BIRDS, BEASTS and FISHES: THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF THE NORTH CANTERBURY ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. By R.C. Lamb.

1964 1st edition. 8vo (148 x 221mm). Pp184. B/w photographs, map, bibliography. Blue cloth, spine titled in black.

A fascinating history covering the introduction to New Zealand of salmon (chinook), brown and rainbow trout, hares, game birds, deer and other birds and mammals. "Between January 1867 and March 1880, no fewer than six shipments of birds were brought from England to Canterbury. In the same period hares became established in the province and brown trout were distributed in our rivers. There are many facets to the story of acclimatisation in Canterbury. Whichever one the author fastens on, whether it be deer, pheasant, ostrich or bumble bee, he writes about it with clarity and in a way that will carry the reader along with him. This book affords some captivating glimpses of Canterbury's social history." Chapters include: The preliminary years; The society is formed - horticultural aims; Introduction of fish; Angling in the Avon; Introduction of birds; Hares, coursing and rabbits; Deer; Small birds nuisance; Magpie, minah and swan; Bees; Game birds - pheasant; More game birds; Anglers' and rangers' huts; Goat, alpaca and ostrich; Legislation; Fish research; The society's grounds; Quinnat salmon; Rangers; Present work of the society. The three appendices are: Presidents, secretaries and curators; Shipment of birds 1867-1880; Persons licensed to shoot pheasants.