The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-16
Tho Australian Conflict Between Rab-
bits and Man.


IT, IL curious fact that the larger and APP
narently more formidable species OF animals
are much more easily destroyed and driven
from off the face OF tho earth than creatures
which are comparatively insignificant In
size. In all quarters OF the globe large game
decreases and finally disappears before the
advance OF civilization. The American bison
which once roamed the plains OF the far west
IN herds numbering thousands OF animals
is now only met with as a curiosity Ia menag-
cries or in the private park OF some gen.
tleman who, like Mr.. AUSTIN CoRBIN. takes
an interest In collecting wild beasts. In
Africa the camelopard has been driven
northward from its former haunts toward
the equatorial regions, and the African ele-
phant Is sought after by the ivory hunters
so persistently that experienced travellers
predict the ultimate extinction OF that AMI
NAL before many years have elapsed.
In the contest between man and these
large creatures, man Is easily the victor. IL
Is in struggles with more diminutive Toes
that he Is forced to succumb. Only about
twenty years ago we introduced the Euro
pean sparrow into this country to help us
fight against the insect pests that we're de-
stroying vegetation in our city parks; ana
to-day these birds have become such nul-
sance that the Legislature OF the state OF
New York has declared it to be crime to
feed them, and in other States bouhties are
paid for their destruction.
In the early colonial days OF Australia and
New Zealand the European rabbit was intro
duced by the settlers. Whether the AMI
mails were originally taken to the antpodes
for purposes OF sport or food Is not known,
but at all events the increase OF these AMI
mails, especially in Australia, has been 30
enormous as to constitute serious obstacle
to the successful prosecution OF agricultural
pursuits. The destruction caused by tho
rabbits was 80 great in the colony OF New
South Wales that In August, 1887, the colo
NAL authorities issued proclamation offer
ing a reward OF G25,0O0 for any method for
the effectual determination Of the animals.
This offer was published in all parts OF the
world and resulted In the submission OF
very large number OF projects and schemes
to the Royal Commissioners in charge OF the
matter. One suggestion which attracted
good deal OF attention and no little unfavor-
able comment, was plan, attributed to some
Of the disciples of PAsTEUR in France. of in
oculating number Of rabbits with the virus
of fatal and communicable malady, and
letting these rabbits loose in the colony to
mingle with the wild rabbits, and thus
spread the infection.
Whether this plan has been tried we do
not know; but final report has recently
been issued by the Commissioners in which
they acknowledge the failure Of their ef-
forts to obtain any efflcacious method for the
extinction OF the rabbits. They declare that
they have found no evidence to warrant the
belief that these animals can be extermi-
mated by any known means. 1t appears.
however, that some protection against the
Of the rabbits Is afforded by the
use of wire net for fencing purposes, and the
Commissioners therefore recommend that
the Government should advance money in
certain cases to the lessees OF public lands
In order to enable them to defray the cost OF
such fencing In the first instance.
1t is an interesting commentary on the
boosted powers Of man, that all his ingenu-
ity, stimulated by the offer of q reward of
$l25, 900. is insufficient to enable him to deal
effectively with one Of the gentlest and least
animals on earth.