The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-05-03
The Auckland AccIImaIisation So
ciety.

The people of the Australian and New
Zealand Colonies have for years past used
most persistent and well organised efforts
to improve and domesticate the plants
and animals of the country as well as to
acclimatise such foreign plants and birds
as are considered useful and ornamental
Among the most useful and wisely con-
Quoted of these societies is the Acclimati-
sation Society of Auckland. This So
ciety, which by the way, has only been
organized about four years, is doing a no
bic work in introducing into that colony
rare and useful plants, birds and fishes.
The society is most liberal in the distri-
button of its treasures, not only to other
portions of the colony, but foreign coun-
tries have been generously furnished by
it with rare and valuable contributions of
birds and plants Several valuable and
useful birds have been received here from
that source, the last of which, the Pukeko,
(Porphyrio Melanotus) a swamp bird,
apparently confined to New Zealand,
three of which were received by the last
steamer much resembling the common
mud-hen in form, though of much more
beautiful plumage, is very valuable
acquisition. This bird is said to be equal
as delicacy for the table to our small
Teal duck. They were placed by the
Minister of Interior, to whom they were
forwarded, in charge of Mr.. J. A Hassin-
ger, whose skill IN taking care of such
strangers is only excelled by his love Of
the occupation.
We understand that as soon as the
birds are sufficiently acclimatised and re-
covered from their sea voyage they will
be set at large, when it is to be hoped they
viii prosper and in the course of few
years add another to the few game birds
in this country.
Efforts are being made to reciprocate
the generous contributions of the Auck-
land Society by forwarding some of the
rare plants and birds found here. We
understand that pair or more of the
Meme, or Mountain Geese of Hawaii, will
be forwarded so soon as they can be
procured But little attention is paid
here to the raising of this most valuable
bird, the reason for which neglect we can
not well understand, as it is very easily
domesticated and is superior for the table
to either the domestic goose or duck.
The Auckland Society, during the past
year has successfully introduced into New
Zealand several varieties of birds, fishes.
&c, among the most important being the
rock from England and the trout from
Tasmania. The silk-worm has also been
introduced and so for as the experiment
has progressed, great hopes are entertain
ed that silk-growing will be made
profitable aud important business in that
colony. In order to insure success in this
steps are being taken to pro
cure a good stock of white and Philli-
pine Island mulberlies, those species being
considered best adapted for the food of
the silk-worm.
During the past year many varieties of
Australian and New Zealand birds have
been introduced here, nearly all of which
have done well, seeming to be perfectly
satisfied with the climate and food which
they find in their new home.
BY the report of the society, a copy of
which we have before us, we notice that
/ contribution of twenty-one guineas has
oeen received from the Hawaiian Islands
which is noticed as follows in the Report:
IAN interesting addition 10 the societys funds is
he sum Of twenty-one gnineas from the Hawaiian
Stands. including subscription from His Majesty
he King, and another from the Hawaiian Board of
agriculture. Such evidence of the increased value u
laced upon aeelimatisation efforts is peculiarly
ratifying.n