The full catastrophe ... Le chevreuil, le lièvre at le lapin. Print: John James Audubon.
By Anne Paul
AS A follow up to Christine Grayden’s article Happy 200th birthday, Baron Von Mueller, I thought readers would appreciate an article I came upon while researching the hoop pine in the Cowes Isle of Wight site.
Last year I nominated this tree for the Bass Coast Shire Council significant tree register. I have some knowledge of hoop and bunya pines, after earlier research to identify the provenance of several specimens in Yallambie that were likely planted or provided by Baron von Mueller in the 1850s.
Both hoop and bunya pines are native NSW / Queensland conifers of the Araucaria family, related to the Wollemi pine.
The edited article below provides insight into the thinking of Baron von Mueller and colleagues in the Victorian Acclimatisation Society. It details their links to Phillip Island and the wider extent of their activities.
As pointed out in the December article, we can thank the Baron for blackberries - introduced on purpose in 1858. Von Mueller began cultivating blackberries at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and scattered their seeds in the bush, thinking they would provide food for settlers.
As pointed out in the December article, we can thank the Baron for blackberries - introduced on purpose in 1858. Von Mueller began cultivating blackberries at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and scattered their seeds in the bush, thinking they would provide food for settlers.
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VICTORIAN ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.
(From the Australasian, December 22, 1865.)
The annual meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria was held on Wednesday, at the society's office in Swanston Street. His Excellency the Governor had promised to preside; but in consequence of indisposition, he was unable to attend the meeting. In the absence of his Excellency, Dr. Mueller, one of the vice-presidents of the society, occupied the chair.
The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, remarked that the labours of the society had been confined entirely to the introduction of animals or plants which were likely to be of practical utility to the colony. Whenever the society's collection had been supplemented by objects of mere ornament or luxury, those contributions were furnished by the private expenditure of the friends of the society. He mentioned that to prevent the unnecessary expenditure of the funds of the society, which was largely supported by the state, the council had not attempted to maintain a costly menagerie at the Royal Park, which by some persons had been made a ground of complaint against it. There was ample scope for the exertions of the society in a utilitarian direction, and there would be for many years to come.
One object to which the council was specially devoting attention was the introduction of different kinds of sea fish from Europe. The development of the fisheries of the colony was one of the most important things which could engage the attention of the Acclimatisation Society, because not only would it increase the food of the people, but it would also furnish an abundant supply of substances which would be most valuable as refertilisers of the land. The council contemplated making full inquiries as to the acclimatisation of such fish as the sturgeon, the cod, and the herring. An unfavourable opinion formerly existed as to the practicability of acclimatising the herring in this part of the world, but further information led to a more hopeful opinion on the matter. Another object which the council had specially in view, was the collecting of information as to the climatic condition of various parts of Victoria or, in other words, to ascertain the capabilities of different portions of the colony for the acclimatisation of particular animals, plants.
There were several great climatic centres in the colony. For instance, there was the country about the Murray, where the climate was very warm, with a dry atmosphere; there was a moist and cooler climate in the eastern parts of the colony; there was the equable and not very warm climate in the neighbourhood of the fern-tree gullies; and there was a different kind of climate from any of these in the Alpine' regions.
Next year the council proposed, by practical experiments, to test the influence of these various climatic centres upon different plants and animals. He had thought it right briefly to allude to these matters, which were some of the objects which the council had in view, as a proof that there was ample scope for the labours of the society. The council were very willing to devote a share of their time and attention to the great work of acclimatisation, and he hoped that the public would second their wishes in a tangible form, by continuing to support the society, and assist it in the accomplishments of its objects.
(From the Australasian, December 22, 1865.)
The annual meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria was held on Wednesday, at the society's office in Swanston Street. His Excellency the Governor had promised to preside; but in consequence of indisposition, he was unable to attend the meeting. In the absence of his Excellency, Dr. Mueller, one of the vice-presidents of the society, occupied the chair.
The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, remarked that the labours of the society had been confined entirely to the introduction of animals or plants which were likely to be of practical utility to the colony. Whenever the society's collection had been supplemented by objects of mere ornament or luxury, those contributions were furnished by the private expenditure of the friends of the society. He mentioned that to prevent the unnecessary expenditure of the funds of the society, which was largely supported by the state, the council had not attempted to maintain a costly menagerie at the Royal Park, which by some persons had been made a ground of complaint against it. There was ample scope for the exertions of the society in a utilitarian direction, and there would be for many years to come.
One object to which the council was specially devoting attention was the introduction of different kinds of sea fish from Europe. The development of the fisheries of the colony was one of the most important things which could engage the attention of the Acclimatisation Society, because not only would it increase the food of the people, but it would also furnish an abundant supply of substances which would be most valuable as refertilisers of the land. The council contemplated making full inquiries as to the acclimatisation of such fish as the sturgeon, the cod, and the herring. An unfavourable opinion formerly existed as to the practicability of acclimatising the herring in this part of the world, but further information led to a more hopeful opinion on the matter. Another object which the council had specially in view, was the collecting of information as to the climatic condition of various parts of Victoria or, in other words, to ascertain the capabilities of different portions of the colony for the acclimatisation of particular animals, plants.
There were several great climatic centres in the colony. For instance, there was the country about the Murray, where the climate was very warm, with a dry atmosphere; there was a moist and cooler climate in the eastern parts of the colony; there was the equable and not very warm climate in the neighbourhood of the fern-tree gullies; and there was a different kind of climate from any of these in the Alpine' regions.
Next year the council proposed, by practical experiments, to test the influence of these various climatic centres upon different plants and animals. He had thought it right briefly to allude to these matters, which were some of the objects which the council had in view, as a proof that there was ample scope for the labours of the society. The council were very willing to devote a share of their time and attention to the great work of acclimatisation, and he hoped that the public would second their wishes in a tangible form, by continuing to support the society, and assist it in the accomplishments of its objects.
"Seven Sambar deer have been liberated at Western Port, six Axis deer at Yering, and twelve hog deer in the neighbourhood of Cape Liptrap; with these last were also set free several Ceylon peafowls, Guinea fowls, and pigeons."
The Secretary. (Mr. George Sprigg) read the report of the council for the year ending the 31st of August last, from which the following are extracts.
With regard to some of the more prominent results of the society's labours during the past year, the council would observe that seven Sambar deer have been liberated at Western Port, six Axis deer at Yering, and twelve hog deer in the neighbourhood of Cape Liptrap; with these last were also set free several Ceylon peafowls, Guinea fowls, and pigeons. A number of Guinea fowls were also liberated by Mr. R. T. Firebrace, at Heyfield, in Gipps Land. These birds, which have been recently seen, it is anticipated, from the wildness of their nature, will readily take to the bush, and as they breed rapidly, will soon prove of value to sportsmen and others. Twelve Ceylon partridges have been taken charge of by Mr. Austin, for the purpose of turning loose at Barwon Park.
With regard to some of the more prominent results of the society's labours during the past year, the council would observe that seven Sambar deer have been liberated at Western Port, six Axis deer at Yering, and twelve hog deer in the neighbourhood of Cape Liptrap; with these last were also set free several Ceylon peafowls, Guinea fowls, and pigeons. A number of Guinea fowls were also liberated by Mr. R. T. Firebrace, at Heyfield, in Gipps Land. These birds, which have been recently seen, it is anticipated, from the wildness of their nature, will readily take to the bush, and as they breed rapidly, will soon prove of value to sportsmen and others. Twelve Ceylon partridges have been taken charge of by Mr. Austin, for the purpose of turning loose at Barwon Park.
Many of the animals that were so beloeved in Europe have had a devastating impact in Australia.
The council are glad to be able to assure the members that the English hare may be looked upon as fairly established. At the Royal Park the two brace that were turned loose have bred repeatedly, and the animals are seen every day; whilst at Phillip Island they have increased so rapidly that Mr. McHaffie estimates their number as exceeding 200. Several of the birds that were turned loose on Phillip Island are known to be increasing, and Mr. McHaffie has, in the most generous manner, presented the society with a herd of some eighty head of fallow deer, now running on the island.
The society has received, through the kindness of Sir William Hooker and Mr. George McLeay, a large number of the cork oak trees, which, although not a new introduction, yet are of so valuable a character as to render it desirable to multiply them as fast as possible. Major Michael, of the Indian army, has also sent from Madras a large parcel of senna seed, which has been extensively circulated through the colony and the society is indebted to Mr. L. A. Bernays, of Brisbane, for a few roots of the Convolvulus Jalapa, Mr. Bernays having received them through Sir Thomas Baring. The council took advantage of the arrival of some superior varieties of Spanish chestnut trees at Sydney to secure a few for this colony.
In order to afford cover for the birds which are being constantly liberated at the Royal Park, and also to beautify the park, a large number of copses have during the last year been formed in the park - a large quantity of seeds and plants having been furnished from the Botanic Gardens for the purpose and although the unusually dry seasons lately experienced have somewhat retarded the growth of the plants, yet the progress made leaves no doubt of the ultimate advantage that will be obtained.
The society has received, through the kindness of Sir William Hooker and Mr. George McLeay, a large number of the cork oak trees, which, although not a new introduction, yet are of so valuable a character as to render it desirable to multiply them as fast as possible. Major Michael, of the Indian army, has also sent from Madras a large parcel of senna seed, which has been extensively circulated through the colony and the society is indebted to Mr. L. A. Bernays, of Brisbane, for a few roots of the Convolvulus Jalapa, Mr. Bernays having received them through Sir Thomas Baring. The council took advantage of the arrival of some superior varieties of Spanish chestnut trees at Sydney to secure a few for this colony.
In order to afford cover for the birds which are being constantly liberated at the Royal Park, and also to beautify the park, a large number of copses have during the last year been formed in the park - a large quantity of seeds and plants having been furnished from the Botanic Gardens for the purpose and although the unusually dry seasons lately experienced have somewhat retarded the growth of the plants, yet the progress made leaves no doubt of the ultimate advantage that will be obtained.
The following is a detailed list of the animals introduced during the past year's Axis deer, 3 Ceylon deer, 2 fallow deer, 1 gazelle, 2 Madagascar sheep, 5 Russian sheep, 3 secretary birds, 3 Victoria crowned goura pigeons, 7 Californian mountain quail, 6 Madagascar quail, 2 rufus tailed pheasants; 5 English pheasants, 13 Ceylon partridges, 5 English partridges, 4 Ceylon pea-fowls, 3 grey Indian geese, 3 bar headed Indian geese, 7 paradise ducks, 2 Tour birds, 3 Indian partridges.
The council had hoped to have been able to include in this lists words of 100 Angora goats, for the purchase of which a sum of £1200 has been long waiting in Mr. R. Philpott's hands, in London, and Thatcher, the society's travelling agent, was sent to England especially to take charge of these animals on the voyage out. Owing, however, to delays inseparable from such enterprises, and the difficulties of communicating with any certainty with the owners of these goats, situated as they are in the remote districts of Asia Minor, this hope is not realised, and it will probably be even yet two or three months before the animals can be expected here,
The object the council have in view in expending so large a sum of money on the introduction of the Angora goat is the rapid establishment of that animal as a source of wealth in the colony. With the small experiment already made, the Angora goat has proved itself admirably adapted to the climate of Victoria, and producing as it does a heavy fleece of valuable wool, for which there is always a steady demand, it cannot fail in speedily finding favour with the breeders of stock. In addition to these advantages, it possesses another that of beings able to subsist on such scanty herbage, that it will bring into practical utility land which for sheep is absolutely useless.
The object the council have in view in expending so large a sum of money on the introduction of the Angora goat is the rapid establishment of that animal as a source of wealth in the colony. With the small experiment already made, the Angora goat has proved itself admirably adapted to the climate of Victoria, and producing as it does a heavy fleece of valuable wool, for which there is always a steady demand, it cannot fail in speedily finding favour with the breeders of stock. In addition to these advantages, it possesses another that of beings able to subsist on such scanty herbage, that it will bring into practical utility land which for sheep is absolutely useless.
"At Phillip Island hares have increased so rapidly that Mr. McHaffie estimates their number as exceeding 200. Several of the birds that were turned loose on Phillip Island are known to be increasing, and Mr. McHaffie has, in the most generous manner, presented the society with a herd of some eighty head of fallow deer, now running on the island."
The council have great pleasure in being able to congratulate the society on the continued success of the salmon experiment. The object which the council had in retaining a small portion of the ova in Melbourne has been fully accomplished. The experiment of putting the young fish into the Badger Creek was made with a view of ascertaining whether the tributaries of the Yarra were suitable by temperature and by natural character to serve as the home of the salmon in the fresh-water stage of its existence. That experiment has been entirely successful. It has been shown that the young salmon may be kept in perfect health and condition in the waters of the Yarra, and that up to the sea-going stage at least, there is no natural impediment to the acclimatisation of the fish in Victoria. The few fish which were placed in the Badger Creek were turned into the Yarra in May, having been of a size and condition to warrant the Council in believing that they would be able to thrive in the open river. These fish should have proceeded to sea about October last, and a few of them, according to their habit, ought to return to the river as grilse in December or January. Of course, nothing can be known with certainty as to their present condition, nor can it be expected that the few which were the subjects of the experiment are to be regarded as having stocked the river. Enough, however, has been proved by the small experiment which the Council has made, that there are no insurmountable difficulties in the way of the ultimate naturalisation of the salmon in the Victoria rivers. In Tasmania, which has been made the principal seat of the experiment for those colonies, the success has been most gratifying, both the salmon and trout may be looked upon as established there.
Through the kindness of Mr. Charles Macarthur, of Launceston, the Council have also been enabled to introduce the English carp.
Whilst treating of fishes, the council would observe that they have taken every opportunity to aid in the development of the fisheries of this colony. Taking advantage of the kindness of Captain Tonkin, of the Norfolk, they purchased a trawl net which that gentleman had brought out, in the hope of being able to test the deep sea fisheries, and this net was placed by the council at the service of the fishing expedition recently fitted out by the Government.
By recent advices from Mr. E. L. Layard, of Cape Town, the council learn with delight that he has purchased for the society two pairs of elands and two pairs of ostriches, all of which may shortly be expected to arrive. With reference to the ostriches, it may be well to mention that quite a new industry, and one of a most profitable nature, is being formed in South Africa by farmers, who keep these birds in a state of some captivity, and pluck the wing feathers every year. The produce of each bird is estimated as worth about £25 per annum, and by this means the barbarous practice of shooting the birds with poisoned arrows, which has hitherto so extensively prevailed, is largely done away with. The council have also been informed that four young ostriches are being sent out by the French society.
As an interesting and useful experiment in acclimatisation, the council took advantage of an offer made by the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs upon the occasion of the recent visit of H.M.C.S. Victoria to the Auckland, Campbell, and other islands of the Antarctic group, to send down a number of goats, pigs, rabbits, and fowls. These were set free on those islands by Commander Norman and it is hoped that they will increase, and prove of value to persons who may be shipwrecked on the islands.
A balance-sheet for the year was also submitted, from which it appeared that the revenue was £4.021 14s. 4d., and the expenditure showed, a balance of £20 9s. 6d.in hand. The revenue was as follows: Balance from the previous year, £696 4s. 6d.; Government grant, £2000; subscriptions and donations, £800 6s. 1d.; grazing - fees,. £397 15s. 7d.; sale of animals, £67 7s. 6d. The expenditure included the following items: Purchase-of animals, £717 Os. 9d.; park improvements, £990 Ids. 5d.; salaries and wages, £1039 13s. 7d.; stores, tools, and contingencies, £305 9s. 1d.; food and forage, £406 1s. 4d.;. office expenses, £251 10s. 6d.; Phillip Island depot, £75 2s. 4d.; expenses on salmon, 155 12s. 10d.
The report was unanimously adopted, and also a vote of thanks to the officers of the society.
Through the kindness of Mr. Charles Macarthur, of Launceston, the Council have also been enabled to introduce the English carp.
Whilst treating of fishes, the council would observe that they have taken every opportunity to aid in the development of the fisheries of this colony. Taking advantage of the kindness of Captain Tonkin, of the Norfolk, they purchased a trawl net which that gentleman had brought out, in the hope of being able to test the deep sea fisheries, and this net was placed by the council at the service of the fishing expedition recently fitted out by the Government.
By recent advices from Mr. E. L. Layard, of Cape Town, the council learn with delight that he has purchased for the society two pairs of elands and two pairs of ostriches, all of which may shortly be expected to arrive. With reference to the ostriches, it may be well to mention that quite a new industry, and one of a most profitable nature, is being formed in South Africa by farmers, who keep these birds in a state of some captivity, and pluck the wing feathers every year. The produce of each bird is estimated as worth about £25 per annum, and by this means the barbarous practice of shooting the birds with poisoned arrows, which has hitherto so extensively prevailed, is largely done away with. The council have also been informed that four young ostriches are being sent out by the French society.
As an interesting and useful experiment in acclimatisation, the council took advantage of an offer made by the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs upon the occasion of the recent visit of H.M.C.S. Victoria to the Auckland, Campbell, and other islands of the Antarctic group, to send down a number of goats, pigs, rabbits, and fowls. These were set free on those islands by Commander Norman and it is hoped that they will increase, and prove of value to persons who may be shipwrecked on the islands.
A balance-sheet for the year was also submitted, from which it appeared that the revenue was £4.021 14s. 4d., and the expenditure showed, a balance of £20 9s. 6d.in hand. The revenue was as follows: Balance from the previous year, £696 4s. 6d.; Government grant, £2000; subscriptions and donations, £800 6s. 1d.; grazing - fees,. £397 15s. 7d.; sale of animals, £67 7s. 6d. The expenditure included the following items: Purchase-of animals, £717 Os. 9d.; park improvements, £990 Ids. 5d.; salaries and wages, £1039 13s. 7d.; stores, tools, and contingencies, £305 9s. 1d.; food and forage, £406 1s. 4d.;. office expenses, £251 10s. 6d.; Phillip Island depot, £75 2s. 4d.; expenses on salmon, 155 12s. 10d.
The report was unanimously adopted, and also a vote of thanks to the officers of the society.