"Firstly, a fine property has been secured for that purpose; there is plenty of water in the river, and Hippopotami and Crocodiles, and other water-loving animals, birds, and fish will undoubtedly thrive splendidly; indigenous trees or rather shrubs, grass, and reeds abound, and the animals will at once be at home there.
"Secondly, the valley in which Pretoria now stands was, as I have already pointed out, once the habitat of a great variety of game; consequently it may reasonably be hoped that animals will prosper better there than, for instance, Cape Town,[1] with its climate and pasturage almost foreign to some species; or than in the London Zoo, with its fogs, cold weather, and new conditions of life.
"Thirdly, Pretoria, situated as it is, will be able to secure specimens of many rare animals in the Sabi Valley and elsewhere at a comparatively low cost, for there will be no great difficulty about transporting them.
"Fourthly, it is hoped that an extensive track of at present almost valueless country, either in the districts of Waterberg or Zoutpansberg, or the Sabi Valley, may be secured from the Government in the near future, for the purpose of forming an immense reserve. I feel confident that, once such a grant has been obtained, funds sufficient to enable us to close the territory, and to drive in and secure as much game as possible, will be forthcoming from the many men who wish to see a comprehensive scheme for the preservation of wild animals set on foot."
Bird Migration in Great Britain and Ireland.—The Third Interim Report of the Committee appointed to work out the details of the Observations of Migrations of Birds at Lighthouses and Lightships, 1880–87, was presented at the recent meeting of the British Association at Bradford, and consists of a "Statement furnished to the Committee by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, containing a summary of the observations as regards (i.) the Song-Thrush (Turdus musicus), and (ii.) the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)." As regards the extreme value and interest of the publication, the Committee well remark that it "throws such a light on the natural history, and especially the movements, of those two species as has never been possessed before."
- ↑ "It must, however, in fairness, be remembered that when Van Riebeek and his Dutch companions landed in Table Bay in April, 1652, they found a great profusion of animal life roaming upon its shores. Hippopotami occupied a swamp, it is said, on the present site of Church Square, and 'Harts and Elands' were numerous on the slopes of Table Mountain. The surrounding country was 'swarming with Elands, Hartebeests, and Stemboks,' and Lions were numerous and bold; even as late as June, 1694, nine Cows were killed by Lions within sight of the Castle; and the animals in Mr. Rhodes's Zoo have hitherto thrived fairly well, although some of the species are but poor representatives of their wild brothers."
