon other animals, as ‘well as birds, useful in- 
sects and aquatic life throughout the country of 
any of the destructive agencies utilised: and the 
determination of whether any deleterious effects 
(if any) are outweighed by the benefits derived 
directly and indirectly from the consequent rabbit 
destruction. 
Mr. Stead is further commissioned to recommend for adop— 
tion whatever measures he may consider might with advantage 
be introduced into the State of New South Wales. 
In view of the appalling effect which the rabbit has had 
upon the whole life of this community—whether viewed econo- 
mically, commercially, or from the naturalist’s point of view of 
the consequent disturbance of wild Nature in these parts—Mr. 
Stead’s investigations will be followed with the closest interest, 
not only by his fellow members in this Society, but by the 
public in general. He carries with him the hearty congratu- 
lations and best wishes of the members of tha Naturalists’ 
Society in the essaying of such an important’ and exacting 
task, for which his wide knowledge of animated Nature, and 
organising ability so eminently fit him. 
