The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-29 00:00:00

Acclimatisation in South Australia,

The debate which took place in the House of
Assembly on Mr C. Lindsay's motion for a grant
in aid of the operations of the Acclimatisation
Society suggested some considerations of import-
ance to the agricultural interests in this colony.
There were things said in the course of the debate,
and by members who profess to know something
of farming pursuits, which were humbling to hear
in such a place.
Let it be clearly understood that the Acclimati-
sation Society does not propose to substitute for
wheat growing either the breeding of silkw.orms
or enything else. It proposes to introduce new
industries—not to supersede, but to supplement
the important work in which farmers are row en-
gaged. South Australia is a wheat producing
colo❑y, and we have no doubt it will remain so
for many generations to come. But wo have
always held that it is neither wise nor safe for
our agriculturists to be dependent on one article
of produce when other auxiliary and remunera-
tive cultures can be easily pursued. In former
seasons they have had in the failures of their crops
lessons which ought not to be forgotten. It is a
serious thing for an industrious man who risks his
capital and the whole labour of a year in the pro-
duction of one article when that article fails.
Happily the last year or two have been successful
ones. The land has abundantly yielded her in-
crease, and owing
.to the failure of crops in the
neighbouring colonies prices have ruled high. We
believe the whole community have reaped the ad-
vantage of the farmers' prosperity. Still it must
not be forgotten that less prosperous seasons may
come round again, and it is well to be prepared for
such a contingency.
There can be no doubt that:many industries suc-
cessfully pursued in other parts of the world would
handsomely repay their culture among us ; and the
main object of the Acclimatisation Society is, as far
as possible, to aid in introducing these industries.
The government have generously enough placed a
portion of the Park lands at the disposal of the
society, where experiments can be made on as large
a scale as the funds will permit. The application
to parliament was for a small sum in aid of preli-
minary expenses, and we certainly think that Mr
Lindsay made out a good case. He said that the
" objects of the society were the introduction and
domestication of innoxious animals and plants from
other countries, not for the mere purpose of forming
a zoological garden, or interfering in any way with
our present botanic garden, but for stocking the
country with productions which would, in an econo-
mical point of view, promote its material interests,
giving to the agriculturist a rotatio❑ of crops, and
a variety of products which he might profitably
cultivate, instead of depending wholly on cereals,
as at present." He then went on to state that the
society had opened communications with similar
societies in the other colonies and in Europe for the
purpose of mutual exchange, and that their propoa
sale had been favourably responded to. Already
they had sent to Europe for a quantity of seeds of
the best varieties of plants and trees, which in their
opinion would be a valuable source of profit, some
of them altogether new, and others partially intro-
duced, such as flax, cotton, tobacco, coffee, tea, the
mulberry and ailanthus trees, colza and poppy—
valuable for their oil—the cinchona, from the bark
of which the medicine quinine is made, also several
grasses." When these seeds arrive, and the expea
rinaental garden is got into proper order, their cul-
tivation will be attempted, and seeds and cuttings
will be distributed to any persons who may be will-
ing to cultivate them. _

Mr Lindsay especially referred to the importance
of silk culture, for which in this colony we have all
the required conditions of climate and soil. In the
south of Europe our readers know that this is a most
valuable branch of trade. It is quite possible that
cultivation of the silkworm on a large scale would,
with the present price of labour, scarcely be remu-
nerative—though even that is a matter of question ;
but as ancillary to other pursuits it might become a
welcome addition to a farmer's income. There are
some months in the year when agricultural work is
not very pressing, and this is the time when the silk
is produced. There can b 3 no doubt if the culture
were once commenced it would as easily fall in with
the main ksiness of the farmer as bee-keeping or
fowl-producing does now, and with a much greater
prospect of profit.
Amongst the objects contemplated by the society
is one which at first sight seems to be a very hum-
ble affair, but which actually is not less important
than those which look more imposing and ambitious.
We refer to the proposed introduction of different
varieties of small birds which have a special taste
for insects and grubs. These are becoming not only
an intolerable nuisance, but the cause of serious loss
to the farmer. We are constantly receiving accounts
of the mischief which is wrought by these pests,
which seem to set at defiance every attempt to check
their increase or to prevent their ravages. Native
birth, as Mr Lindsay stated, do not seem to enjoy
the neighb3urhood of man, as they almost invari-
ably retire before him ; but our old English friends,
such as the sparrow, rejoice in human society, and
seem to be most at home amidst the busy haunts of
men. It is well known that these birds are exceed-
ingly useful in keeping in check the increase o
vexatious and noisome insects; so that it is not a
mere childish amusement, beneath the notice of a
body of grave and thoughtful men, to endeavour to
acclimatise these small birds, but a work of great
importance and usefulness.

In all the neighbouring colonies the work of accli-
matisation has been vigorously taken up and ener-
getically prosecuted. Especially in Victoria has it
gone on successfully, owing undoubtedly in a great
measure to the indefatigable zeal and unwearied in.
dustry of Mr Edward Wilson. That gentleman has

thrown his whole energies into the good work, and
in the face of sneers, contempt, and obloquy, he has
succeeded, to an extent which ought to make any
man proud, in establishing the Victorian Society
o❑ a firm basig. The Government have liberally-
seconded the efforts of the society, and with a far-
seeing wisdom and foresight have recognised the
service which such a society properly conducted may
render to the colony. We have made one or two
efforts here, but it must be confessed they have
proved abortive. Now, however, we are glad to see
the subject taken up in an earnest spirit. The
thing has got into good hands, and we trust it will

prove a great success. It seems very obvious, how-
ever, that the society need not look to Parliament
for much assistance. From the debate in . the
Assembly it is clear enough that no very cordial
feeling exists amongst hon. members in favour of
acclimatising efforts. Only £5OO was asked for to
assist in starting a society which, in all probabi-
lity, will be the means of adding largely to the re-
sources of the colony, and that sum, small as it is,
was refused. The Government offered £3OO, coupled
with the condition that the friends of the society
should raise an equal amount, and that proposal
the house, not without some demur and grumbling,
at last carried. We hope those who see the import-
ance of the movement will at once subscribe the
amount requisite to secure the Parliamentary grant.
There ought not to be much difficulty in obtaining
£3OO for an object so well worthy of public sup-
putt. If the Parliament have been shabby there is
the more need for the public to be generous.—
Adelaide Observer, Oct. 8,

TRIFLE CHILD MURDER NEAR LEOMINSTER.—
For some six months past a young woman, named
Elmira Smith, about 17 or NS years of age, has been living in
the service of a Mr Wilkes, at the Leysterr, near Leomin-
ster. About half-past 12 o'clock on Monday last Mrs
Wilkes had occasion to go upstairs, ,a hen she saw the girl
Smith in one of the bedrooms with a large slop pail full of
water. Alrs Wilkes said she would carry it downstairs for
the girl. To this Snait,.. made strong objections; the sus-
picions of Mrs Wilkes became aroused ; she insisted upon
taking the pail away with her, and eventually carried it
downstairs. Mr Wilkes was communicated with, and he
examined the contents of the pail with a stick. He first
brought up to the top of the water the arm of a child, then
the body of a find grown infant ; he next brought up the
leg and afterwards the body of a second child, and at last
discovered a third. The three children were all of course
dead. The girl Smith had delivered herself of the three
children at a birth, and provided herself with the slop pail
of water, into which she had plunged them immediately
they were born. The girl had always borne a good charac-
ter and was a hare-working industrious servant, She re-
mains in custody, awaiting the inquest.