Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Printed notice found inserted in a copy of Victoria Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Council, Session 1850, Bills. The first page of this circular, headed 'Ballarat Acclimatisation Society', gives the names of office-bearers and members of the Committee.

BALLARAT, 1st. JUNE, 1863.

Sir,

I am directed by the Committee of the Ballarat Acclimatisation Society, to solicit your kind co-operation in assisting them in their endeavours to establish this Society, the usefulness and advantages to be derived from its success, are of such a nature that I feel convinced on giving it due consideration, it will meet with your approbation and support.

Objects of the Society.

1. The objects of the Society shall be the introduction, acclimatisation, and domestication of all innoxious animals, birds, fishes, insects, and vegetables, whether useful or ornamental; — the perfection, propagation, and hybridisation of races newly introduced or already domesticated; — the spread of indigenous animals &c., from parts of the colonies where they are already known, to other localities where they are not known; — the procuring, whether by purchase, gift, or exhange, of animals &c., from Great Britain, the British colonies, and foreign countries; — the transmission of animals, &c., from the colony to England and foreign parts, in exchange for others sent thence to the Society; — the holding of periodical meetings, and inquiry into the causes of success or failure; — the interchange of reports &c., with kindred associations in other parts of the world, with the view, by correspondence and mutual good offices, of giving the widest possible scope to the project of acclimatisation; — the conferring rewards, honorary or intrinsically valuable, upon seafaring men, passengers from distant countries, and others who may render valuable services to the cause of acclimatisation.

Membership.

2. A subscriber of one pound or upwards annually, shall be a Member of the Society; and contributors within one year, of ten guineas or upwards shall be Life Members of the Society; and any person who may render special services to the Society, by contribution of stock or otherwise, shall be eligible for life membership, and may be elected as such by the Committee, or by any annual general meeting.

Subscriptions.

3. The annual subscription shall be payable on the 1st day of May in each year, and may be received by any Member of the Committee, or the Secretary, either of whom on receiving the same shall cause the person so subscribing, to be enrolled a member accordingly.

I have therefore respectfully to request you will aid the objects of the Society, by obtaining Subscriptions and Donations.