TCbe Journal OF THE East Africa and Ugand Natural History Society VOL. I. No. 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8, 7. 8. 9, 10, 11, 12. 13. CONTENTS F. J. Jackson, OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY . NOTES BY THE HONORARY SECRETARY RULES OF THE SOCIETY .... LIST OF MEMBERS .... EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANC OLINS C.B., G.M.G., P.Z.S., F.L.S., M.B.O.U. ...... NATURE STUDY. C. W, Hobley, C.M.G., M.R.Anthrop.Inst, DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA, E, Baxtiscombe, Assoc, Arbor, Society , ... SOME EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES. Rev. K, Sx. Aubyn Rogers FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA- WITH NOTES ON THE HAGEDASH IBIS, Stereo ...... SOME NOTES ON THE HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT ON THE GUAS NGISHU PLATEAU. A.C.Hoey THE KARIANDUSS DEPOSITS OF THE RIFT VALLEY. C. W. Hobley, M.R.Anthrop. Inst. . TROUT IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA, F. J. Jackson, C.B., C.M.G., F.Z.S.. F.L.S., M.B.O.U. ....... STRANGE CASE OF SNAKE BITE. Francis Burmeisteb January 1910 52 58 57 ILLUSTRATIONS I. HUBBARD’S FRANCOLIN, . II, EUXANTHE WAKEF1ELDI, EUX. TIBERIUS, III. HAGEDASH IBIS ON NEST. Coloured Frontispiece , To face page £2 , To face page 48 EDITORS C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G. T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO, 22QR88 39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, NEW YORK, BOMBAY, AND CAL&TTA^ ^ > • Jill rights reserved mm THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY patrons SIR E. P. C. GIROUARD, R.E., K.C.M.G., D.S.O. SIR JAMES HAYES SADLER, K.C.M.G., C.B, SIR H. HESKETH BELL, K.C.M.G. president anO Chairman ot Executive Committee E. J. JACKSON, C.B., C.M.G., E.Z.S., E.L.S., M.B.O.U. Wce*pre*fcent R. J. CTJNNINGHAME, F.Z.S. Executive Committee THE RIGHT HON. LORD DELAMERE R. J. STORDY, M.R.C.V.S. E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society A* B. PERCEVAL, F.Z.S., M.B.O.T3L T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. •foonorarg treasurer 0. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G., M.R.AntbropJnsfe. fl>onorar£ Secretary J. SERGEANT f>onorar£ Curator T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sa FRANCOLINUS HUBBARDI S ? 4 Natural Size. THE JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY VOL. I. No. 1. JAN. 1910. NOTES BY THE HONOBABY SECBETABY After considerable delay caused by various circumstances over which the Committee have had no control, the first number of the Society’s Journal is herewith presented to the members. The initial work in a publication of this kind is very con- siderable, and, in addition, delay has been occasioned through several articles promised by members not having been received up to the time of going to press, but the Committee are hopeful that our first number having now been published, there will be no further difficulty in obtaining from members contributions of articles, notes, and correspondence for the Journal. The tendency in similar official publications seems to be to allow the burden of contribution to devolve upon a few members only, but it is confidently expected that such will not be our experience, and that each member will make a point of sending in something of interest during the year for publica- tion in our columns, and in this connexion it seems almost needless to remind members that the success or otherwise of the Journal rests entirely in their hands. As will be seen by the list of members, our first year’s existence has resulted in a membership of sixty-four, which is regarded as very satisfactory, but if the expectations of the Committee are to be fulfilled and their plans carried out, we shall require a membership of at least one hundred, or, in other words, an annual income of £100. Vol. I. — No. 1. B 2 NOTES BY THE HONORARY SECRETARY It is thought that with such a creditable production as is now placed in the members’ hands they can have no hesitation in strongly recommending the Society to their friends and doing all in their power to secure new members. It naturally depends upon our income as well as upon the help members render in sending contributions to the Editors, whether the Journal is a quarterly or a half-yearly publication. The Committee have made arrangements for the rental of a building in Nairobi, which is to be specially erected for the Society in a central situation for the purpose of a Museum and meeting place, according to plans very kindly prepared by Mr. Rand Overy. The Museum will be thirty feet long by twenty-five feet wide, and there will be an adjoining room sixteen feet by fourteen feet for a Committee room. When this building is completed in a few months’ time, the Society will have a home and a meeting place, and be ready to commence the collection of specimens for what will some day undoubtedly become a National Museum. The Nairobi Municipal Committee, recognising the import- ance of the movement which we are now inaugurating, have recommended the reservation of a plot of land on the Sixth Avenue for the eventual erection of a National Museum. A notice will be sent to members when the building is completed, and the Committee will be grateful if they will do their utmost to make the Museum a credit to the Society by collecting specimens themselves and asking friends to forward any duplicates they may obtain for the Society’s collection. Specimens should be sent to the Honorary Curator, Mr. T. J. Anderson, Chief of the Entomological Division, Agricultural Department, Nairobi. John Sergeant, Honorary Secretary. Communications relating to the Journal and the general business of the Society should be addressed to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. John Sergeant, Chief Accountant, Public Works Department, Nairobi. RULES OF THE SOCIETY 3 RULES OF THE SOCIETY 1. The Society shall be called the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society. 2. Its object shall be the general advancement of the study of Natural History in British East Africa and Uganda. 3. The headquarters of the Society shall be in Nairobi. 4. The Society shall consist of such Patrons and Honorary Members and Ordinary Members as shall be elected. Patrons and Honorary Members shall be Governors, Lieut. -Governors, of the Protectorates and Colonial Secretaries or distinguished scientific men who may from time to time be elected by the Society. Patrons and Honorary Members shall not be liable for any subscriptions or entrance fees. 5. Members shall be elected by the Committee. On and after July 1st, 1909, candidates for election to the Society shall be proposed and seconded by Ordinary Members. 6. The subscription for membership shall be Rs. 155. per annum, falling due on the 1st of January each year. Any member joining on or after July 1st, in any year, shall only pay half the subscription, viz. Rs. 7-50 for that year. (a) All subscriptions shall be paid during the first month in which they fall due. Members three months in arrear may, if the Committee so decide, cease to be members. (b) Any member being in arrear one month shall cease to receive any publications of the Society so long as his subscrip- tion remains in arrear. 7. An Annual General Meeting shall be called by the Committee early in each year, due notice being given in the press. This Meeting shall be for the election of officers, the submission of accounts, and any other business. 8. A President and a Vice-President of the Society shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting, and if a vacancy occurs in the Presidency, the Vice-President shall become President until next General Meeting. 9. The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer and Committee shall be similarly appointed by the General Meeting. 10. In the event of a vacancy in the post or temporary B 2 4 KULES OF THE SOCIETY absence of the Vice-President, the Honorary Secretary or the Honorary Treasurer, the Committee shall elect substitutes to act until the next General Meeting or until the return of the officers in question. 11. Notice of resolutions to be brought before a General Meeting by members shall be given to the Honorary Secretary at least fourteen days before the Meeting. 12. The Committee shall be twelve in number, including the President, Vice-President, Honorary Secretary, and Hon- orary Treasurer, but the Committee shall have power to elect an additional member if necessary. 13. Four Members of the Committee shall form a quorum at a Committee Meeting. Fifteen Members shall form a quorum at a General Meeting. No alteration in the constitution of the Society shall be carried except by a vote of two-thirds of the members which shall be ascertained by a referendum. 14. Ordinary Meetings shall be held as often as the Com- mittee may decide. 15. The business of the General Meetings of the Society shall be conducted as nearly as possible in the following order : (1) Minutes of preceding meeting to be read and con- firmed and signed by Chairman. (2) Business arising out of Minutes to be discussed. (3) Communications from Members relating to business to be brought forward. (4) Election of Officers, &c., &c. 16. The Ordinary Meetings of the Society for Scientific business shall be conducted as nearly as possible as follows : (1) Minutes of preceding meeting to be read, confirmed, and signed by the Chairman. (2) Original papers or communications to be read and discussed, and any exhibits to be submitted. (3) Names of new Members to be announced. 17. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Com- mittee, or at the written request of twenty Members, and the date of same to be fixed by the Committee. 18. It shall be the duty of the Honorary Secretary to conduct the correspondence of the Society, to attend the meetings, and keep a record of the Minutes. 19. The Honorary Treasurer shall be responsible for the KULES OF THE SOCIETY 5 funds of the Society, and the presentation of proper accounts and the payment and collection of monies under the direction of the Committee. 20. At such time as the funds of the Society may admit a periodic bulletin shall be issued by the Society containing such original communications by members or other articles which the Committee may consider desirable to publish. 21. It shall be within the competence of the Committee to elect sub-committees to deal with any particular branch of business as the Committee may consider necessary. 22. The Committee shall have the right to expel from the Society any member who is guilty of any misdemeanour which shall in the opinion of the Committee render him unfit to be a member. The intention of the Committee shall, however, be notified to the Member in writing, and he shall be asked if he wishes to submit any explanation in writing to the Com- mittee before final action is taken. 28. Arrangements for a meeting place for the Society shall rest with the Committee, and the Committee shall be em- powered to authorise any necessary expenditure on this account. 24. All donations to the Society’s collection of Specimens and objects of scientific interest, books, photographs, &c., shall be the property of the Society, and shall be vested in the Committee for the time being of the Society, and shall be catalogued and entered in books kept for this purpose : the right of disposal of duplicates shall, however, rest with the Committee, and the Committee shall further be empowered to authorise expenditure for the due preservation of such specimens as may be acquired by the Society. 25. The Society shall, as funds admit, endeavour to form a reference library of such works as may be necessary for the promotion of the study of natural history, and the Committee shall draw up rules for the management of the library. 26. The Committee shall authorise the formation of corresponding committees at Mombasa, Entebbe, and as the growth of the country progresses at other centres, and shall draw up rules defining the relations of these Committees to the Central Committee. 27. The number of friends, if any, to be introduced at an ordinary Meeting shall be left to the discretion of the 6 LIST OF MEMBERS Committee, and their names shall be written in a book kept for the purpose. Such persons may join in a discussion on a paper read before the Society, but may not express any opinion on the Minutes or routine business of the meeting and may not vote on any resolution put to the Meeting. 28. Every Member of the Society shall be entitled to receive a copy of the publications of the Society, and the Committee shall have power to exchange publications with other Societies. 29. The Publishing Committee shall consist of the President, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and two members to be elected by the Committee. LIST OF MEMBERS Honorary Members Colonel the Hon. Theo. Roosevelt. Dr. E. A. Mearns. A. J. Loring. Ordinary Agnew, L. E. Ainsworth, J. B. Anderson, T. J. Baker, H. H. Baker, Mrs. H. H. Bateman, Captain H. R. Battiscombe, E. Bentley, I. C. Bruce. Sir David. Burmeister, Francis. Caine, L. E. Clarke, J. P. Crofts, D. G. CuNNINGHAME, R. J. Delamere, Lord. Drought, J. Dundas, Hon. K. Dundas, Hon. Chas. E. Heller. Kermit Roosevelt. Cherry Kearton. Members Ellis, Stephen. Falloon, Rev. W. M. Gilkison, T. T. Graham, Walter. Hammerton, Captain A. E. Heyer, Chas. A. Hobley, C. W. Hoey, A. C. Hollis, A. C. Holmes, R. Horne, H. H. Jackson, F. J. Kirk, H. C. Lawrence, E. H. Longden, G. Lowsley, Dr. L. D. Mackie, Captain F. P, Marten, I. G. EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 7 McMillan, W. N. Mildmay, G. St. John. Mildmay, Mrs. Montgomery, Colonel J. Muir, J. Neuman, B. Osborne, G. H. Oxley, F. Partington, H. B. Peffers, John P. Percival, A. B. Platts, W. A. F. Raphael, P. A. Ridley, M. A. Rogers, Rev. K. St. Aubyn. Ross, Major C. J. Sergeant, John. Seth-Smith, M. P. SCHOLEFIELD, S. W. J. SlLBERRAD, H. Someren, Dr. R. Van. Stordy, R. J. Talbot, A. A. Tannahill, A. C. Watkins, 0. Watson, C. R. Weeks, R. Wilson, W. MacLellan. Wright, Rev. G. W. EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS By F. J. Jackson. The following notes on the Francolins of East Africa and Uganda are written in the hope that all those interested in the game-birds may be able to identify the various species they meet with. Very little is known of their breeding habits, but it is hoped that residents in the districts in which some of the species are found will keep careful notes on such an important question, and will record their observations in this Journal. At present game-birds of all kinds are shot throughout the year, but until we can obtain authentic information regarding the breeding seasons, it is practically impossible even to suggest a close season, so much needed and which all sports- men and lovers of Nature would only be too glad to see introduced. The descriptions of the birds are taken from the ‘ Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum ’ by Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, to whom I am also indebted for the description of F. kikuyuensis and of the females of F. hubbardi and F. uluensis, which were described subsequent to the publication of the Catalogue. 8 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS We are also indebted to Mr. Ogilvie-Grant for allowing us to reproduce the coloured plate of F. hubbardi, the original of which, drawn by Major H. Jones, is in his collection. FRANCOLINUS GEDGEI Francolinus gedgei, Ogilvie-Grant. 4 Ogilvie-Grant’ s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 163. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 25. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 181. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 481. The type of this fine Francolin was obtained by my friend Mr. Ernest Gedge on the north-eastern foot-hills of Mount Elgon in 1890. The country in which it was found, in con- siderable numbers, was a narrow strip of open plain dotted with patches of low scrub, and lying between two long spurs of the mountain. It was subsequently obtained by Dr. Ansorge at Mondo in Uganda, and at Hoima in Unyoro ; and in March 1902 a brace was obtained by myself at Busibika in the Maanja Valley. At the latter place it frequented the bush and long grass on the rocky hillsides, and came out to feed in the ‘ shambas ’ in the early morning and evening. It is easily recognised by its large size and pearly white throat. Male . — Top of the head and the ground colour of the upperparts very dark brown, with narrow white margins on the sides of the feathers ; stripe above the eye white ; sides of the neck white with black shaft-stripes ; chin and throat pearly white ; chest and underparts creamy buff with blackish brown club-shaped shaft-stripes to the feathers, some of the flank-feathers being blotched with deep chestnut. Primaries buff, brown along the shaft ; the whole of the outer web of the inner primaries barred with dark brown. Iris dark brown ; bill dark brown, orange-red at the base ; lower mandible orange-red with yellow tip ; feet orange- yellow ; toes dusky ; bare patch behind the eye dull yellow. Length, 14| inches, wing 7*5 inches, tail 2*8 inches, tarsus 2*4 inches. Female. — Iris brown ; bill dark brown, dark coral-red at EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 9 the base ; lower mandible coral-red ; feet bright coral-red ; bare patch behind eye red. Length 14J inches. FRANCOLINUS COQUI - Francolinus coqui. Smith. t Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 143. * Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 23. * Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 180. ‘ Reich enow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 492. It would appear that the range of this small Francolin in British East Africa is confined to the southern portions of the coast regions, and extends inland for, roughly, sixty miles. In the open country in the vicinity of M’buugu, some eighteen miles north of Rabai, and in most of the more open tracts sparsely dotted with thorn-trees and low scrub, between the Mwachi River and Samburu, it is fairly plentiful, but it is far more often heard than seen. It is usually found in small coveys of from four to six, and it is to be regretted that such a sprightly game little bird is not more plentiful than it is, as it affords capital sport, being very quick and strong on the wing and not difficult to mark down in the open country it frequents. The best time to look for it is, undoubtedly, in the evening, as it then rises more readily than in the early morning when its plumage is wet with dew, or later on during the heat of the day when it lies so close that it will almost allow itself to be trodden upon. Male. — Top of the head and ear-coverts chestnut-brown ; rest of the head and nape rufous buff ; neck, chest and rest of underparts white shading into buff on the abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts, and widely barred with black ; upper- parts a mixture of chestnut and buff with wide bars of black or dark grey, interrupted by wide buff shaft-stripes. Primaries greyish black ; tail rufous buff barred with greyish black. Iris orange-red ; bill blackish brown ; gape and base of lower mandible yellow ; feet yellow-ochre. Length 12 inches, wing 5*5 inches, tail 3 inches, tarsus 1*5 inches. Female. — Differs from the male in having a black streak 10 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS above the eye and passing down the side of the neck ; a second black line, commencing in front of the eye, passes along the side of the throat, and completely circumscribes it. Neck and chest dull chestnut mixed with grey and with white shafts ; rest of the underparts grey with the bars and markings less regular. FRANCOLINUS HUBBARDI (Plate I.) Francolinus hubbardi, Ogilvie-Grant. Ogilvie-Grant, 4 Ibis,’ 1895, page 378. 4 Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 23. 4 Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 180. 4 Beichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 495. The type of this Francolin was obtained by the late Rev. E. H. Hubbard of the Church Missionary Society at Nassa on Speke Gulf, Victoria Nyanza. In British East Africa this little Francolin is, so far as we at present know, confined to the Rift Valley between the Kedong Valley and Baringo, and also the Nyando Valley between Muhoroni and the Kibigori River. It is usually found in small coveys of from four to six, is a close squatter and difficult to flush. If surprised on open bare ground it will run off in a crouching attitude to the nearest patch of covert and there squat rather than take wing. When flushed and carefully marked down it is even more difficult to make it rise again without the aid of a dog, or several beaters in close formation to quarter the ground thoroughly. Its shrill call is heard in the early morning and again in the evening, but it is difficult to locate in the open country in which the bird is generally found. Male. — Top of head dark brown with greyish brown edges to the feathers ; sides of face, neck and throat buff ; breast and collar round the back of the neck white deeply barred with black ; underparts very pale buff ; under tail-coverts darker ; upperparts a mixture of very dark brown and grey, with huffy white shafts to the feathers, and irregularly barred with dark buff ; tail dark brown barred with dark buffi Iris brown; bill brown, gape and lower mandible yellow; feet yellow. Length 11 J to 12 inches, wing 6 inches, tail 2J inches, tarsus 1J inches. EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 11 Female. — Much like the female of F. coqui, but the chest is greyish and the rest of the under parts are whitish buff with narrow black bars on the feathers of the upper part of the breast. FRANCOLINUS GRANTI Francolinus granti, Hartlattb. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 148. * Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 23. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 180. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 496. The distribution of this Bush-Francolin in East Africa and Uganda is even more remarkable than the foregoing. It is very plentiful throughout the coast-regions, and westward to Kilimanjaro, and thence northwards to Ukamba, where it stops about Machakos and Kitui. It reappears at Baringo and Eastern Kamasia, and there is then another break until Kisumu is reached. Then follows a still greater break, as it is not again met with until the eastern shores of Lake Albert are reached. It is essentially a bird of the bush-country. Wherever this bird is found it cannot help but make its presence known. In the morning, often throughout the day, in the evening, and on moonlight nights, the cock birds shout out their harsh defiant call, a challenge to every other cock bird within ear-shot. When once heard this call can never be mistaken ; there is no other like it in the country. During the heat of the day it lies up in small coveys of from three to five, often less, but rarely more, under the shade of a bush, where it squats very close, and will allow itself to be approached within a few feet. It would appear to have two breeding seasons, as it un- doubtedly breeds on Manda Island, and near Lamu in May, June, and July, and I have found a nest containing four eggs on the slopes of Ndara in Teita in December. The nest was a small depression scratched by the bird, with a few dry grass-stems as a lining, at the foot of a small bush. The eggs are remarkable for the extreme thickness and hardness of the shell. Male. — Top of head dark brown with rusty brown tips to the feathers ; stripe above and below eye, chin and throat 12 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS white ; cheeks, sides of neck and lower throat white with triangular chestnut spots ; chest buff with narrower triangular chestnut spots ; rest of the underparts huff, finely shaded and pencilled with greyish black except on the middle of the abdomen and vent ; upper back, scapulars and wing-coverts chestnut fading into grey-brown in the middle of each feather, and with a wide shaft-stripe of pale buff. Primaries and secondaries brown ; rump, lower back and upper tail-coverts grey-brown ; tail dark brown. Iris brown ; bill brownish black ; feet rosy red. Length 18 inches, wing 5*5 inches, tail 8#5 inches, tarsus 1*7 inches. Female. — Length 12J inches, wing 5*8 inches, tail 8 inches, tarsus 1*5 inches. FRANCOLINUS KIRKI Francolinus kirki, Hartlaub. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 149. * Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 23. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 180. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 497. An example of this Francolin was obtained by Dr. Ansorge in the Taru Wilderness, and this is, so far, the only authentic record of its having been obtained in British East Africa. It might very easily be mistaken for F. granti, from wThieh it differs in having a dark chestnut oblong spot at the end of the shaft on the feathers of the breast and abdomen. FRANCOLINUS ULUENSIS Francolinus uluensis, Ogilvie-Grant. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 151. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 24. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 180. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 487. The Ulu Francolin was first described from specimens obtained by myself at Machakos in February 1889. It is found in the Rift Valley from Kilimanjaro to Kijabe, which is, I believe, about the limit of its northern range. To the east it extends as far as the Yalta Escarpment, but its western range is as yet unknown. EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 18 It is found both in the open plains and amongst low scrub on the banks of water-courses. At Machakos, in February 1889, this species was plentiful in pairs along the numerous dry water-courses south-west of the station, and was probably about to breed. On July 8, 1905, a hen bird shot near Ngong had three well-developed eggs inside her, which goes to show that this bird has two breeding seasons during the year. Except during the breeding season it is usually found in coveys of from four to six. When flushed the birds scatter in all directions, and go off with a loud scream, but are not difficult to mark down. Male . — Top of head very dark brown edged with pale brown ; rest of the upperparts grey-brown blotched on one or both webs with black, and with pale buff shaft-stripes ; back and tail-coverts greyish brown, barred with buff ; a rufous buff stripe above and below the eye, extending to the upper neck, and separated by a triangular patch an inch or more in length of white feathers with black tips ; chin and throat white, the marginal feathers tipped with black ; chest buff, with one web or the other rich chestnut ; breast pale buff, irregularly barred with dark brown. Primaries chestnut shading into brown at their extremities. Iris brown ; bill blackish brown ; base of the lower mandible yellow ; feet dull yellowish brown. Length 18| inches, wing 6*5 inches, tail 2*9 inches, tarsus 1*6 inches. Female. — Similar to the male, but rather smaller. Length 12f inches, wing 6*2 inches. FRANCOLINUS STREPTOPHORUS Francolinus strepto'phorus, Ogilvie-Grant. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 145, Plate I. ‘Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 23. ‘Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 180. ‘ Reichenow’s Vdgel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 487. The range of this Francolin is somewhat remarkable. It was first obtained by myself on March 1, 1890, near Mangiki’s on the southern slopes of Mount Elgon, where it was fairly 14 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS plentiful ; but it was not again met with until 1901 in the Nyando Valley in the vicinity of Fort Ternan and Muhoroni. It affects rough broken ground on hillsides rather than open grass-country, and is usually found in small coveys of from four to five. In the early morning, and again in the evening, a cock bird will sit on a stone or small ant-hill and utter its curious tremulous notes, which are so unlike the call of any other Francolin that it completely baffled me for a long time, until one day at Fort Ternan I crawled through the long grass to within a few yards of one, and observed it in the act of calling. It is rather curious that just about that time my collector Baraka, who is a first-rate observer, was collecting birds on Mount Elgon, and on his return he told me that he, too, had been completely puzzled by the call of this bird until he stalked one and shot it as it sat calling on a small ant-hill hidden in the grass. Like so many of the Francolins it is a great skulker and is very difficult to flush without the assistance of a dog or several beaters. I believe it breeds in the Nyando Valley in December and January, and on the slopes of Mount Elgon in March. Male. — Top of head, ear-coverts, back, wings, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail umber-brown, the lower back, rump and scapulars largely blotched with rich dark brown on one or both webs, and mostly with white shaft-stripes. Stripe above the eye white ; sides of the face and neck bright chestnut, with a white stripe from the eye to the ear-coverts ; chin and throat white, some of the feathers tipped with chestnut ; back of neck and upper-chest barred with black and white, and forming a wide ring which contrasts strongly with the rest of the plumage ; lower-chest and rest of the underparts pale buff, the former crossed with wavy black bars, the flanks with large oblong black blotches on one or both webs of the feathers. Iris light brown ; bill dusky brown ; gape and base of lower mandible yellow ; feet dull yellow. Length 13 inches, wing 6*2 inches, tail 2*7 inches, tarsus 1*55 inches. EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 15 Female . — Differs from the male in having the back, rump and upper tail-coverts barred with buff, and the wing-coverts spotted with the same colour. Length 11 inches, wing 5*9 inches, tail 2*5 inches, tarsus 1*5 inches. FRANCOLINUS ELGONENSIS Francolinus elgonensis, Ogilvie-Grant. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 157, Plate V. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 24. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 181. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 491. The type of this Erancolin was obtained by myself on the north side of Mount Elgon at an altitude of 11,000 feet in February 1890. It was one of a small covey of four. During a recent tour round Mount Kenya, in August, I saw a Francolin — a single bird — at an altitude of about 10,000 feet on the north side of the mountain, but was unable to identify it. I have, however, reason to believe that it belonged to this species, as ten days later I obtained three, a male and two females, out of a covey of six, on the Aberdare Range at an altitude of about 11,000 feet. It is found on the open rolling grassy downs, and if any- thing is a closer squatter than most of the open-country Francolins. Male. — Top of head black, each feather margined with pale rusty brown ; back of the neck chestnut, with a black spot at the tip of each feather ; back and scapulars a mixture of black and dark brown, barred with pale rusty brown and buff, and with buff shaft-stripes ; sides of the face and neck buff, divided from the top of the head, and also from the throat, by mixed black and white lines ; throat buffy white bordered by a circular line of black spots ; lower throat and chest pale chestnut, the feathers tipped with one or two black spots ; breast buff, barred with very dark brown ; flanks chestnut, barred with dark brown, and with narrow shaft-stripes of buff ; abdomen and rest of the underparts brownish grey, closely barred with dark brown. Primaries and inner secondaries light chestnut barred and mottled with dark brown towards 16 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS the tips. Iris brown ; bill blackish brown ; base of the lower mandible yellowish horn-colour ; feet dusky yellow. Length 16 inches, wing 7*8 inches, tail 8*5 inches, tarsus 2 inches. Female. — Similar to the male, but smaller. Length 14*2 inches, wing 6*5 inches, tail 8*2 inches, tarsus 1*8 inches. FRANCOLINUS KIKUYUENSIS Francolinus JciJcuyuensis, Ogilvie-Gkant. Ogilvie-Grant, ‘ Ibis,’ 1897, page 258. 6 Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 24. 6 Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 491. So far as is at present known, this Erancolin is confined to the higher plateaux west of the Rift Valley. Its specific name ‘ Kikuyuensis ’ is, I fear, a misnomer for which I must admit responsibility. The type was obtained on the Uasin-Gishu plateau, but the locality was omitted from the label through an oversight, and as it was sent home in a box of birds obtained in Kikuyu, Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, who described it, not unnaturally inferred that it had been obtained somewhere in Kikuyu. It frequents the open grassy downs of the Mau, and Uasin- Gishu plateaux, at altitudes between 7000 and 9000 feet, and is found in small coveys of from four to six. It is a close squatter and rises with a whirr and scream that are quite startling. In the early morning when the grass is wet it is fond of sitting on the top of an ant-hill. Male. — Top of the head brown with black middles to the feathers, and margined on the sides by a narrow whitish-buff band ; sides of the face and neck rust-red ; a band of white, black-tipped feathers commences at the base of the upper- mandible and passing below the eye surrounds the throat, which is rufous-white, edged externally with rust-red ; a small patch of pale rufous-white feathers barred with black on the fore-neck. General colour of the upperparts brown, blotched with black and with buff cross-bars and shaft-stripes ; the black markings and buff shaft-streaks being most conspicuous on the mantle, scapulars and innermost secondaries. Rest EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 17 of the underparts pale rufous buff, the feathers of the chest with a chestnut patch on either web ; sides of the breast and flanks with irregular spots and bars of black and sometimes blotched with chestnut ; primaries and secondaries light chestnut, the former mottled with dusky towards the extremity, the latter somewhat irregularly barred with black, the bars being wider and more defined on the outermost quills ; tail-feathers black, the middle pair regularly barred with buff, the outer pairs indistinctly mottled with the same colour. Iris brown ; bill dusky black, with the base of the lower mandible and gape greenish yellow ; feet ochreous yellow ; toes dusky. Length about 14J inches, wing 7*0 inches, tail 2-0 inches, tarsus 2*0 inches. Female. — Similar in plumage, but rather smaller. Wing 6*8 inches. FRANCOLINUS JACKSONI Francolinus jacksoni, Ogilvie-Gratstt. Ogilvie-Grant, ‘ Ibis,’ 1892, page 51, Plate I, and ‘ Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 171. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 25. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 182. ‘ Reiche- now’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 471. This is the largest of the East African Francolins, and was first met with in August 1889, in the bamboo-zone on the northern outskirts of Kikuyu, at an altitude of 8000 feet. It is very plentiful on the Aberdare Range, and is also found in the forests of the Sabugo o-lol-tian, Laikipia. On the western side of the Aberdare Range it is plentiful in the thick patches of nettles and scrub that mark the sites of old Masai manyattas, and extends as far north as Il-polossat lake. So far as is at present known it is not found on the west side of the Rift Valley. It is usually found in small coveys of from three to five individuals, of which, I believe, one only is a cock bird. As a runner it is equalled only by the ‘ Spur-fowl.’ When flushed it will often fly up into a tree or bamboo. Male. — Forehead and cheeks dull red; chin, throat and sides of the neck white, with narrow rufous shaft-streaks ; chest, breast flanks and upper back chestnut with white margins to the feathers ; abdomen dusky grey ; under Vol. I.— No. L c 18 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS tail-coverts chestnut margined with grey. Top of the head and nape reddish brown with narrow vermiculated margins ; shoulders finely vermiculated with black and grey ; back, rump and wings brown ; tail dark chestnut. Iris brown ; eyelids coral-red ; bill dark coral-red ; front of legs coral- red, hinder parts dusky. Length 17J inches, wing 9*1 inches, tail 5*2 inches, tarsus 2*8 inches. Female. — Similar to the male, but smaller. Length 16 J inches. FRANCOLINUS HILDEBRANDTI Francolinus hildebrandti, Cabanis. Ogilvie-Grant, ‘ Ann. and Mag. N. H.,’ series 6, Vol. IV, page 145, and ‘ Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 168. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 25. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 182. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 477. The male and female of this bird were for many years con- sidered as distinct species owing to their marked differences, the female being described as above, whilst the male was described by Fischer and Reichenow some six years later as F. altumi. My friend Mr. H. C. V. Hunter, however, settled the question when on a visit to Mochi on Kilimanjaro in 1888. The natives there caught considerable numbers of these birds in traps, and Hunter bought up as many as he required, and decided the matter by careful dissection. This Francolin is not found nearer to the coast than Teita, where Dr. Hildebrandt obtained the type. Its real home, however, is the Rift Valley round Naivasha, particularly the western side, the Morendat and Gilgil rivers, Karianduss, the hills east of Lake Elmenteita, and the foot-hills of Mau to Elgeyo and Kamasia. It is essentially a Bush-Francolin, and delights in rough broken rocky hillsides covered with thick bush and scrub. It is a very noisy bird, particularly when startled, and will often keep up its sharp, half-angry, half-frightened call when only a few yards away, but completely hidden in the dense covert. It will often fly up into a tree or bush when EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 19 disturbed, and many undoubtedly roost in such positions. It is generally found in small lots of two or three, and rarely more than four or five. It prefers to seek safety by running and skulking, and when flushed does not often go much beyond gun-shot range before settling again. In the vicinity of Naivasha it breeds in July and August. Male. — Top of the head black with grey margins ; back of neck and shoulders black with white margins ; back and rest of the upperparts closely freckled and vermiculated with black, grey and pale brown ; throat pale buff ; cheeks and sides of face pale buff with black centres ; breast and flanks white with large black blotches ; abdomen brownish buff. Iris brown ; bill brown ; gape and lower mandible orange ; feet orange-red with dusky black toes. Length 14J inches, wing 7*5 inches, tail 3*8 inches, tarsus 2* 2 inches. Female. — Upperparts similar to those of the male. Throat buff ; neck and upper-breast black with grey margins, and reddish buff. Iris brown ; bill brown ; gape and lower mandible coral-red ; feet red, and armed with one or two pairs of sharp spurs. Length 14 inches, wing 6*9 inches, tail 8-7 inches, tarsus 1*9 inches. FRANCOLINUS SCHUETTI Francolinus schuetti, Cabanis. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 170. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 25. 4 Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 182. 4 Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 468. Schuett’s Francolin is a somewhat local bird, but has a wide range. It is plentiful throughout the Kikuyu forests, and on the western flanks of the Aberdare Range ; also in the Mau forests, at Londiani and the Ravine. At one time it was plentiful in the forest bordering the lake at Entebbe, and was caught in considerable numbers by the Soudanese and Swahilis. It is also found in the Mabera forest. It is rarely found away from forest-belts, or thick bush bordering the same. During the construction of the railway between 20 EAST AFBICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS Nairobi and Kijabe great numbers were caught by the Akikuyu, and sold to the Indian coolies. In the early morning and again in the evening it leaves the thick covert to feed in the ‘ shambas,’ or on land lying fallow, and like all Bush-Francolins it is a great runner and is difficult to flush. It breeds in Kikuyu in July and August. It is commonly called the ‘ Red-leg.’ Male. — Top of head brown margined with grey ; back of the neck and shoulders reddish brown marbled with black and edged wflth grey ; rest of the upperparts brown finely vermiculated with black ; chin and throat buffy white ; chest and breast like the shoulders, but the brown is not so dark and merges gradu- ally into the grey margins ; breast buffy white with brown centres ; abdomen dusky brown. Iris brown ; bill bright coral-red ; bare patch above ear dusky yellow ; feet bright orange-red. Length 15J inches, wing 6*9 inches, tail 3*4 inches, tarsus 2*6 inches. Female. — Similar to the male, but smaller. Length 13| inches. PTERNISTES HUMBOLDT I Pternistes humboldti, Peters. 4 Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 176. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 25. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 179. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 462. Humboldt’s Bare-throated Francolin is apparently confined to the coast region. It is found in Witu, on the outskirts of the forest, and is plentiful in the bush-country on the banks of the lower Tana. Like all the bush-loving Francolins, it is a great runner and is difficult to flush. Male. — Forehead black ; indistinct stripe above the eye black and white ; top of the head brown ; rest of the upper- parts umber-brown with black shaft-stripes. Feathered parts of the sides of the face and throat white, entirely surrounding the naked skin of the chin, throat and fore-neck. Sides of the neck black ; chest and flanks whitish grey, narrowly EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS 21 margined with black and with black shaft-stripes ; breast and abdomen black. Iris brown ; naked skin of the face and throat blood-red ; bill and feet also blood-red. Length about 14| inches, wing 7 ’4 inches, tail 8*5 inches, tarsus 2*4 inches. Female. — Resembles the male, but differs in having the sides of the neck white, with a wide black band down the middle of the feathers ; some of the feathers of the breast and abdomen have narrow white shaft-stripes. Length about 18 J inches, wing 7 inches, tail 2*9 inches, tarsus 2*2 inches. PTERNISTES INFUSCATUS Pternistes infuscatus, Cabanis. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 182, Plate VIII, fig. 2. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 26. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 179. Pternistes leucocepus infuscatus, Cabanis. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I. page 455. This is the common so-called ‘ Spur-fowl.’ It is widely distributed, and is plentiful from the coast to Kikuyu and Mount Kenya. North of Kikuyu there appears to be a considerable break, as it does not reappear again in the Rift Valley until north of the Equator, on the lower reaches of the Molo River, and in the vicinity of Lake Hannington. Its call is harsh and grating, and it is particularly noisy after a shower of rain. During the heat of the day it lies very close in the shade of some thick covert, and is difficult to dislodge ; but in the early morning and evening, when found feeding in the open, its running powers are only equalled by those of the Guinea-Fowls, its action being very bold and erect. Near Nairobi it breeds in July and August, and again in October and November. Male and Female. — Top of head dark brown with dark grey margins ; streak above eye and cheeks pale buff ; the feathers under the eye wdth pale brown centres ; neck brown, with white edges ; shoulders brown with chestnut centres ; rest of the upperparts dark brown with white and buff shaft- 22 EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA FRANCOLINS stripes ; tail vermiculated with brown and buff ; chest, breast and underparts dark brown with pale buff middles, the feathers of the flanks shaded with chestnut. Iris hazel ; bill blackish brown ; gape and base of the lower mandible, bare skin of the face and upper-throat crimson-red ; rest of the throat lemon-yellow ; feet blackish brown. Length 17 inches, wing 8*5 inches, tail 8*6 inches, tarsus 2*5 inches. Female. — Similar to the male, but smaller. Length 15 inches. PTERNISTES CRANCHX Pternistes cranchi, Leach. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 178. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 26. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 179. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 457. The distribution of this fine Bare-throated Francolin is rather curious. In East Africa it appears to be confined to the Nyando Valley, where it is fairly plentiful at Fort Ternan and Muhoroni, and again near Kisumu. It reappears in Western Uganda, near Lewekula’s, and in Toro where it is the common Francolin of the country. It is found in rough broken ground along water-courses bordered with bush and scrub. Its call, which is harsh and grating, is exactly like that of P. infuscatus. Male. — Stripe above the eye and sides of face black, narrowly margined with white ; top of the head brown ; feathers of the neck, mantle, chest and sides finely mottled with black and white ; rest of the upperparts umber-brown finely mottled and dotted with black ; breast and abdomen like the chest, but each feather widely margined with chestnut ; vent and under tail-coverts brownish buff, mottled with black ; tail brown faintly dotted with black. Iris brown; bill and feet crimson-red ; naked skin of the face and throat also crimson-red. Length about 14| inches, wing 7*8 inches, tail 8*1 inches, tarsus 2*2 inches. Female. — Differs from the male in having the feathers of NATURE STUDY 28 the back of the neck brown edged with white and with dark shaft-stripes ; the feathers of the breast and abdomen much less conspicuously edged with chestnut. Length about 13§ inches, wing 6*8 inches, tail 8 inches, tarsus 1*9 inches. PTERNISTES BOEHMI Pternistes boehmi, Reichenow. 4 Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,’ Vol. XXII, page 179. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 26. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 129. 4 Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 458. On the authority of Professor Reichenow this bird was found on the Tana River by the late Dr. Fischer, and at Lake Elmenteita by Mr. Oscar Neumann. Male and Female. — Similar to P. cranchi, but with the upper breast-feathers white, vermiculated with black, and with black shaft-stripes ; those of the abdomen white with black shaft-stripes and wide reddish brown margins with small sub- marginal black bands. Iris brown ; naked skin of the face red, of the chin and throat yellow. NATURE STUDY By C. W. Hobley. There may be many members who are anxious to do some work in this field, and who are at the same time rather doubtful as to what they can do and wThere to begin ; one may compare such to a child placed in a room full of toys and standing wondering and confused, doubtful as to which it should select to amuse itself with. Most men, if they live long in a country like this, cannot help falling to some extent a victim to the spells of nature ; the wealth of the mammalian fauna and its attendant sport awakens a thrill in nearly all : some find the birds a fascinating attrac- tion, others succumb to the charms of the varied insect life, a few are attracted by the flora, and savage man again absorbs the attention of others. The scenery of the more rugged parts of the country appeals to the artistic eye, but it is feared that 24 NATURE STUDY only a few try to read the riddle and go back to the geological causes of which the scenery is but the answer. Among such a bewildering range of subjects, the choice must, of course, rest to a great extent with the would-be student’s natural aptitude, or his liking for any particular branch, and also to some extent upon the locality in which he chances to live ; the flora are everywhere, mammals large or small are found everywhere, insects and birds are every- where, but one could not study fish if one lived in the Taro plains, and there are many places where one’s chances of studying ethnology are limited. There is always a tendency too among neophytes to assume that such and such a thing has been done by some one else, and that everything is known and worked out ; as a friend said a little time since, ‘ Oh, what is the use of collecting birds ? Mr. X. has done all that,’ whereas the greatest man of science know that for eyes that see and brains that seek, the field for research was never so wide as it is at present, and that the eternal ‘ why ’ can never be fully answered. The writer will now venture to call attention to a few things to which would-be students and observers may quite usefully direct their attention. First of these is a nature calendar. Over a hundred years ago an old-world country parson named Gilbert White set himself down to compile such a thing, and he accomplished this in such a delightful fashion that White of Selborne’s name is now among the immortals. He was not a highly trained scientist, but had the natural gift of careful observation, accompanied, needless to say, by boundless patience. Many men possess in a greater or less degree similar gifts, and the observer’s eye is capable of infinite development : the results are worth the pains. Go for a walk with a trained observer and you will marvel why you were so blind. The faculty of observation is not however learnt in a day, and, like most good things in this world, can only be won by great patience and application. At this stage one seems to hear the neophyte inquire what he shall observe. Well, let us try to make a few suggestions. Take a limited area — your garden, or maybe your farm — try to identify as many of the birds, animals, NATURE STUDY 25 insects, trees, and flowers as yon find there. This can be done to a great extent through the medium of this Society, and a helping hand will be afforded to all who desire to learn. Then note down in a journal facts about these tenants of your realm : note the dates wdien the better-known plants come into flower, note when the birds nest and the number of eggs they lay, note when the caterpillars appear to eat your vegetables and identify them, note when the Cetonia beetles first appear to eat your roses ; keep a record of the first appearance of the swallows and other European birds, and their date of departure. When do the snipe flight, and note the species ; when do the quail and the sand-grouse appear — notice, too, if their numbers vary from year to year ; when do the great flights of European storks appear, the locust-birds as they are generally called. Try to find out whether all the migrants come from the North, as is often alleged ; try to discover if any come from the South during the period of the southern winter, say June to August. On what date did you see a cloud of locusts, and from which direction did they come? If you live near the plains, when did you see the first young gazelles or antelopes ? When did you observe the first swarm of bees, and on what date did the white ants fly out in myriads ? The white ant, although so common, has been very incompletely studied, and there are many species still undescribed. Here is a field for investigation. When do the armies of soldier-ants, ‘ siafu,’ begin to march, and where do they retire to in the dry season ? When do the swarms of black and green caterpillars appear, and when do the clouds of the marbled white butterfly (. Beleneis severina, the imagined form of the above-mentioned caterpillar) appear ? When does the standard winged nightjar put on its breeding plumage ? When do the elephants leave the high forests and come down into the lower country ? When do the fresh-water medusae appear in Lake Victoria, and how are they propagated ? These are a few points upon which accurate information is required ; there are, of course, thousands of others, and simultaneous observations made by members in different parts of the country will, when collected, prove of the greatest interest to science. Here is work for every one and much of it at your very doors. 26 NATURE STUDY A great deal of collecting has been done, desultory and other- wise, hut comparatively little observing ; much of this collect- ing has been done by travellers, who just captured and passed on. What is now needed are facts, and that goal, with the organisation afforded by the Society, should be within our grasp. Be field naturalists first, the technical description of species and the scientific co-ordination of the facts will come later ; the details of the life-history of the fauna and flora, great and small, are very imperfectly known, and cannot be learnt until an army of observers has been patiently working for some time. Do not think that the ‘ spade work ’ will prove dull or dissatisfying, such is not the case ; the habit once acquired, it is amazing with what speed the ladder of knowledge can be climbed. There is no freemasonry more complete than that conferred by a common interest in nature, and the greatest scientist bows with respect to the accurate observations of the man in the field ; so do not think that the work of a tyro is likely to be scorned, send in your notes, and as long as they are accurate and accompanied by details of place and date, they are bound to be of value, for remember that the success and status of the Society depend upon the quality of the information published in its bulletin or journal, and that solely depends upon the zealous co-operation of the members. The thing to realise is that in this country there is work to do at your very door ; it is so different in places like England, where men have to go train journeys of many miles to find collecting grounds, and there are many other obstacles to research, such as the law of trespass and what-not. One of the great obstacles to nature study in this country, both at present and for years to come, is the scattered state of the students and the consequent difficulty of frequently meeting and discussing questions, but this has not prevented success being attained in other similar countries, and we must not be discouraged on that account ; advice will always be freely given by members of the Committee and others, and every year matters will improve in this respect. A few words with regard to collecting : The prime factor in success in this branch is not to become too diffuse ; if a NATURE STUDY 27 man decides to collect birds then let him stick to birds, if he prefers insects let him stick to insects and preferably confine himself to one or two orders of insects ; he will then learn by experience where they are to be found, how* to catch them, &c., and will quickly acquire a working knowledge of the different genera. As the white population increases and as the Society grows, each district will then contain a man who is more or less an expert on each particular branch of the zoology of that district, and the results will be more complete. Special stress must be laid upon the importance of photo- graphy. The interest of a paper accompanied by pictures is doubled ; as an aid to accurate observations it is of particular value. Compare the plates in an old book of birds with the modern work in this branch : the old plates were drawn from specimens stuffed as the taxidermist thought fit, modern work is based on photographs of the live birds taken in a state of nature, and it will be readily acknowledged that the debt which both the author and the taxidermist owe to photo- graphy is incalculable. Members are invited to contribute photographs of animals, birds and their nests, insects, native types, &c., for the use of the Society. A named collection of photos of the forest trees of the country, for instance, would be a thing of great interest and quite unique. Photographs of native ceremonies and ceremonial adorn- ments are greatly needed, as many of these functions will, with the advent of civilisation, speedily become things of the past. Great care should be taken to label all photographs care- fully, giving place and date as well as subject, and it would also be advisable to state where the negatives are available, in case duplicates are required. Great care should also be taken thoroughly to wash all prints in order to remove all traces of the fixing medium, hyposulphite of soda, to obviate fading of the prints. With regard to the photographs for reproduction in the bulletin clear contrast should be aimed at ; if the prints are done by the ordinary silver process a purple tone should be obtained. Some bromide prints reproduce well, but carbon or platinotype prints produce better results. 28 NATURE STUDY Micro-photography is a most fascinating branch, but one that is not likely to be undertaken by the student in an out-station. There are, however, special facilities for such work in the Government laboratories, and therefore no opportunity of making slides of scientific interest should be neglected. Thanks to the pioneer work of Schilling, Kearton and others, the time is within sight when it will be considered a far more meritorious thing to photograph a wild animal than to have killed it for the sake of the trophy, and there are definite signs that the photography of live game and birds is gaining a very wide vogue. A fair test of this is the number of reproductions of this class of work one sees in the illustrated paper or magazine, and these are undoubtedly increasing, and moreover im- proving in quality. A great field, too, has been opened up by the application of the cinematograph to this branch of wrork, and animated pictures showing the processes of the metamorphoses of insects and similar phenomena cannot fail to bring man into closer touch with the realm of nature, and year by year, owing to improvements in apparatus, work of this character is becoming more and more within reach of the amateur. A skeleton programme of lines of research under the various headings is now given ; this is only intended as a kind of aide-memoire, and as a list of suggestions for study. It will, however, give some idea of the vast choice of research that lies before every observer. Mammals . 1. Complete index of species. 2. Facts re geographical distribution of species throughout the Protectorates. 8. Information on the migration of species. 4. Breeding places and breeding dates of various species, number at a birth. Small mammals, bats, nocturnal animals. Melanism and albinism, its range; observations on habits, mimicry, variation due to altitude. NATURE STUDY 29 Birds. 1. Complete index of species. 2. Geographical distribution of species indigenous to the country. 8. Migrants, lists of ; dates of arrival and departure ; list of migrants breeding here. 4. Breeding places and nesting time of various species, number of eggs in a clutch. 5. Collections of eggs and nests as well as the birds them- selves. Beptiles, Amphibia and Fish. 1. Complete index of species. 2. Geographical distribution. 8. Poisonous and non-poisonous species. 4. Definite places where particular species are to be obtained. 5. Breeding places and times. 6. Marine and fresh- water fishes, collections of. Invertebrates. 1. Owing to the enormous size of this group a complete list of species will be an impossibility for many years to come. 2. Geographical distribution. 8. Localities where the various species can be caught, and dates. 4. Food plants of various species of Lepidoptera, Coleo- ptera, &c. 5. Migrations of Lepidoptera, Locusts, &c. 6. Results of experiments on hatching out certain species from the egg, and variations recorded. 7. Observations on enemies of insects. 8. Mimicry in insects. 9. Disease-bearing insects, flies, ticks, &c. 10. Mollusca, land shells : very little is known about these in British East Africa. Collections are also desired of the Mollusca of the fresh- water lakes and the Indian Ocean. 11. Fresh- water Medusae of Lake Victoria ; do they have the hydroid or polyp form of propagation ? This is an important point to investigate. 12. Observations on the formation and growth of the 80 NATURE STUDY coral reefs along the coast and collections of the corals and other invertebrate marine fauna. Botany. 1. Complete list of species; this will take a long time to accomplish, and many new species still remain to be described. 2. Geographical distribution. 8. Seasonal changes of plants. 4. Exact localities in which species of special interest can be obtained. 5. Introduced plants. 6. Botany of economic products. 7. Classified reference collection. Geology. 1. Information on structural geology of country. 2. Reference collections of rock and mineral specimens. 3. Research into the palaeontology of the country, with special attention to the recent fossil mammals, ancestors of elephant and horse, fossil mollusca. 4. Economic geology of the Protectorate. 5. Evidences of palaeolithic man. Anthropology and Ethnology. Researches should be divided into different heads. 1 . Physical characteristics : this includes measurements of the live subjects and collections of crania. 2. Physiological characteristics : this includes observations on the senses, physical powers, psychology, heredity, and may also be well extended to diseases, medicine, surgery, deformities, &c. 3. Material life such as clothing, ornamentations, dwellings, industries, art, food. 4. Social life, which includes birth, marriage and death customs, initiatory customs, war, hunting, crimes, morals, laws, government, trade, cultivation, &c. 5. Religion, mythology and magic, also totemism, coven- ants, oaths, ordeals. 6. Representative collections of the implements, arms and NATURE STUDY 31 ornaments of the various tribes in the country would prove of the widest interest, and this is a matter of urgency, as many objects are disappearing. A list of books is here appended for the information of members taking up various branches of study. Author. Title of Book. Price. Publisher. ZOOLOGY. General. Royal Natural History. £2 145. Warne. Shipley (A. E.) . 6 vols. Cambridge Natural His- tory. 10 vols. Zoology. 175. per vol. 105. Cambridge Press. Thomson (J. A.) . Headley. Zoology. Life and Evolution. Duckworth. Locke . Concise Natural History. Variation, Heredity and 75. 6d. Hutchinson. Murray. Thomson Evolution. Study of Animal Life. 5s. Kearton (R.) With Nature and a 7s. 6d. Camera. Wild Life at Home — how 6s. Davies (T.) . to study and photo- graph. Preparation and Mount- 2s. 6 d. Darwin (C.) ing of Microscopic Objects. Origin of Species. 2s. 6d. Descent of Man. 2s. 6d. Journal of a Naturalist 2s. 6 d. Wallace (A. R.) . during a Voyage round the World. Geographical Distribu- 425. tion of Animals. 2 vols. Island Life. 7s. 6d. Flower and Lyd- Mammalia. Mammals, Living and Black. ekker Matchie Thomas (0.) and Wroughton (R.C.) Extinct. Book of Fauna of East Africa, in German. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lon- don, Vol. XIX, Pt. IV. Ruwenzori Expedition Reports — Mammalia. ORNITHOLOGY. Cambridge Natural His- tory, Vol. IX. 175. 82 NATURE STUDY Author. Title of Book. Price. Publisher. Hudson & Beddard ORNITHOLOGY — cont. Structure and Classifica- 6s. Headley (F. W.) . Finn (F.) tion of Birds. Structure and Flight of Birds. World’s Birds. 5s. Dixon (C.) Migration of Birds. 10s. 6d. Chapman (A.) Bird Life of the Borders. 14 s. Shelley . Birds of Africa. £9 95. Sharpe (R. B.) Wonders of the Bird 65. Reichenow . World. Die Vogel Afrikas. Reimer. Ogil vie- Grant (W. R.) . Trans. Zool. Soc. Lon- don. Vol. XIX, Pt. IV. Ruwenzori Expedition Reports — Aves. Game-Birds. 2 vols. 125. Allen. Gadow (H.) REPTILES AND AMPHIBIA. Cambridge Natural 175. Boulenger (G. A.) Lydekker (R.) History. Vol. VIII. Reptiles and Amphibia, edited by R. Lydekker Trans. Zool. Soc. Lon- don, Vol. XIX, Pt. III. Ruwenzori Expedition Reports — Reptilia and Amphibia. FISHES. Cambridge Natural His- tory, Vol. VII. Book of Fishes. 5s. 175. 5s. Playfair and Gunther Moore (J. E.) Fishes of Zanzibar. (Out of print.) Tanganyika Problem. £1 15. Jordan (D. S.) Study of Fishes, Guide to. 50 5. Boulenger (G. A.) Trimen 2 vols. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lon- don, Vol. XIX, Pt. III. Ruwenzori Expedition Reports — Pisces. CONCHOLOGY. Cambridge Natural His- tory, Vol. III. ENTOMOLOGY. Cambridge Natural His- tory, Vols. V and VI. South African Butterflies. 175. 175. each £3 35. Theobald (Out of print.) Mosquitoes. NATURE STUDY 33 Author. Title of Book. Price. Publisher. Comstock ENTOMOLOGY — cont. Manual for Study of 25s. Avebury, Lord Insects. Origin and Metamor- 5s. phoses of Insects. Ants, Bees and Wasps. 5s. Kirby . Entomology. Swan Sonnen- Poulton (E. B.) . Colours of Animals and 5s. schein. Miall, Professor . Insects. Natural History of 3s. 6 d. Darwin Aquatic Insects. Fertilisation of Orchids 2s. 6d. Pilseneer (Dr. P.) . by Insects. CRUSTACEA AND MOLLUSCA. Treatise on Zoology, edited by R. Lankester. Mollusca. Vol. V. 12 s. 6d. Caiman (W. T.) . Crustacea. Vol. VII. 12s. Qd. Oliver . Mollusca : Cambridge Natural History. Vol. III. Crustacea : Cambridge Natural History. Vol. IV. BOTANY. The Flora of Tropical Lowell Reeve & Engler Africa, published under authority of Colonial Office. Vol. I-III. Vol. IV. Vol. V. Vol. VII. Vol. VIII. Die Pflanzenwelt Ost- £1 each. 8s. 25 s. U. 27 s. U. 16 s. about £3. Co. Reimer, Berlin. Afrikas. Treasury of Botany. 15s. Longmans. Green (Reynolds) . 2 vols. Manual of Botany. J. A. Churchill. Percival (John) Agricultural Botany. 12s. 6d. Duckworth & Co. The Classification of 10 s. Qd. Cambridge Press. Strasburger (Prof.) Flowering Plants. Vol. I. Text Book Practical 10s. 6 d. Ward (Marshall) . Botany. Grasses. 6s. Cambridge Press. Cooke (M. C.) Gray Introduction to Study of Fungi Classification and Distribution. Structural Botany. 10s. 6d. Hall (A. D.) The Soil. 5s. Vol. I.— No. 1. D 84 PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA Author. Title of Book. Price. Publisher. Geikie (A.) . GEOLOGY. Text Book of Geology. 30s. Macmillan. Zittel . Text Book of Palaeonto- 35s. Marr (J. E.) logy. 2 vols. Principles of Stratigra- 6s. Marker (A. ) phical Geology. Petrology for Students. 7s. 6 d. Seward (A. C.) . Fossil Plants. Vol. I. 12 s. Woods (H.) Elementary Palaeontology 6s. Woodward (A. S.) . Invertebrate. Outlines of Vertebrate 14s. Russell (Prof. I. C.) Palaeontology. River Development. 6s. J. Murray. Bonney (Prof.) Volcanoes. 6s. J. Murray. Dutton (C. E.) Earthquakes. 6s. J. Murray. Dana . Mineralogy. 18s. J. Wiley." Tyler . Westermarck ANTHROPOLOGY. Primitive Culture. Human Marriage. 14s. Haddon Study of Man. 6s. Evolution of Art. 4s. 6d. Hollis . Anthropological Essays presented to E. B. Tylor. Masai. 21 s. 14s. 99 Nandi. 14s. Frazer . Origin of the Kingship. 8s. Q>d. 99 Adonis, Attis, and Osiris. 8s. 6 d. Duckworth Morphology and Anthro- 10s. Cambridge Press. pology. DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA By E. Battiscombe. In a country such as this where there are lands stretching away from the coast up to the line of perpetual snow, and all subject to the rays of the equatorial sun, the floral distribution must, of necessity, form a very interesting study. In order to give a small idea of the wonderful variety of flowering plants to be met with in the Protectorate it may PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 85 serve the purpose to record some of the more common plants to be seen from the train when travelling on the Uganda Railway between Naivasha and the coast. It must not be supposed, however, that the plants mentioned in this article can all be seen in flower at any one particular time of the year. The altitudes given for the stations have been kindly supplied by Mr. A. E. Church of the Uganda Railway. Leaving Naivasha, 6854 feet, the line begins to ascend the Kikuyu Escarpment out of the Rift Valley. The typical vegetation of the Rift Valley is seen here, wind- worn bushes or small trees of Capparis ; Tarconanthus camphoratus (Masai = Ol-leleshwa) ; Carissa edulis, and here and there an old Olive ( Olea chrysophylla). Near the lake may be seen flat-topped Acacias, so characteristic of the African landscape anywhere near water. Growing in the grass are many Crinums which, just before the rains commence, put out their beautiful white and pink flowers ; other plants to be seen are species of Helichrysum, Heliotropa, Coleus, Lantana, Buddleia, and forming conspicuous patches of white and pink in the grass, Ramphicarpa heuglinii. After passing Mount Longonot the Capparis trees disappear and are not met with again along the line. Close to Kijabe, 6909 feet, small Juniperus procera trees may be seen growing at the foot of Kijabe peak. After leaving Kijabe the line continues to ascend steadily ; for a mile or so Tarconanthus bushes continue, but when the forest is reached they cease and do not appear again. Between Kijabe and the commencement of the forest may be seen in July splendid specimens of the white Benias. In the forest may be seen the giant Junipers (Juniperus procera) in all their grandeur ; many of them having boles free of all branches for sixty feet ; alas that appearances are sometimes deceptive ! For when these trees are felled the majority of them prove to be but mere hollow shells, the heartwood having all been eaten away by a fungus, probably a species of Trametes. Associated with the Juniper are the following trees : Calodendron capense (Cape Chestnut) ; Warburgia ugandensis (Muziga), whose characteristic bark has been aptly described 86 PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA as like the hide of an elephant ; Toddallia lanceolata ; Olea chrysophylla (Mutamayu) ; Olea hochstetteri (Mnsharage) ; Nuxia congesta (Muchorowe). Several species of Plectranthus form the carpet of the forest ; along the line flourish species of Pentas, Celsia, Helianthus, Myosotis, Achroclyne, Thun- bergia. Warburgia trees cease before Escarpment station is reached, and only reappear again about three miles from Limoru. As soon as the summit of the Kikuyu Escarpment, about 8000 feet, is reached, a marked change in the vegetation takes place occasioned by the increased rainfall. The eastern side of the Escarpment being exposed to the South-east winds receives a very much heavier rainfall than the western side. Juniper ceases at the summit and is replaced by Podocarpus milanjianus; Calodendron, Olea chryso'phylla, and Nuxia also disappear, but are replaced by a host of other trees — Pygeum africanum (Mueri) ; Allophyllum abysinnicum (Mushami) ; Weihea africana (Musaizi) ; Mcaranga sp. (Mutundu) ; Hepta- pleurum sp. (Mutati) ; Dombeya nairobensis (Mukao) ; Elaeo- dendron sp. (Mutanga). Nuxia congesta reappears again at Limoru, 7468 feet, and flourishes as low down as 6000 feet, when it ceases. After passing the summit, the line skirts the Lari swamp, which at certain seasons presents a fine piece of colour with the yellow and red-hot pokers Knifhofias ( K . Thompsonii). On the drier ground above the swamp Thunbergia alata flourishes and is very conspicuous with its large golden-yellow blooms. Across the swamp can be seen groups of Bamboo ( Arundinaria alpina), and a fleeting vision of the tree ferns may be had ; after passing the swamp the line again passes through forest, but of a very much more luxuriant type than that on the other side of the Escarpment. The wild bananas ( Musa Livingstonia) show out in bold relief to the comparatively small-leaved trees of the forest, the shining Magnolia -like leaves of Tabernaemontana abys- sinica (Muwele) are also conspicuous. Along the side of the track may be seen Viola abyssinica ; Myosotis abyssinica ; Glycine javanica ; Thalictrum rhyncho- carpum ; Sparmannia abyssinica ; Thunbergia alata ; bright blue Plectranthus ; blue Commelina, and here and there is a PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 87 tall Lobelia Johnsonii, which is here seen at its lowest limit ; Celsius grows on the sides of the cuttings wherever it can get root-hold ; in the grass, but not easy to be seen from a passing train, are many small blue Lobelias. At Limoru, 7468 feet, there is a conspicuous Crotalaria which grows into a small tree ; it produces long racemes of large yellowish green flowers, it is named by the Kikuyu ‘ Mwethia.’ Between Limoru and Kikuyu there is a drop of 645 feet and the flora does not exhibit much change between these two stations. Nuxia congesta and Olea chrysophylla become abundant again, and also Olea hochstetteri and War- burgia ugandensis. Wherever the land, formerly cultivated, has been allowed to lie fallow it is covered with Abutilon bidentatum and Bidens pilosa : this latter is an exotic, its real home being in the West Indies, but is now a noxious weed and known as Spanish needles. From the West Indies we have received two unwelcome guests who flourish on the country’s hospitality — the Chigger and Spanish needle. Associated with the Abutilon is a purple Vernonia. Another noxious plant begins to make its appearance in ever-increasing quantities as the line descends, which is the Solanum campylacanthum ; this plant may be said to have a wider distribution than any other plant in the Protectorate ; it is easily recognised by its branching habit of growth, paucity of leaves, and its yellow fruit, somewhat resembling in size and shape a crab-apple. After leaving Kikuyu Station the line descends rapidly to Nairobi, 5575 feet ; between these two stations the country gradually becomes drier and there is a marked change in the flora. Soon after leaving Kikuyu the characteristic light- crowned trees of the Croton elliottanus (Mukinduri) are seen standing well above the other trees ; this tree extends as far as Nairobi, but is rarely found at a lower altitude. When close to Nairobi another tree which once seen can never be mistaken for any other is the Muhugu, a species of Brachyleima ; the tree has a very thin crown confined to the upper third of the stem and not spreading. The species is a new one and has not yet been named ; it is a dioecious tree. What at first sight, or in the distance, may be taken for 88 PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA a fine umbrageous tree is a parasitic fig which grows on the Muhugu and other trees, gradually enveloping them ; this fig is closely allied to Ficus capensis ; it is a conspicuous feature in the landscape between Limoru and Nairobi. The following trees and plants may be seen along the line between Kikuyu and Nairobi : Abutilon bidentatum, Solanum campy - lacanthum ; Leonotis elliottii ; Emilia sagittata ; Vernonia sp.; Cassia didimobotrya — very conspicuous along the Nairobi River ; Achroclyne Hochstetteri ; Pentas lanceolata ; bracken fern ; Dracaena rejlexa ; Heliotropium strigorum; Thunbergia alata ; Gerber a abyssinica ; Schrebera alata ; Lantana salvifolia ; Lippia sp. ; Ocimum spp. ; Coleus sp. ; Buddleia salvifolia ; Bhamphicarpa heuglinii ; Helianthus sp. ; Jasminum abyssini- cum ; Grewia columnaris ; Pentanisia ouranogyne ; Eugenia cor data ; Triumfetta ruwenzoriensis ; Albizzia fastigiata ; Impatiens sp. ; Dombeya nairobensis ; Maba abyssinica ; Nesaea sp. ; Acidanthera Candida ; Clerodendron myricoides ; Dolichandrone Hildebrandtii. Nairobi forms a well-defined boundary between two distinct zones of vegetation which may be described as tropical and extra-tropical. On the western side there are the hills with a rich variety of luxuriant vegetation, on the eastern the dry, treeless plains, which are green only for two short seasons in each year. Immediately on leaving Nairobi the line passes on to the plains, on which — except in the rainy season — there is scarcely a speck of colour to relieve the general monotony of dry grass. Our old friend Solanum campylacanthum flourishes along the side of the track, and also Thunbergia alata. In June and July the little Pentanisia ouranogyme makes pleasing patches of bright blue ; in the rains can be seen here and there the beautiful white flowers of Acidanthera Candida. From Nairobi the line descends to Athi River Station (4948 feet). At the bridge over the river may be seen the flat-topped acacias growing close to the water, and the course of the river is indicated for a long distance by these trees. After crossing the stony Athi the line passes the famous reed beds (famous from a sportsman’s point of view) in which papyrus and bulrushes flourish. Between Athi River Station PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 89 and Machakos Road there is little variety in the vegetation from the black cotton of the plains, but at the latter station the soil changes to a rich red loam, with the result that trees are abundant, though they are only small ones. From Machakos Road Station the line descends rapidly to Kiu (4861 feet). Just before coming into Kiu Station the beautiful mauve and white Astrochlaena can be seen on the right-hand side of the line ; this Astrochlaena has a distribution extending to Voi. Leaving Kiu, on each side of the line at certain seasons of the year may be seen the small bushes of Thunbergia erecta , with their gorgeous purple flowers. About half-way between Kiu and Sultan Hamud the line cuts through a group of acacias with fine red bark ; seen when the sun is low, so that his rays strike direct on to the stems of the trees, the colour is very beautiful. From here on to Makindu the country is, from a botanist’s point of view, rather monotonous and does not exhibit much change. There is an interesting landmark just outside Simba Station (8845 feet) in the shape of a solitary baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), indicating its farthest limit of altitude and also indicating that the real tropics have commenced. In the station garden there are two exotic trees which are interest- ing as noting the altitude at which they can flourish, they are Moringa pterygosperma and Plumieria rubra , commonly known as Frangipane. Between this station and Kibwezi the white Plumbago zeylanica grows in great abundance along the line, and beyond Makindu the very beautiful Caesalpinia data ; this tree is found also at Voi. The part of the line between Kibwezi and Voi is a closed book to the writer of this article, as both the up and down mixed trains pass along it in the night. From Voi (1888 feet) a conspicuous feature on each side of the line are the many Sanseveira plants, chiefly S. guiniensis and S. ehrenbergii. The line passes through fairly thick bush, the trees com- posing it having marked xerophytic characters. Conspicuous among the trees are large Euphorbia candelabra and the bright red-flowered Erythrina. 40 PLANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA After crossing the Yoi river the line traverses the waterless district known as the Tarn desert, which extends practically as far as Samburu (914 feet). From here towards the coast the climate comes under the influence of the ocean, and in consequence becomes more and more green and fertile as the sea is approached. Small bushes of the Adenium coetaneum make themselves conspicuous along the line by their thick succulent stems resembling miniature baobab trees and their bright red azalea-like flowers ; fine specimens of a cycad, Encephalartos sp., can be seen at intervals between Samburu and Maji ya Chumvi; the large yellow Hibiscus and a white Pentas are conspicuous, and also very common is the Solanum campyla- canthum. About half-way between Maji ya Chumvi and Mazeras stations the branching Dom palms are first seen, and they rapidly become the principal feature in the landscape ; associated with them are the small trees of Dalbergia melan - oxylon (ebony), Bauhinia reticulata, and the wild custard apple, Anona senegalensis. As Mazeras is approached a fine Borassus aethiopium may be seen some way to the left of the line, with its characteristic bottle-shaped stem. Cocoanut palms now begin to appear, and by the time Mazeras Station is reached they are very abundant. Between Mazeras (534 feet) and Mombasa practically little variation takes place in the flora. Along the line may be seen Oldenlandia abyssinica , with its small bright red flowers appearing above the grass ; Heinsia densiflora, with its pure white flowers, Hibiscus sp., Thespesia populnea ; in pools the blue Nymphaea lotus ; on many of the Dom palms the fine yellow and brown Orchis Ansella. Of trees, Afzelia cuanzensis (Mbembakofe) ; Dalbergia melan - oxylon (ebony); Bauhinia reticulata; Anona senegalensis ; Syzygium jambolana (Msambarao) ; Tamarindus indica, which is here indigenous ; Artocarpus integrifolia ; Anacardium occidental ; Zizyphus jujuba (Mkunasi) ; Mangifera indica, are conspicuous. On crossing the Makupa bridge mangrove trees, growing in all their luxury, may be noted ; the chief species to be seen are Bhizophora mucronata, Brugueira gymnorhiza, and Avi- cennia officinalis. SOME EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 41 In this article only those trees and plants which are con- spicuous by their flowers, leaves, or habit of growth have been mentioned, and no account has been taken of cultivated plants with the one exception of those two mentioned as growing at Simba Station. To mention all the trees and plants to be seen near the railway would require a very large volume. The obj ect of the writer has been to try to show the large variety of plants and trees which may be seen by any observant person when travelling on the Uganda Railway. From the bamboos of the Kikuyu escarpment to the mangrove swamps of the coast, with all the enormous variety of plants and conditions of climate between, is a far cry, and yet it can all be seen within twenty-four hours ! Specific names have only been given in cases where specimens have been identified at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, or have been identified in the ‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ or Engler’s ‘ Flora of German East Africa.’ [The Solarium cam'pylacanthum mentioned several times in the article is one of the best known plants in East Africa both to natives and Europeans ; it is generally about two to three feet high and bears a conspicuous yellow tomato-like fruit about seven-eighths inch in diameter. This fruit plays a part in native ceremonial among the Nandi, Kamasia, Bantu Kavirondo, and A-Kamba, and its influence is generally believed to avert evil or promote peace. The Swahili name is 4 Tunguja,’ and this name is derived from ‘ Tungu,’ which means a whitlow, because it is believed that a poultice made of the fresh fruit will reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain. — Editor. C. W. H.] SOME EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES By Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers, M.A. East Africa, from the standpoint of zoology, belongs to the Ethiopian region, which comprises all Africa south of the Sahara, together with a part of Southern Arabia. This region is very distinct, and the number of butterflies, at any rate which range beyond its borders, is very small, whilst whole sections 42 SOME EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES of Nyrnyhalidae and Lycaenidae are peculiar to it. Within this region there are two well-marked sub-divisions which used to be known as the West-coast and the East-coast, but should be more properly designated the Forest and the Not-forest faunas. British East Africa belongs mainly to the Not-forest area, but many Forest species are found in the more Western districts, and some even in outlying patches of forest right down to the coast. The more characteristic African forms belong to the Forest fauna. My own experience only extends as far as the East of the Great Rift Valley, and is mainly confined to the Not-forest area. The present note is on two species of the genus Euxanthe, which is a very isolated genus of the family Nym'phalidae, and is now generally regarded as allied to the great genus Charaxes. The genus Euxanthe is altogether peculiar to the Ethiopian region, and is generally distributed in the tropical parts of the country. These butterflies are of consider- able size, about three or four inches in expanse, though the females may be somewhat larger. They are characterised by very broad rounded wings, the fore wings being very short in proportion to their breadth, at any rate in the males. They are generally found in forest or at any rate woodland country. There are some six species known, but I have only met with two in the districts which I have worked. 1. Euxanthe wakefieldi. Ward. — This species is not un- common in the Coast district and extends as far as Taita and Taveta. It is always found in more or less wooded country, and I have met with it in such localities even on Mombasa island. It is very fond of settling on the outer leaves of trees, often fairly high up, and thence chasing its fellows from time to time, the butterflies circling round each other for some minutes before coming to rest again. It is also frequently to be seen at rest on the trunks of trees even low down, and is not difficult to capture as it has a habit of returning over the same ground again and again. It is an interesting fact that this species has very similar habits to the Charaxes, in spite of its very different appearance. The male is about three inches in expanse or perhaps a little more, the fore wings being exceedingly short in proportion EUXANTHE TIBERIUS. Natural size.' EUXANTHE WAKEFIELDI. Natural size. SOME EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 48 to their breadth, so much so as to give it a distinctive appearance even during flight. It is black with blue-green markings. These consist of a broad macular band on the fore wings commencing below the costa nearer the base than the tip and extending to the anal angle ; there is a row of three smaller spots near the tip, and a row of spots smaller still near the hind margin. On the hind wings there is a large blotch filling the greater part of the basal area, and two rows of spots near the hind margin, the inner row being much larger than the outer. On the under side the markings are very much the same, but the ground colour is pale brown except on the lower part of the fore wings. The female is a larger insect, expanding four inches, with the fore wings much more produced. The markings are very similar, but all the pale markings are larger and bluish white. These differences give the butterfly a very different appearance, and in flight it bears a considerable resemblance to the large black and white Amauris niavius, which is a very abundant and highly distasteful insect. This resemblance is increased by an approximation in its habits. I have never seen the female joining in the evolutions which are so characteristic of the male, but its floating flight resembles that of its model, and it settles frequently, if not generally, with its wings pendent in the same position as the Amauris. 2. Euxanthe tiberius. Grose Smith. — This is an even more magnificent insect than the last, and is very much rarer with a much more restricted range. It is only found in dense patches of forest and seldom ventures out into the open. It is generally to be seen settled on trunks of small trees, and it is an insect of sluggish habits, so that it only makes short flights at a time. It is peculiar to British East Africa, whereas E. Wakefieldi is found as far away as Delagoa Bay. It is, however, not quite so easy to catch as it looks, as, when disturbed, it dodges off between the trees and settles on a trunk or branch, ready to take to flight at once if one follows it, and that always before one can come within striking distance. They have a habit, however, of haunting the same spot day 44 FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA after day and week after week, so that having discovered its haunts one always has a chance of finding it at home. This species expands about three inches, the female some- times a little more, but there is not the great disparity which there is in the last species. The markings of the fore wings are similar to those of E. wakefieldi, but the spots of the macular band are a little smaller and it begins on the costa nearer the base. Between this band and the base there is a blotch of rich fulvous. The outer row of spots is also nearer the base and consists of four spots larger than in E. wakefieldi ; all these spots are pale green and are a beautiful contrast to the black ground colour. The marginal row of small spots is pure white and conspicuous. The hind wings are dead black, with a marginal row of small white spots and two or three spots of another row inside them. The under side is very similar, but the hind wings are rich dark brown with the nervures and inter-nervular streaks black. The female is very similar except that all the pale markings are whiter and there is a very large white blotch in the basal half of the hind wings. It is a mimic of Amauris ochlea, which is common in the Coast district. I have little doubt that both these Euxanthes are somewhat distasteful. They are both very conspicuous on the wing, and E. tiberius especially is very difficult to kill by pressure between the finger and thumb, which is very characteristic of distasteful butterflies. The undoubted mimi- cry which they exhibit towards the genus Amauris should therefore be regarded as Mullerian, and it is now thought that this mimicry is very usual amongst Lepidoptera. FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA, WITH NOTES ON THE HAGEDASH IBIS By 4 Stekeo.’ Along the western shore of Lake Victoria there exists a long tract of uninhabited and almost uninhabitable country, save by birds, innumerable crocodiles, and occasional hippo, for unfortunately throughout the greater part of its length it FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA 45 teems with countless tsetse fly (G. palpalis), the conveyor of the fell disease termed ‘ sleeping sickness.’ In past years the solitude of this vast area was invaded only by a few fishermen who spent the fishing season working their enormous basket seines, catching the small fish which, when dried, is termed ‘ nkeje ,’ and is so much relished by the natives as a toothsome morsel eaten with their ‘ matoke ’ (steamed unripe bananas). These seines, extending sometimes to over 400 yards from the shore, and the method of working them, are well worth a short notice, as their use, on the Uganda side of the lake at least, has ceased, owing to the operation of the Sleeping Sickness Ordinance ; in fact, under the two-mile rule of this ordinance the solitude of this area must remain unbroken save for the weird roar of the crocodile and the grunting of the hippo, and I have little doubt will soon be a fine breeding ground for the lake birds. ‘ So it ’s an ill wind that blows nobody good,’ but keen regret must always be felt when one contemplates the consequences of this awful epidemic which has been such a curse to what would otherwise be a beautiful and fertile part of this Pro- tectorate, viz. the lake shore ; and moreover the destruction of the fishing industry is to be deplored. A typical scene in that part on a morning brilliant with sunshine, as yet pleasant since an early start about 6 a.m. is made, all requisites having been packed into the native canoe manned by twelve sturdy paddlers, we coast gently along the white sandy beach against which the wavelets, sparkling in the sunshine, gently ripple with a droning musical note, giving no indication of the fury with which they so soon lash the shore when great rollers have been roused from their slumbers. Standing waist-deep in the water, constantly casting their lines, fishing for the small ‘ nkeje,’ is a long line of youths and grey -haired men like silhouettes against the sunshine ; anon a wriggling silvery object at the end of a line denotes some hapless sprat secured, and a pleased grin spreads over the lucky owner’s face as he rebaits and casts anew. Further on are quaint rafts built of the dried leaf ribs of the Raphia Palms, growing so plentifully in the silent depths of the swamp, which extends back for some four or five miles inland, a lonely 46 FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA trackless waste. The owners of these cleverly constructed rafts sit singly in the stern, and proving bolder, put out further into the lake and anchor their rafts by means of a large stone. At last in a break in the long line of Mirindi trees ( ambatch ) which grow in the water a few yards from the shore one sees the seiners at work. Carefully coiled on two broad rafts of dry Raphia fronds are two long ropes made of a tough fibrous grass characteristic of this region. When plaited, it forms light but strong rope ; one end of each is fixed to the row of twelve or more fish traps, linked together sideways. Each basket is about four feet in diameter and six to ten feet long, tapering to a blunt point, and each has an internal conical member forming the doorway of the trap. To the top of each basket to mark its position is fixed a bunch of leaves from the wild date palm, and for thirty to fifty yards on each side of the line of baskets pieces of banana leaves are fixed to the rope as a fringe to direct the fish to the baskets. All being ready, the baskets are placed on a raft and a man to each raft with a long pole then punt the rafts into the lake, which at this part has a sandy bottom and is scarcely more than ten to sixteen feet deep. When sufficiently far out the baskets are shoved off into the water and each raft makes a detour in an opposite direction and returns to the shore, where a score or more of men, nude save for a fringe of banana leaves girt round their loins, catch hold of the free ends of the ropes and steadily haul in the seine. Excitement grows as the tufts of palm leaves indicate the near approach of the baskets. When close enough in, some men enter the water and with great splashings drive the fish towards the baskets, which are then drawn round into a circle to enclose the whole catch, which a man standing in the middle drives in. When the circle has been narrowed down as far as possible, each trap is picked up in turn and tilted so that the fish are poured into a small basket held ready below. When all are emptied, the glittering silvery mass is placed into a shallow hollow scooped in the sand and the fish sorted, while the rafts set out once more. A crackling fire behind, tended by a youngster, is soon requisitioned, and any special tasty fish toasted over it to cheer the patient toilers. FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA 47 The large fish are split, cleaned, and dried, while the small sprats are threaded in rows on sticks which are hung up to dry in the sun. This work is done by the women of the small fishing-camps, and, as may be supposed, the odour in the vicinity of the drying fish is the reverse of fragrant, recalling memories of the nesting haunts of the cormorants and gannets on the Bass Rock. While camped near one of these stations news was one day brought in of the nest of the Hagedash Ibis (Hagedashia hagedash) close by. The afternoon was far gone, but the nest of this bird being new to me the chance was not to be missed, so quickly getting camera, &c., we set off, and after wading through a shallow swamp, the bird was seen on its nest on a small tree close to the lake. On sighting us the bird flew off with its weird cry, which is something like 4 ah-a-aaah,’ long drawn out and so dismal, like the wail of lost, despairing spirits, when uttered in the evening gloom. A few minutes sufficed to lash the camera to the tree and focus the nest, which contained two young about a week old, and an addled egg. The shutter set, a long thread was cautiously attached to the release and the end carried to the bushes, where one crouched expectantly, not heeding the damp of the loathsome swamp in the hopes of getting a picture. Half an hour passes, and as the sun sinks lower and despair is seizing one, hopes are renewed by the sound of swishing wings as the bird returns. How one quivers with excitement as one wonders if it will settle on the nest, or whether the strange object decorated with leaves so near its nest will alarm it ? One almost holds one’s breath as the bird comes straight back and alights on the nest with food for its young. Instantly it sees the strange object and stands erect, full of wild suspicion, and one feels almost suffocated with excite- ment as the sun just shines through a break in the clouds and one pulls the thread and hears the click of the shutter. Instantly the bird vanishes ; and crawling out, one climbs the tree and resets the camera. Another long wait, but no bird comes back, it distrusts the camera with its gleaming eyes, and as darkness is coming on, one removes the camera and tramps home, dirty, soaking wet, yet curiously happy at having outwitted wild nature and observed it at close 48 FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA quarters at home. The wondering remarks of natives at the inexplicable ways of the white man matter not, and after a quick dinner one starts to develop the precious negative, at one time sure of success, at another despondent of a failure. But who can describe the feelings of triumphant delight as the picture develops, and one realises it as being successful beyond one’s wildest dreams ? What matter the cold, the fatigue, the cramp, and long patient waiting in the swamp when one gets such results ? All natural history photographers will understand and sympathise ; and to others I would say, just start the pursuit and you will have a hobby at once engrossing, and of value in teaching one to understand the problems and curious habits of our feathered friends ; at any rate, one need never more complain of dull days, even in Africa. I leave it to fellow members to judge of the result, only asking them to keep in mind that photos lose considerably in the process of reproduction, and being viewed as a flat print, the picture loses considerably more of its beauty. All nature photos should, in my opinion, be taken and viewed stereoscopically so as to get the full value. It would be a surprise to many to view the same picture stereoscopically and as a plain print. Perhaps when our Society is more firmly established it will be possible to reproduce the prints for viewing through the stereoscope. In conclusion I may add a few notes re the Hagedash Ibis which may prove of interest. This bird is confined to tropical Africa. Here I have met with it from the Kagera River on the German East Africa boundary to the Nile north of Unyoro, inhabiting the swamp rivers, but being most common along the shores of the Victoria Nyanza. Towards Central Uganda it is naturally less often seen save on the Rivers Maanja and Kafu. It is a striking-looking bird of a bronze green hue, most conspicuously gleaming in the sunlight, and at all times its curious cry attracts attention and has given rise to its native name (Luganda) of ‘ Mpa- baana.’ In this connection it will be interesting to note two native stories regarding the birds. The first runs that in olden times a famine came on the HAGEDASH IBIS AND YOUNG. No. 8. Roan Someren. HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT 49 land and a man and his wife had little food. The wife cooked this food and first gave it to the children as they sat outside, but when the husband saw this he went crying, ‘ Give the children,’ ‘ Give the children.’ His wife replied, ‘ Sir, come and have your food,’ but he refused, and was turned into a bird along with his wife, which birds were thereafter called ‘ Mpabaana.’ The second is of the nature of a proverb, and runs thus : ‘ Does he who eats something nice finish it all at once ? ’ The glossy ibis lives in the swamp, as it is a fisher bird, not because he cannot leave his food. Its food consists of the various worms and grubs to be found in the swamp and by the lake, also small crabs and mussels. Small fish possibly form part of its diet, though I have never been able to identify their remains during the course of several stomach dissections. After probing about the swamp it is fond of standing motionless on the top branch of a convenient dead tree, where its sheeny plumage and white eye at once attract one’s attention. It nests by the lake and swamp, choosing usually a position low down on the tree for building its large, untidy nest, made of dead twigs and unlined. A full clutch apparently contains three eggs only, about three inches long, with a rough shell coated with curious reddish brown markings which have the appearance of stains merely. The young are born almost nude and jet black in colour. Growth takes place rapidly, and in about a fortnight the young leave the nest. SOME NOTES ON THE HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT ON THE GUAS NGISHU PLATEAU By A. C. Hoey. One of the best districts for game in this Protectorate, and more especially for elephant, is that part of the Guas Ngishu Plateau situated south-east of Victoria Nyanza, bounded on the east by the Elgeyo escarpment, on the north by the Turkwell River, and west by Mount Elgon. At least three Vol. I.— No. l. E 50 HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT herds of elephant roam about here, the largest one numbering as many as 800. These herds present a very fine sight as they travel across from Mount Elgon to the Elgeyo Forest, which they do as soon as the heavy rains start — generally in April and May — spending a week or so browsing along the Nzioa River, and more especially in the swamps above this river. The bulls are very much in the minority and are not of any great size. Bigger bulls, however, are often met wandering about the country by themselves, or more often following up a herd of cows. There is one herd of ten ‘ outcast ’ bulls in this region, very old and very cunning, who, having been chased out of the various herds by the younger bulls, live quite by themselves and never leave the forest. They have regular haunts which they visit at certain seasons of the year for different kinds of vegetation, which at that time happen to be more than usually succulent. For instance, these elephants always visit a certain part of the Elgeyo Forest in the middle of the dry season to feed on a particular kind of fibre plant of which they are very fond. One of the favourite foods of the elephant is the thorn tree (especially when in bloom), which they break down and strip of its bark. The peculiar smell emitted from this stripped bark is one of the indications as to how recently a herd has passed ; though, of course, the spoor is the great guide. One cannot but admire the directness of purpose of the elephant, which is demonstrated by the straight line in which the herds always travel. Whether it be to a salt pan or particular patch of thorn bush days away, there is no winding track towards it, but one direct line. The average pace of an elephant trekking is about five to six miles an hour, but if chased he very soon tires and a pony can easily outrun him. Some people are rather apt to think that he can gallop, but this is hardly correct. It is curious to note how little noise the elephant makes when moving through the thickest forest. One would expect to hear a crashing and breaking of trees, but as a matter of fact he goes very carefully. HAUNTS AND HABITS OP THE ELEPHANT 51 There is a strange difference between the acuteness of an elephant’s hearing in the forest and in the open. The snapping of a twig in the forest will put him at once on the alert, while, when standing in a swamp in the open, he does not appear to hear anyone splashing in about three or four feet of water quite close to him. Yet it cannot be said that his instinct is altogether faulty, for on one occasion, when following up the spoor of a big bull, I noticed that it suddenly left the old track just before it came to a narrow opening between the edge of the forest and a large bush. Asking myself why he should so suddenly branch off without any apparent reason, I realised only just in time that I was on the brink of an artfully concealed game pit, which the wily tusker either suspected or was fully aware of, for he rejoined the old track some twenty yards further on. One other good feature that I have personally noticed about elephants is their solicitude for a wounded comrade. I happened one day to wound a bull which fell and immediately got up again. It was at once surrounded by about ten cows, who proceeded to help the wounded animal along. They hurried it into the centre of the herd, and rendered such effective assistance that, though followed up for ten miles, it eventually got away. One peculiar fact which enables a hunter to tell if any bulls accompany a herd is their habit of taking a parallel course a little to the right or left of the main spoor, and then crossing and travelling on the other side. This single spoor is an unfailing guide. The bull can as a rule be easily dis- tinguished by being so much broader and more massive than the female. The height of the bulls I have met with in the district described varies from eleven feet two inches to eleven feet ten inches at the shoulder. These details may not possibly agree with the impressions of more experienced students of the elephant, but I submit them for what they are worth, and as having been gleaned from my own experience and observation. 52 KAEIANDUSS DEPOSITS OF EIFT VALLEY THE KAEIANDUSS DEPOSITS OF THE EIFT VALLEY By C. W. Hobley. One of the most marked features of the geology of the Eift Valley is the occurrence of thick beds of a mealy friable rock varying in colour from pure white to light brown. The place where they first attracted attention was on the east side of Elmentaita Lake, where a small stream has carved its way through those deposits, and the Masai name this place 01 Karianduss, from the presence of this white rock. A little search will, however, demonstrate the existence of such deposits at many places both on the east and west flanks of the Eift Valley between Nakuru and the south extremity of the Kodong Valley. There are, for instance, large beds in the valley of the Endorit Eiver, north-west of Eburu Mountain, and also in the valleys between Ngong Mountain and the Kodong Eiver. Its occurrence is also reported from the vicinity of Sugeta, north of Baringo. Altogether, the deposits of this material in the Eift Valley must amount to millions of tons. The proper name of this substance is Diatomite, and it is a siliceous deposit principally of organic origin, which is found in many other parts of the world, and is mainly composed of the skeletons, technically called frustules, of minute lowly plants called Diatoms, belonging to the order Diatomaceae or Bacillariaceae. These plants are among the most rudimentary form of life and rarely measure more than -^oth of an inch in length. They consist of single cells of grey and brown protoplasm enclosed in a flinty casing formed of two portions, which fit together like a box and its lid. They are to be found in most fresh-water ponds, and especially flourish in mossy marshes such as one finds on the Aberdare Eange, and they form a kind of scum on the water. With the flinty casing it may be a matter of surprise that such tiny atoms manage to float, but it is believed that they are able to do this by means of a certain amount of oil contained in their structure. Diatoms multiply with great rapidity and in spite of the flint envelope conjugation takes place, which in these lowly organisms brings new vigour to the stock. At death the shells sink to the bottom KARIANDUSS DEPOSITS OF RIFT VALLEY 58 of the water and slowly form a siliceous deposit, and this is the basis of our Diatomite. Diatoms form an enormous family, one that is said to number several thousand species. Myriads live in the sea as well as in fresh water, and in the great depths of the ocean there are enormous deposits of ooze formed of the skeletons of diatoms, globigerina and radiolaria, the last two, however, being classed among the animal kingdom. Diatoms are known to belong to the vegetable kingdom by the presence of chlorophyll, a tiny fragment of which colours each cell green or brown, and it is upon this chlorophyll that their life depends, for it has the power of absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, picking out the carbon and with it building up the ceil substance of the diatom, rejecting the oxygen. Any other nutriment the cell requires is obtained by absorbing various salts which happen to be in a state of solution in the water in which its habitat lies. On the other hand, diatoms possess a faculty which is usually looked upon as a peculiarity of the animal kingdom, namely, that of motion; its method of progression is a mystery, but is possibly due to the move- ments of tiny cilia microscopically invisible. The pace is so slow compared with that with which it will naturally drift by wind or currents that it is not easy to see what the organism gains by such feeble motive powers. It has, however, been suggested that its power of motion may prevent it being covered with mud when it sinks to the bottom of a pool, and it also may enable it to retire below the surface where the upper layers of water are disturbed by a strong breeze. The next question one probably asks is why such enormous deposits of diatomaceous clay should be found in the Rift Valley, and this can, I think, be explained to a great extent. From Tertiary times onwards the Rift Valley has been the scene of tremendous volcanic activity, and the eruptive matter has uniformly been of what geologists call an acidic type, that is to say, the lavas and ashes ejected from the volcanoes contain a preponderance of silica (Si02). For convenience of classification all volcanic materials containing over 60 per cent, of Si02 are classed as acidic rocks, and all containing below that percentage are classed as basic. Now the bulk 54 KARIANDUSS DEPOSITS OF RIFT VALLEY of the silica in these lavas and ashes is amorphous, that is to say, not in a crystalline form, and any crystalline silica there may be is probably in what is known as the tridymite form, a form which usually occurs in tiny crystals in rocks of the character now being discussed. Now certain forms of amorphous silica, and also the crystalline form known as tridymite, are soluble to a varying extent in carbonate of soda solution. Professor Gregory has called attention to the high percentage of soda-carrying minerals in many of the lavas he collected in his journey through this area, and although proper analyses of the rocks have rarely been made, we know that the Rift Valley region abounds in soda deposits, vide the Magadi Lake and the similar deposits north of Baringo. Lakes Hanning- ton, Nakuru, and Elmentaita are so heavily impregnated with soda salts as to be undrinkable. The water of Lake Naivasha too is impregnated with soda in a lesser degree. We also know that at one period of the history of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha stretched from near Gil-gil to the slopes of Lon- genot, and south of that again formerly occurred what Gregory calls Lake Suess ; Nakuru and Elmentaita also about that time coalesced into one huge lake covering the Elmentaita Plains. We thus have all the conditions and materials at hand necessary for the formation of these great beds of diato- mite ; picture Suswa, Longenot and Eburu all periodically in active eruption, and in addition to lava flows ejecting great clouds of volcanic dust and streams of mud mainly composed of siliceous fragments. This is almost certain to have been, as is the case in all volcanoes of this kind ; the steam tearing its way through the magma which formed the flows of obsidian and trachytic tuffs would naturally blow large quantities into a state of very fine division, and this would be spread far and wide by the wind and also carried into the lakes by the torrential downpours which always accompany volcanic activity. The soda-laden water would dissolve the silica and place it ready for the diatoms to work upon, and with such rich material to build with one can quite see that this form of life could flourish with great luxuriance. All these lakes have greatly decreased in size since those days, and the walls of the Rift Valley have slowly risen owing to faulting, and consequently the beds of KARIANDUSS DEPOSITS OF RIFT VALLEY 55 diatomaceous clay are now in many cases exposed high above the present lake levels. It may be asked why the soda-laden water did not redissolve the dead skeletons of the diatoms, but this is probably due to the organic material which helps to cement together the skeleton, and also to the presence of an admixture of aluminous matter which continually washed down into the lakes and helped to bury the siliceous fragments. A few remarks as to the economic aspects of these deposits may not be amiss. Diatomite is used for various industrial purposes, amongst others to mix with nitro-glycerine to form dynamite ; the kind used for this purpose usually comes from Prussia, and is called Kieselguhr. Owing, however, to the invention of more powerful and safer explosives this is a decreasing need. One of its greatest uses is as a polishing material for metal work ; it is known under the commercial name of Tripoli, from the country whence it was originally introduced. Some of the polishing soaps also contain diatomaceous earth. It is also used for making the so-called ‘ candles ’ of the more modern filters. It is a first-class non-conductor of heat, and mixed with a modicum of clay is made into bricks for lining fireproof rooms, as a lining for stoves, furnaces, &c. It might also be used to great advantage to make tiles for houses in tropical countries. It is also used in the manufacture of water glass or silicate of soda and artificial meerschaum. Its value commercially depends on the amount of silica it contains, its white colour, its absorbent qualities, and the fineness with which it is ground. The analyses of samples from different parts of the world give results varying from 75 per cent, to 90 per cent, of silica and 3 per cent, to 10 per cent, of alumina, the balance being made up of small percentages of iron, potash, soda, and organic matter. Its value commercially in its crude state is only £3 to £4 per ton, but if properly sifted and ground, and of uniform high quality, it would be worth three or four times this amount. The present consumption in England is said to be about 3000 tons per annum. The great difficulty in shipping 56 TROUT IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA this material for long distances lies in its lightness, which causes shipping firms to take it only by measurement. I am indebted to the Imperial Institute Bulletin for most of the facts regarding the commercial aspect of the product. TROUT IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA By F. J. Jackson. Readers of this journal will doubtless be interested to hear that whilst camped on the Aberdare Range on August 28 last, I succeeded in catching five trout, and rising five or six others. The fish were all taken with a small grouse wing fly and within a distance of 150 yards down stream of the footbridge that crosses the Gura stream, and within a very short distance of the site of the hatchery, which was further up stream. The stream itself is little more than 2 feet in width, except here and there where it widens out into small pools of perhaps 4 feet in width. The fish, all brown trout, varied from 8 to 6| inches in length, and were little over a quarter of a pound in weight, and were probably hatched out from the same consignment of ova. As I saw nothing larger or smaller than these fish and was anxious to obtain evidence of others, Mr. Guy Baker of the Forestry Department very kindly undertook to try to obtain further evidence. Mr. Baker’s efforts were successful, and he sent me a small brown trout 5J inches in length, and another of 9 inches. This latter appears to differ from the brown trout in being much more silvery, besides having a rounder and proportionately shorter head, and it may be a rainbow trout. But what is of still more interest, as tending to show that it is probable that the fish have already begun to breed, is a photograph by Mr. Baker of a fish 15 inches in length and 15| oz. in weight. Mr. Baker informs me that all his fish were caught with a fly, and within three miles of the site of the hatchery. November 1909. STRANGE CASE OF SNAKE BITE 57 [The above information should give great satisfaction to the gentlemen who subscribed to the Trout Acclimatisation Association, as it practically proves that their public-spirited action has resulted in success, and that the trout are now well established in the streams on the Aberdare Range. Their progress should, however, be carefully watched, and numbers of young fish should be transferred to other streams on the range and to the head waters of the Morendat and Gil-gil rivers, and later on efforts should be made to establish them in the streams rising on the Mau plateau. Possibly members of the Society will be able to assist in this work. — Editor.] STRANGE CASE OF SNAKE BITE By Francis Burmeister. Last month the Masai who herds the sheep on my farm on the shore of Lake Naivasha saw a half-bred lamb with a snake hanging on to its nose. He promptly killed the snake, and as I happened to be passing, he ran to tell me. I first looked at the snake and saw that it was a small puff adder, and then at the lamb, and noticed the beads of blood on the nostrils where the fangs had struck. Naturally I expected to see the lamb fall over in convulsions and die, and told the Masai so. He, however, propounded the following quaint theory. As he had caught the snake and killed it outright the lamb would not die ; if, however, the snake had escaped and lived, the lamb would have died at once. Knowing that immediately the adder struck, all the poison in the glands had been ejected, I was incredulous. However, beyond some subsequent swelling of the head and neck, the lamb suffered no inconvenience. I am entirely at a loss to account for it, as I am certain it was a puff adder, about eighteen inches long. Perhaps some one will enlighten me ? Ube journal OF THE East Africa And Uganda Natural History Society Vol» L NO. 2, CONTENTS LIST OF. OFFICERS 1. GAME BIRDS OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PRO- TECTORATES. F. J. Jackson, C.B., C.M.G., F.Z.S., F.L.S., M.B.O.U. 2. ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES, G. A. Boulengeb. F.R.S. 3. THE CENTRAL AFRICAN STONE CURLEW. R. van Someben. M.B., D.Ph. 4. MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES. Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers, M.A. 5. SMALLER FAUNA OF MT. EGLON. R. Kemp. • 6 SPITTING COBRA. C. W. Hobley, C.M.G., M.R.Anth.Inst. 7' EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. A. B. Percival, F.Z.S. . . . . * ...... NOTES THE MICROSCOPICAL STRUCTURE OF DIATOMITE. J. K. Creighton RANDOM OBSERVATIONS ON CHAMELEONS. F. Burmeister MELANISM IN ‘ FELIS SERVAL.’ C. W. Hobley. . OCCURRENCE OF WHITE WATERBUCK. A. B. Percival. A VARIATION IN GAZELLA GRANTII. A. B. Percival. KAVIRONDO POTTO. C. W, Hobley HONEY GUIDES. Editor NOTES BY THE HONORARY SECRETARY. . LIST OF NEW MEMBERS. . BALANCE SHEET. PAGE 59 75 78 101 10? 108 109 110 110 111 114 114 115 116 ILLUSTRATIONS FLASHLIGHT PHOTO OF LION. C. Keabton , . , Frontispiece STONE CURLEW AND NEST To face page 78 CURLEW ON NEST. EGGS IN NEST .... To face page 80 EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES I . . . . . .To lace page 87 EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES II To face page 89 EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES III . . . .To face page 91 MICROPHOTOGRAPHS OF DIATOMS FROM KARIAN- DUSS DEPOSITS I AND II .... To face page 107 MICROPHOTOGRAPHS OF DIATOMS FROM KARIAN- DUSS DEPOSITS III AND IV To face page 108 C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G. EDITORS T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 59 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. NEW YORK, BOMBAY AND CALCUTTA Jill right* reserved It r FLASHLIGHT PHOTO OF LION GOING DOWN TO DRINK. Taken near Kiu B.E.A., by Cherry Kearton. THE JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY VOL. I. No. 2. patrons SIR E. P. C. GIROUARD, R.E., K.C.M.G., D.S.Q. SIR JAMES HAYES SADLER, K.C.M.G., C.B. SIR H. HESKETH BELL, K.C.M.G. president ant) Chairman of B$ecuttve Committee F. J. JACKSON, C.B., C.M.G., F.Z.S., F.L.S., M.B.O.U. IDIcesffrresIDent R. J. CUNNINGHAME, F.Z.S. J6jecutlne Committee: THE RIGHT HON. LORD DELAMERE R. S. STORDY, M.R.C.V.S. E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society A. B. PERCIVAL, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. A. C. HOLLIS, M.R.Anthrop.Inst. Ibonorar^ {Treasurer C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G., M.R.Anthrop.Inst. Ibonorars Secretary J. SERGEANT, Esq. Ibonorarg Curator T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. 1911 Vol. I. — No. 2. F 60 GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES GAME BIRDS OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA PROTECTORATES By F. J. Jackson. COTURNIX COTURNIX Coturnix coturnix, Linn. 4 Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 231. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 31. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 178. * Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 505. The common or European Quail is a rare visitor to East Africa. In December 1909 and January 1910 there were a few in the open grass country on the N’gong road. It is much more difficult to flush than Delegorgue’s Quail. Male. — Top of the head black, all the feathers tipped with brown or reddish-brown, a white or pale buff stripe down the middle of the head ; feathers of the mantle sandy or reddish- brown, each with a wide buff black-edged shaft-stripe tapering to a point, and with a wide black bar or blotch on one or both webs. The scapulars and feathers of the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts are very similar to the mantle, but the ground-colour is generally black with narrow V-shaped trans- verse bars of dirty or reddish-white, and the shaft-stripes are wider and confined to a line of feathers down each side of the spine. Lores and stripe above the eye white ; a reddish or blackish- brown band commences behind the upper angle of the nostril and passes through the eye and over the ear-coverts ; a black or sometimes reddish-black band extends backwards to behind the eye from the angle of the gape, a black anchor- shaped mark commences on the chin and passes down the middle of the throat, the arms curving upwards to the ear- coverts. The remaining portions of the head, chin, and throat are white, and usually separated from the chest by an ill-defined band of black and rust-coloured spots. Chest rufous- buff, with white shafts, shading into whitish-buff on the rest of the under-parts ; sides and flanks reddish-buff, spotted with black, and with wide white black-edged shaft-stripes. Tail- feathers black, tipped with whitish and barred with buffi GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 61 Length 7f inches, wing 4*2 inches, tail 1-5 inches, tarsus 1 inch. Female. — Differs from the male in having no black band down the middle of the throat, only the arms of the anchor- shaped mark being somewhat imperfectly represented, and the chest more or less thickly spotted with black. COTURNIX AFRICANA Coturnix africana, T. and S. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 31. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 506. Coturnix capensis , Licht. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 178. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 237. The Cape Quail is both scarce and local. In May 1898 there were a few in the close vicinity of the old Nandi station where four males were obtained. At Loudiani, in May 1901, another male was obtained. Male. — Differs from the male of C. coturnix in having the lores, sides of the head, chin, and throat bright rufous chestnut, the chest washed with the same. Length 6*3 inches (dried skin), wing 8-9 — 4 inches, tail 1*4 inches, tarsus 1*1 inches. Female. — -The plumage does not differ from that of G. coturnix. COTURNIX DELEGORGUEI Coturnix delegorguei. Deleg. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 243. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 31. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 178. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 507. Delegorgue’s Quail is by far the most plentiful and most widely distributed of all the quails found in East Africa and Uganda. It is a partial migrant, and breeds in several parts of East Africa, viz. in Kikuyu in the vicinity of old Fort Smith, between November and March ; in the grassy plains near Simba and Sultan Hamud in January and February ; on the Turkwel River in January and February, and in Jubaland in November. During migration in July it used to be a regular visitor to the plains near Nairobi, and large bags were 62 GAME BIRDS OP THE PROTECTORATES made, but for the last four or five years it appears to have avoided the place, though it is plentiful at that time between Kapiti and Makindu, and also in the Rift Valley. In Kavirondo it is very plentiful in December, and again in July, and great numbers are caught by the natives, with the aid of decoys, in traps set at short intervals in old sheep tracks and native foot- paths. In November it is found in fair numbers on the coast, and even on the Island of Mombasa, but nowhere have I found it in such immense numbers as in Teita in December 1892, and on the Molo river in September 1896. In the latter place, during the whole of a march of about twelve miles they were getting up in front of me in threes and fours continuously. The nest consists merely of a few roots and dry grasses, and the eggs vary in number from five to nine. They also vary a good deal in the markings. Male. — Differs chiefly from the male of C. coturnix in having the general colour of the upper-parts, including the wing-coverts, blackish-brown ; the black pattern on the throat more strongly marked ; the general colour of the sides of the neck and the rest of the under-parts chestnut ; a large black patch in the middle of the chest and breast, and the feathers of the sides and flanks black down the middle. Length 7| inches, wing 8-7 inches, tail 1*8 inches, tarsus 1 inch. Female. — Differs from the female of C. coturnix in the much darker colour of the upper-parts, in having the under- parts rufous -buff or dull chestnut washed with dusky on the chest, most of the feathers with a pale dark-edged shaft-stripe, and the feathers of the sides mottled and barred with black and buff. EXCALFACTORIA ADANSONI Excalfactoria adansoni. Verb. ‘ Ogilvi e-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 255. * Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 32. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 178. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 509. This beautiful little game bird is also very scarce and local. I first met with it at the Ravine Station in October 1896, where it was undoubtedly breeding, as a female that GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 63 I shot had a fully formed egg — unfortunately broken by the shot — in the oviduct. The species was subsequently met with on a grassy plain near Kitotos Village in Southern Kavirondo, in May 1901. Mr. A. B. Percival obtained one near the race-course at Nairobi. When flushed it rarely flies more than forty or fifty yards, but it is exceedingly difficult to make it rise a second time, even with the assistance of beaters, and almost impossible when alone. Male. — Upper-parts blackish-brown washed with slate, except the wing-coverts, scapulars, upper tail-coverts, sides and flanks, which are bright chestnut, especially the outer wing-coverts, with a slaty-grey shaft-stripe down each feather ; the middle of the back blotched with black ; a white band from the nostril to the eye ; chin and throat black, a white band edged with black on either side ; fore-part of the throat white edged with black ; rest of under-parts very dark slate-grey. Length 5*2 inches (dried skin), wing 2*9 — 3 inches, tail 1*1 inches, tarsus 0-8 inch. Female. — Upper surface brown barred with black, most of the feathers with a pale buff or white shaft-stripe. Forehead, stripe over the eye and cheeks rufous-buff, chin and throat and fore-part of the neck white, shading into rufous buff, rest of the under-parts buff, paler towards the middle of the breast and belly ; chest, sides, and flanks barred with blackish brown. PTILOPACHYS FUSCUS Ptilopachys fuscus, Vieill. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Bird 3 Brit. Mns.’ Vol. XXII, page 255. * Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 32. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 182. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 500. This small Hill-Francolin, generally known as the Stone- Pheasant, appears to be very local, though fairly plentiful where found. Colonel Delme Radcliffe obtained it in some hills between Nimuli and Gondokoro on the Nile, and I found it in the 64 GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES Suk hills in January 1890, just above the canon through which the Turkwel river runs. Though I saw about ten of these birds, they were such adept runners amongst the rocks and scrub on the steep hill sides, and so exceedingly difficult to flush, that only one was bagged, whilst another, only winged, was lost. Male and Female. — Top of the head brown, fading into sienna on chest and mantle, each feather with a dark band down the shaft ; those of the head are also margined with brownish-white, while those of the other parts have a sub- marginal band of whitish, and are irregularly barred with brown towards the margins. Rest of the back, rump and upper tail-coverts dull brown, finely vermiculated with whitish. Stripe over eye, cheeks, chin, throat and neck dark brown, margined with whitish. Middle of the breast uniform buff ; sides of the breast, sides and flanks chestnut irregularly and transversely barred towards the margins of the webs with dark brown and white. Thighs dark brown, irregularly barred with white ; belly and under tad -coverts dark brown, the latter fringed with dirty white. Tail dark brown, faintly mottled, especially on the inner feathers, with rufous-buff. Male. — Length 11 inches, wing 5*2 inches, tail 8*6 inches, tarsus 1*2 inches. Female. — Length 9*5 inches, wing 4*7 inches, tail BT inches, tarsus IT inches. PTILOPACHYS FLORENTINE PtilopacJiys flor entice, Ogilvie-Grant. ‘ Ogilvie- Grant’s Bull Brit. Om. Club,’ Vol. X, page cvii. (1900), ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 502. This Hill-Francolin was discovered by Lord Delamere at Gessema in the Randile country in British E. Africa and was named after Lady Delamere by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant. In habits it probably differs little from P. fuscus , and confines itself to stony scrub-covered hills. It is distinguished from P. fuscus by having the plumage altogether darker, the black markings, especially on the under -parts of the body, being much coarser. The mantle and upper back are devoid of the broad chestnut GAME BIEDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 65 shaft streaks characteristic of P. fuscus ; on the sides of the breast, belly, and flanks the wide chestnut middles to the feathers are much reduced, and the sides of the feathers are strongly barred with black and white. Iris, brown ; bill and legs, dull red. Total length about 10 inches, wing 4*7 inches, tail 3*6 inches, tarsus 1*15 inches. NUMIDA REICHENOWI Numida reichenowi, Ogilvie-Grant. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Ibis,’ 1894, page 536. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand- List,’ Vol. I, page 41. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. * Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 437. This Guinea-fowl ranges from Teita westward to Taveta, and thence northwards to Elmenteita, and the northern Uaso Nyiro. It was named by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant from an example obtained by myself on the Kilungu River in Ukamba in 1889. It is perhaps more plentiful in Teita, at Makindu, and on the west side of Naivasha than elsewhere, but nowhere have I seen it in greater numbers than on the southern and western foot-hills of Ndara hill in Teita, between the two camping grounds, Marago ya Kanga and Mkuyuni, on the old caravan road. It was on the march between these two camps that the late Mr. Holmwood, H.B.M.’s Consul at Zanzibar, on his way up Kilimanjaro in 1888, killed twenty-two of these birds with two barrels of a twelve-bore gun. A large pack of the birds was surprised whilst drinking at a small pool in a deep water- worn ravine, and instead of taking wing they ran for the drift on the far side, and whilst massed together with head up were ‘ browned.’ Mr. James Martin, who was present on the occasion, vouches for the statement. In Teita this guinea-fowl breeds in January and February, and further north in March and April, and in some instances as late as June. After pairing, and until the young are well grown, these birds, usually very noisy, particu- larly in the early morning and when going to roost, become remarkably silent and difficult to find, so much so that a place where they are known to have been plentiful a month before 66 GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES appears to be quite deserted. The nest is usually well hidden in thick scrub, and the eggs vary in number from seven or eight or twelve to fourteen. Of the many ways of circum- venting this bird, driving over a belt of trees, where possible, affords quite the best sport ; walking them up, which generally means running after them and peppering them behind, when many go away with a leg down or otherwise wounded, is the least satisfactory, whilst potting them from a tree when roosting is simple butchery. Adult. — Bony helmet, long, elevated and compressed ; the base extending from the forehead to the occiput ; the height varies. The general colour of the plumage is black, thickly spotted all over with white, the spots on the upper-parts being smaller than those on the under, and divided from one another by a network of dotted white lines ; the black feathers up the middle of the back of the neck have decomposed webs ; each of the white spots along the margin of the outer web of the secondaries takes the form of a short oblique band. Upper parts of the head and wattles at the angles of the gape crimson- red, neck bluish-purple ; bill yellowish-horn-colour, darker at the base ; legs and feet dark horn-brown. Length 21 inches, wing 11 inches, tail 6*4 inches, tarsus 3*1 inches. NUMIDA MITRATA Numida mitrata, Pall. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 378. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 42. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 438. Pallas’ Helmeted Guinea-fowl appears to be confined to the southern portion of the coast region lying between the Sabaki river and the Anglo-German frontier, and as far inland as Samburu. It has probably suffered at the hands of native trappers, as it is nowhere very plentiful and associates in much smaller flocks of from six or eight up to fifteen. It is very similar in plumage and appearance to N. reichenowi, but may be at once recognised by the shape of the helmet, GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 67 which is much smaller and nearly conical. The feathers of the lower parts of the neck and the upper chest are finely barred with black and white. Top of the head scarlet, helmet paler, rest of the naked skin of the neck and face bright blue, wattles blue, tipped with red : legs and feet brown, bill greenish- horn-colour, becoming reddish at the base. Length 20 inches, wing 10*5 inches, tail 6*2 inches, tarsus 3*2 inches. NUMIDA PTILORHYNCHA Numida ptilorhyncha, Licht. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 379. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 42. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 445. The Abyssinian Helmeted Guinea-fowl ranges from Elmenteita northwards and westward to the foot-hills of Ruwenzori. It may be easily distinguished from Reichenow’s bird by having a horny brushlike excrescence at the base of the upper mandible, and by the wattles being blue and not tipped with red. It is probably the most plentiful of all the guinea-fowls. On the banks of the Turkwel river, on one occasion in January 1890, I came across a large pack in which there could not have been less than two thousand birds, massed together feeding. It resembles N. reichenowi, but differs both from it and from N. mitrata in having a bunch of horny bristles at the base of the culmen. The upper half of the neck is thinly covered with black feathers, and the margins of the outer webs of the secondaries are finely vermiculated with black and white ; the white spots of the greater secondary coverts are more or less confluent, and form oblique white bands. Bare skin of the neck, face, and wattles, blue ; helmet and bristles pale brownish-horn-colour, feet dark horn-colour. Length 19 inches, wing 11 inches, tail 6*4 inches, tarsus 3*2 inches. The birds that are found on the Northern Uaso Nyiro have much longer helmets than those found in the Rift Valley. 68 GAME BIRDS OP THE PROTECTORATES GUTTERA CRISTATA Guttera cristata, Wagler. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 381. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand -List,’ Vol. I, page 42. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 450. So far as is at present known the Black- collared Crested Guinea-fowl is confined to the Mau Forest. Near the ravine I saw and heard it on many occasions when out after Bongo, but only once obtained it whilst beating some small patches of forest close to the station. Its call is a soft musical trill, very different from the harsh, far-sounding cackle of the helmeted birds. When calling it stands bolt upright with its throat slightly inflated. The general plumage is black, spotted all over with round dots of bluish-white, most of the feathers being very narrowly edged with the same colour. The top of the head is covered with a full long crest of curling black feathers : a uniform black collar round the base of the neck extending in front on to the upper part of the chest. Rudimentary wattles at the angles of the gape, and naked skin of head and neck cobalt-blue except the chin and throat, which are dark Indian red ; bill greenish -horn- colour, feet dark brown. Length 20 inches, wing 10-2 inches, tail 5-1 inches, tarsus 8 inches. GUTTERA PUCHERANI Guttera pucherani, Hartl. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 383. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 42. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 452. The Curly-crested Guinea-fowl is more plentiful and has a much wider range than the foregoing. It is found on the coast from Jubaland to the Anglo-German frontier, westward to Taveta, and thence northwards to Kikuyu, but only in those parts where there is forest or tall thick bush. Adult Male and Female. — Differ from G. cristata in having the spotting continued right up to the naked neck. The naked GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 69 skin round the eye, the head, the chin and throat and the rudimentary wattles at the angles of the gape are red ; the back and sides of the neck blue. Length 20 inches, wing 10-8 inches, tail 5 inches, tarsus 8*6 inches. ACRYLLIUM VULTURINUM Acryllium vulturinum, Hardw. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 385. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 42. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 448. The Yult urine Guinea-fowl is essentially a bird of the wilder- ness. It is very plentiful in Jubaland and also on the Sabaki river, and may often be seen from the railway train near Maungu, and between Yoi and Kinani. It is also plentiful on the Northern Uaso Nyiro. It may at once be distinguished from all other guinea-fowls by its long pin tail. Male. — Head and neck naked, with a horseshoe-shaped band of velvety reddish-brown feathers round the back of the nape ; lower neck, mantle and chest covered with long pointed hackles, black with wide white shaft-stripe, and margined with pale cobalt blue ; the longer hackles are also more or less minutely dotted with white ; lower back, rump, wing, tail-coverts and thighs black, dotted with white, and covered with small rounded black-edged spots. Breast and belly cobalt-blue, black down the centre. Naked parts of head and neck dull leaden blue. Length 27 inches, wing 12*2 inches, tail 11*8 inches, tarsus 4*1 inches. The female is smaller, and measures 26 inches, wing 12 inches, tail 10 inches, tarsus 8*8 inches. TURNIX LEPURANA Turnix lepurana. Smith. ‘ Ogil vie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 539. * Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 48. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 178. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 301. Smith’s Bustard-Quail, also known as the * Button ’ quail, is found throughout East Africa and Uganda, occasionally in 70 GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES pairs, but generally singly. When flushed it rarely flies much beyond gunshot range, and without beaters or a dog it is extremely difficult to make it rise again. It appears to be more partial to open bush-country than to the grassy plains. This quail has no hind toe. Female . — General colour dull light red, the feathers of the top of the head, back, rump, upper tail-coverts, tail and scapulars barred, and margined internally with black, externally with white or grey, giving the back a scaled appearance ; a white band down the middle of the head ; lores, stripe over the eye, and sides of the head and neck white tipped with black. Chin and middle of throat white ; sides of the chest and breast whitish-buff, each feather with a heart-shaped sub- terminal black spot, centre of the chest bright rust-colour, rest of under-parts whitish-buffi Iris, silvery white, bill horn- blue, feet white. Length 5*7 inches, wing 8*7 inches, tail 1*8 inches, tarsus 0*9 inches. Male. — Differs from the female in being somewhat paler on the under-parts, and in the scale-like markings on the feathers of the upper-parts extending right over the nape to the back of the head. Length 5 inches, wing 8*1 inches, tail 1*5 inches, tarsus 0*85 inches. PTEROCLURUS EXUSTUS Pteroclurus exustus, Temm. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 12. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 183. * Sharpe’s Hand- List,’ Vol. I, page 50. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I. This is the pin-tailed Sand-grouse, and it appears to confine itself in East Africa to the open plains lying to the N.E. of Kilimanjaro, where it was very plentiful and breeding in 1887 ; and the northern Uaso Nyiro. Also Jubaland, on the authority of Colonel E. G. Harrison, C.B. Male. — Lores, cheeks, throat and nape dull ochre, shading into vinaceous buff on the chest ; top of the head, upper back, rump, and upper tail-coverts isabelline brown. A narrow black band edged with white separates the chest from the yellowish-buff upper breast which shades into deep chestnut- GAME BIEDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 71 brown on the lower breast, flanks, and belly. Tarsi and under tail-coverts whitish buff. Centre pair of tail-feathers produced into long black filaments, rest of the tail-feathers dark brown tipped with buff. Length IB inches, wing 7*1 inches, tail 5-8 inches, tarsus 0*9 inches. Female. — Differs from the male in having a broad blackish- brown bar down the middle of each feather of the top of the head, neck, upper back, and chest, on the two latter the extremity of this bar is swollen, giving these parts a spotted appearance. The back, rump, and upper tail-coverts are vinaceous or yellowish-buff, thickly barred with black. Upper breast whitish or yellowish-buff ; belly and flanks blackish- brown, closely barred with rufous buff. Tail feathers like those of the back, the middle pair being produced into moder- ately long black filaments, while the remainder are tipped with yellowish-white. Length 10 inches, wing 7 inches, tail 3*6 inches, tarsus 0*8 inches. PTEROCLES DECORATUS Pteroclurus decoratus. ‘ Sheiley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 184. Pterocles decoratus. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 310. ‘ Ogilvie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 21. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand- List,’ Vol. I, page 50. The Bridled Sand-grouse is the smallest of all the five species found in East Africa and it appears to be confined to the country between Teita and Taveta and ranges northwards to Simba river. Further north it is plentiful on the Uaso Nyiro and the desert country round Larsamis. It is very plentiful on the upper waters of the Tsavo river. A few pairs drink every morning quite close to Tsavo station at the trickling overflow from the railway-tanks. Male — A broad black band edged on either side with white surrounds the gape ; a white and black stripe above the eye ; top of the head and nape buff, with black shaft- stripes ; sides of the face pale vinaceous buff, shading into darker on the sides of the neck and chest. Feathers of the 72 GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES back of the neck, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts dull buff barred with black ; upper breast white, separated from the chest by a narrow black band ; lower breast and belly, black, most of the feathers margined with white ; lower part of leg and tarsus whitish-buff ; under tail-coverts bright buff, with a subterminal black triangular mark. Tail like the upper tail-coverts, but the outer feathers are tipped with whitish buff. Length 8-8 inches, wing 6*4 inches, tail 2*7 inches, tarsus 1 inch. Female. — Differs from the male in having no black and white band on the head, the black bars and markings on the back, and wing coverts following the shape of the feathers, and the neck and chest barred with black. Length 8-6 inches, wing 6*1 inches, tail 2*6 inches, tarsus 1 inch. PTEROCLES GUTTURALIS Pterocles gutturalis. Smith. ‘ Ogilvie-Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 25. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand-List,’ Vol. I, page 51. Pteroclurus gutturalis. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 184. Pterocles saturatior, Reichenow. * Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 306. The Chestnut- vented Sand -grouse is the largest of the East African species and ranges from Kilimanjaro as far north as Nairobi. On the Upper Tsavo it is very plentiful, also on the Simba river and the Athi, where it breeds in July and August. It is also found in Jubaland. Like all the sand-grouse it has certain favoured drinking places at which it arrives, in flocks of ten to thirty or more, at regular hours in the morning and evening. Male. — A black band from the nostril to the eye ; a narrow buff stripe from above the nostril to the back of the eye ; top of the head dull olive-buff, shading into dull yellowish buff on the neck ; chin, cheeks, and throat yellowish buff, divided from the neck by a wide black band. Back, rump, and upper tail-coverts olive-grey, scapulars blackish with greyish-buff GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES 73 extremities. Chest grey, tinged with vinaceous, shading into dark chestnut on the breast, belly, and under tail-coverts. Tarsi rufous buff. Tail, middle pair of feathers like the upper tail-coverts ; rest black, barred and tipped with chestnut. Length 12 inches, wing 8-3 inches, tail 3*4 inches, tarsus 1 -2 inches. Female. — A brownish-black band from the nostril to the eye, a narrow black stripe from the lores to the back of the eye, and the chin and throat yellowish-buff. Feathers of the top of the head, back, rump, upper tail-coverts, and chest yellowish-buff, each with a wide black shaft-stripe enlarged at the extremity, the lower tail-coverts being also barred with black. Breast, belly, and flanks dull rufous buff closely barred with black, under tail-coverts dark chestnut. Middle pair of tail feathers yellowish-buff, barred with black like the longer upper tail-coverts ; rest like those of the male. Length 11*6 inches, wing 8-2 inches, tail 3T inches, tarsus IT inches. PTEROCLES LICHTENSTEINI Pterocles lichtensteini, Temm. ‘ Ogilvie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 29. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 311. ‘ Sharpe’s Hand- List,’ Vol. I, page 51. Pteroclurus lichtensteini. * Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 184. The close-barred Sand-grouse is not found in East Africa south of the Equator. It is plentiful on the Turkwel river, and ranges as far east as Baringo and Lake Hannington. In January 1890 it used to drink regularly in the Turkwel river about 7 a.m. and again after sunset, when it was almost too dark to see them as they flew close to the ground like plovers. Male. — General ground colour pale whitish-buff, throat and neck spotted with black, the rest of the upper -parts and chest closely barred with narrow bands of black ; upper breast yellowish-buff, divided in the middle by a narrow dark chestnut band (sometimes black), and separated posteriorly from the rest of the under-parts by a black band, giving the breast a four-banded appearance. Tarsi pure white. 74 GAME BIRDS OF THE PROTECTORATES Length 10*8 inches, wing 7 inches, tail 2*8 inches, tarsus 1 *1 inches. Female. — Differs from the male in having the whole chest and breast narrowly barred with black, and the barring on the upper parts of the body much finer and closer. Length 9-7 inches, wing 7 inches, tail 2*8 inches, tarsus 1*1 inches. PTEROCLES QUADRICINCTUS Pterocles quadricindus, Temm. ‘ Ogilvie- Grant’s Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.’ Vol. XXII, page 32. ‘ Reichenow’s Vogel Afrikas,’ Vol. I, page 313. c Sharpe’s Hand- List,’ Vol. I, page 51. Pteroclurus quadricindus. ‘ Shelley’s Birds of Africa,’ Vol. I, page 184. The African Painted Sand-grouse is not found in East Africa south of the equator. It is plentiful on the Turkwel river, and again at Lasamis on the road from the northern Uaso Nyiro to Marsabit. Male. — Lores, forehead, and stripe above the eye white, a wide black band crosses the forehead just in front of the eyes and there is an oval black spot above each eye. Feathers of the top of the head each with a wide black shaft-stripe. Upper back, throat, and chest yellowish-buff ; rest of back, rump, and upper and under tail-coverts black, barred with white or yellowish-white, narrowly tipped with buff. The chest is bounded by a moderately wide chestnut band, succeeded by somewhat wider bands of pale yellowish-buff and black ; the rest of the under -parts with narrow bars of white and black. Length 10*8 inches, wing 6*7 inches, tail 8*8 inches, tarsus 0*9 inch. Female. — Differs from the male in having no white and black markings on the head, the sides of the neck and base of the throat spotted with black, the chest and upper -parts rufous-buff, closely barred with black, the ends of the scapulars and the greater part of the outer web of the wing-coverts yellowish-buff. No pectoral band. Length 10*5 inches, wing 6-2 inches, tail 2*9 inches, tarsus 0*9 inch. ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES 75 ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES By G. A. Boulenger It is often believed that the fishes of British East Africa are comparatively well known, and considering the trouble incurred in preserving and transporting specimens in spirit, many travellers neglect this group of Zoology and turn their attention to others more likely, in their opinion, to yield interesting results. Nothing, however, could be more erroneous, as among the collections that have been made in East Africa within the last decade, fishes have invariably proved of great interest. There is no doubt that they are more imperfectly known than reptiles or batrachians. It has been my privilege to describe something like seventy new species of fishes from within the limits of British East Africa, yet, a few months ago, quite a small collection made by Mr. Blayney Percival has added two to the list. It is especially among such small Silurids (cat-fish) and Cyprinids (barbels and other carp-like fishes) that live in mountain streams that important discoveries are likely to be made. Difficulties of preservation and transport constitute the usual objection to making such collections, but if travellers would bear in mind that even small specimens, from one to six inches in length, which may be easily preserved in small jars or corked tubes, are likely to prove valuable, knowledge would be rapidly increased. Spirit, pure or methylated alcohol if possible, is the only preserving fluid to be recommended. Collectors have, un- fortunately, too often been advised to use formol (formalin of commerce, a 40 per cent, solution of formaldehyde). The objection to formol for preserving fishes is that the tissues are stiffened to such an extent, even if a weak solution (5 per cent, of formalin) be used, as to render the manipulations necessary for description or study very difficult : in counting fin-rays and in examining the teeth and gill-arches, the fins and parts of the head break and specimens which seemed at first excellently preserved are soon damaged, which is all the more VoLc I. — No, 2. G 76 ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES regrettable in the case of the types on which new species are founded. For the use of those who might feel disposed to collect fishes on a larger scale, the following instructions have been drawn up. All fishes not over two feet in length and, when feasible, larger ones also should be preserved in alcohol. Methylated spirit (64 degrees over proof) may be used, but should be diluted with filtered water to reduce its strength according to the nature of the specimens preserved (the strength to be tested by means of the hydrometer or alcoholmeter). Fishes with naked skin, such as eels and cat-fish, must, in the first instance, be placed in spirit not above 10 degrees over proof (85 to 40 per cent, of water), to be transferred after a few hours to 20 or 25 degrees (80 per cent, water). Ordinary scaly fishes must be thrown at once into spirit 40 degrees over proof (20 per cent, water), the spirit to be changed after a day or two, and a second time if required. Specimens showing signs of putrefaction before being placed in spirits should be rejected, unless utilised as skeletons. In order to accelerate the penetration of the spirit a small incision should be made with a scalpel or sharp pair of scissors along the mid- ventral line of the fish ; through this opening, as well as through the pharynx, strong spirit should be injected with a syringe. It must be borne in mind that in large and fleshy fishes the spirit penetrates very slowly, and in order to prevent decomposition of the inner layers of muscle, a few deep incisions in the muscular part of the body may be necessary ; these, if neatly made, will not seriously damage the specimen. During the first period of immersion it is desirable occasionally to turn over the specimens and to press them between the fingers, so as to expel the blood and mucosities ; the viscera should not be removed or injured as they are often required for study. Not until the fishes are thoroughly impregnated with spirit and free from all signs of decay should they be packed for transmission. This is best done by placing them close together in a tin or jar, separated by layers of unstained tissue-paper or rags, and filling the receptacle with strong alcohol. Every ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES 77 specimen should bear a small numbered parchment label tied round the tail or base of the pectoral fin, and referring to a list in which all information should be carefully noted. In view of the possibility of the label becoming detached and lost, a duplicate may be inserted under the left gill-cover. In the list or pocket-book should be recorded — the exact locality, the date, and the manner in which the specimen was obtained, the native name if known, some notes on the colora- tion, the shape of the pupil of the eye, and any other information that may be procured. Coloured sketches of the specimens would be valuable, but drawings, the originals of which have not been preserved, are useless. Large specimens should, of course, be placed in the collect- ing boxes such as are provided by the British Museum, but these boxes may be usefully supplemented by cases made of zinc plates cut to the proper size and put together when required by the collector himself with a soldering apparatus. These cases could be sent home, if necessary, protected by wooden outside boxes. Small and delicate specimens should not go into the collecting boxes, but are better preserved in jars with screw stoppers or ordinary pickle-jars closed with bladder ; the bladders must be allowed to dry well on the stoppers before packing. Sealing wax, wdiich melts when in contact with alcohol, should never be used. Fishes over 2 feet can be preserved as skins or as skeletons. The skull and gill-arches must be left in the skin, the fish being cut open along the abdominal line from the throat to the base of the ventral fins, then on one side above the anal fin to the root of the caudal. The bones supporting the fins are cut through, all the bones and flesh are removed and the inside of the skin is cleaned. The fish is then filled with flax or cotton wool and dried. The fin-rays need not be spread out in the process of drying ; they are best laid down against the body, so as to avoid the risk of their being torn or broken in transit. Skeletons need only be roughly cleaned, care being taken not to remove any of the bones and fin-rays, and dried in the sun. The muscles supported by the delicate bones above the ribs should not be removed, but merely thinned down as much as possible. 78 THE CENTRAL AFRICAN STONE-CURLEW THE CENTRAL AFRICAN STONE-CURLEW (< (Edicnemus vermiculatus) By R. van Someren. Sunday again in the Gwamba whose solitudes are indeed far removed from the sound of church bells ; but a brilliant morning tempts one out in a canoe on to the placid lake to try to probe further into Nature’s mysteries, which lead one to Nature’s God. Slowly the canoe glides through the water, the beauty of the morning filling one with a deep sense of enjoyment of the mere fact of living and being able to appreciate the peaceful beauties of the scene. The whole shore seems alive with birds ; nimble sandpipers continuously bobbing their heads ; flocks of dainty ringplovers chasing each other across the sands, now picking up a tasty morsel, now dodging the wavelets which roll murmuringly up the beach ; while the weaver birds as usual seem to be the embodiment of restless energy, as they fly back and forwards at their work of nest building — almost an unending task, as at times they appear most fastidious as to the form of their nests and continually keep adding or altering, the while some more mischievous or lazier bird slyly pulls pieces from his neighbour’s structure amid loud protests, and a ceaseless merry chatter is kept up, all absorbed in their various tasks of hanging the dainty nests to the slender twigs of the ambatch overhanging the water often merely a few inches above the surface. Suddenly by a small stream the stealthy movements of a pair of stone-curlews arrest one’s attention, so one steps ashore and casts around for the nest, the while the birds move uneasily up and down the opposite bank of the stream. A low call from a native announces a find, and one is delighted to see the nest, a mere depression in the sand and lined with driftwood and containing two handsomely marked stone-coloured eggs splashed with rich brown, the nest being constructed by some reeds close to the stream and quite inconspicuous, so closely does it match the surroundings in colour. STONE CURLEW AND NEST. THE CENTRAL AFRICAN STONE-CURLEW 79 A plan of action is quickly formed, a screen of reeds built a few feet from the nest conceals the camera placed low down behind them and, as it is the writer’s custom wherever possible to hide with the camera so as to facilitate plate-changing and also the better to study the sitter close at hand, a shallow trench is scooped in the sand in which the observer lies down, his head concealed by the camera and its cloth, while the canoe-men quickly cover his legs and body with sand and then go off in the canoe further along, so as to reassure the bird. A more comfortable hiding place it would be hard to find, as the soft sand accommodates itself to all one’s bony points and soon a plaintive whistle announces the bird’s return. Cautiously peering under the camera one is delighted to find the female, after a quiet inspection of the structure, seem convinced that there was notl ing to fear and so boldly walk up to her eggs at which she seems to gaze pensively for a few seconds. Finding all in order she sat down till the click of the shutter sent her across the stream once more, where her mate was waiting, thus giving the photographer time to change the plate and reset the shutter. So bold is the bird that several plates are exposed in quick succession, each showing the bird in a different attitude but, since our editor strictly limits the number of illustrations, I can show only one which is most characteristic of this bird. Latterly the bird did not move off even for the click of the shutter, but having taken enough photos the photographer settled down to watch the bird on the nest, as it settled into its usual position facing the camera. How cautiously at first she had approached, and while her more timid mate kept running up and down the bank of the stream uttering uneasy cries as if cautioning his mate against her too great temerity. However, quite unheeding she walks up to the nest and, after a glance at the camera as if to reassure herself, she gazes at the eggs for a few moments, then with a quick motion she sidles breast firsfc on to the eggs and shuffles around till a comfortable position is found. One has a splendid opportunity of watching the bird and noting its curiously shaped head with its eyes apparently bulging out of its head. How large too they seem with their great circles of pale yellow stripes staring solemnly at one, 80 THE CENTRAL AFRICAN STONE-CURLEW and one is struck with the beautiful way in which the buff colour of the bird matches its surroundings although the bird sits straight up and does not appear to let its head sink down on to its body as if wearied. Any stray passing insects are quickly snapped up as she sits on as if pleased at posing before the camera. So absorbed is one in the entrancing study that one forgets the surroundings till a curious scraping noise and a feeling of weight startles one, and, cautiously looking round, one is horri- fied to see the ugly snout of a loathsome crocodile scarcely five feet away. The creature had evidently just left the lake, and not noticing the presence of a human being was intent on crossing the sandy beach and entering the stream near which doubtless it had its nest. To do this it had to cross over the part under which the writer’s feet were buried, hence the feeling of weight. One’s feelings can scarcely be imagined and one’s blood seems to run cold as the reptile serenely continued its way to the stream. One’s first thought was for the revolver, always carried handily in this crocodile-infested region, more for the sake of scaring the beasts than doing any damage. A rapid shot at the reptile almost within reach of the out- stretched arm, a hurried struggle across the sand and the reptile plunged into the stream while the photographer leapt hurriedly up, thankful for nothing worse than a thorough fright. No more thoughts of photos, so one removed one egg as a specimen (it has always been my practice not to take a whole clutch if the bird has been good enough to allow one to get photos, and then only if it is a new specimen, as mere ‘ collecting ’ cannot be too strongly deprecated). On subsequent occasions one often passed the spot and could see the bird still faithfully performing its task, till one day we were fortunate enough to find the young one recently hatched out, and looking not unlike a young curlew, as at home, in its markings, but it was too nimble to allow one to take its picture. The natives have apparently no name for this bird though it is fairly common in this part. I questioned, in vain, numbers of the folk who used to fish this part regularly. It was a lake- shore bird, they said, and that apparently was the extent of their knowledge. EGGS IN NEST. MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 81 One day after questioning a group of fishers, I said: 4 Suppos- ing now you wished to tell your wives about this bird which you see every day, how would you describe it ? ’ Said they: ‘ Why should we tell our wives ? It is not eatable, and haven’t they eyes to see for themselves ? ’ After this I concluded that furthei inquiry was useless. In a following article I trust to be able to give some idea as to methods and apparatus for natural-history photography in the hope that some may be induced to take up this fascinating method of nature study, and produce valuable records of the fauna and even flora of the land we live in. MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DANAINE MODELS. By the Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers The name Mimicry is used in a special sense in Entomology. It has been generally accepted as the term for certain interest- ing resemblances between different insects which cannot be accounted for on the grounds of affinity. Very shortly after the introduction of the natural system of classification by Linnaeus, it was found that very striking resemblances existed between butterflies especially belonging to genera by no means closely allied, and that in many cases these resemblances were confined to the female sex. These resemblances exist in most, if not all, classes of insects, and for many years received no adequate explanation. In 1859 Darwin’s 4 Origin of Species’ appeared, and one of the first results of the stimulus thus exerted upon all students of Natural History was a Paper by Bates in which these puzzling resemblances received a most ingenious explanation. Bates collected for many years on the Amazon where the cases of Mimicry are the most numerous and the most remark- able in the world. On his return home he began to study his collection in the light of the new theory of descent by modifica- tion under the influence of Natural Selection discovered by Darwin and Wallace. 82 MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES He soon found that in the case of these particular resem- blances there was almost invariably one species which far out- numbered all the others, and, further, that this species was known, or at any rate suspected, to be distasteful to its enemies, and was characterised by conspicuous coloration and a slow flaunting flight, so that, instead of making any attempt to escape its enemies by its activity or by concealment, it seemed to invite attack. On thinking over these striking phenomena in the light of Natural Selection a brilliant flash of insight revealed to him the solution which has been largely accepted since that time. The abundant butterfly generally called the ‘ Model ’ was so conspicuous both in its habits and coloration because, so far from being an object of pursuit, it was rather an object to be avoided on account of its nauseous qualities, and its conspicuous colours and slow flaunting flight had been evolved so that it might be immediately recognised and not suffer from experimental tasting, to which it would be exposed if there were no easy means by which it might be recognised amongst the crowd of its palatable companions. The scarcer butterfly, which he called the ‘ Mimic,’ on the other hand escaped recognition in the crowds of the Model and so was not regarded by its enemies as worth the trouble of capture, although were it to fall a victim it would be immediately devoured, whereas the Model would be infallibly rejected even if it were captured. There were, however, many cases of resemblance to which this theory could not apply because they occurred between different genera, both of which were known to be distasteful, or even between different sections of the same genus. These resemblances were attributed by Bates to the common action of the same local conditions, but some years later they received an explan- ation on the same lines as Bates’ earlier work from another naturalist working in South America — Fritz Muller. He found that even amongst distasteful species there was an appreciable amount of experimental tasting by young enemies. These evidently have no instinctive knowledge as to what patterns are edible and what are not, but have to learn by actual experience, and it is evident that their education is assisted by the fact that the distasteful species have invariably a very conspicuous MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 88 pattern and are generally ornamented in the same way above and below. Now if a species is very abundant it can well bear the losses caused by this experimental tasting, but if it is a species of considerable rarity it is obvious that the losses so caused would be a very serious matter to it, for they will be in proportion not to its own numbers but to those of the young enemies who have to be educated up to recognising its peculiar character. Now, if such a rare species should come to resemble another distasteful species of great abundance so that its enemies are unable to distinguish the two, the losses will be shared and will be in proportion to the numbers of the two species, so that the losses which will fall on the rarer species will be comparatively few. Professor Poulton has argued very forcibly for the view that mimicry amongst butterflies belongs mainly to this last which is known as Mullerian mimicry in distinction from that recognised earlier which is known as Batesian mimicry. It is unnecessary to repeat all these arguments here, but it may be said that the ‘ mimics ’ are frequently anything but the scarce and hard-pressed species assumed by Bates, and indeed are frequently very dominant species indeed ; and one of the best-known African mimics — Hypolimnas misippus — in which the female alone is a mimic, not only accompanies its model throughout its immense range but has actually succeeded, in historic times, in invading South America and establishing itself in the most crowded area in the world without the presence of its model at all. It should be said there is a tendency amongst a considerable number of modern naturalists, particularly amongst those whose studies have been chiefly in connexion with the problems of heredity, to discredit the theories enunciated by Darwin and in particular the phenomena attributed to mimicry which yield them such powerful support. The phenomena which we have been considering are attributed to the uniform action of the same local conditions. These arguments have been met by Professor Poulton in the eighth chapter of his recent book ‘ Essays on Evolution.’ It is not desirable to enter into the numerous arguments and lines of investigation by which he shows that the theory of 84 MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES local conditions, or as he calls it 4 External Causes,’ is entirely inadequate to explain the vast array of interesting observations which he records, but it is, perhaps, permissible to quote one pregnant sentence : — ‘ There is something attractive and plausible in the idea that the strong mutual resemblances within a group of butterflies of different genera and sub- families, inhabiting a single locality, are due to the direct action of peculiar local or chemical influences ; but the suggestion loses all its attractiveness when it is applied to the resemblance between a spider and an ant, or a moth and a wasp.’ That such cases do occur there can be no manner of doubt. Even in England it is well known that there are moths, such as the hornet clearwing, which are deceptively like stinging Hymen- optera, and Professor Poulton has himself figured examples of spiders which bear an extraordinary resemblance to abundant and well-protected ants. This last is a very remarkable case on account of the pro- found modifications which are needed in order to produce the resemblance. A spider has eight legs and no antennae, and in these particular instances two of the legs are held up in such a position as to give the appearance of the antennae of the ant. To come now to the more particular subject of the present paper, Mimicry in East African Butterflies. There are certain phenomena, which are indeed common to mimicry all the world over, which are a great help to its study. The models are not distributed indiscriminately in all the families of butter- flies but are characteristic of certain genera and even families. The Danaidae and Acraeinae are the models for mimicry every- where. And although the latter subfamily is peculiarly characteristic of Africa the Daniadae which are comparatively few are far more extensively mimicked. The most abundant and widely distributed of these is Limnas chrysi'p'pus. This species has been proved by actual experience to be excessively distasteful to many of the enemies of insects. It occurs under three forms, the most usual being a brown butterfly of considerable size with a broad black tip marked with a row of rather large white spots near its junction with the ground colour. The form prevalent in West Africa MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 85 has also a large white blotch in the middle of the hind wings, and that prevalent in our own area wants the black tip and white spots, though it sometimes has the white blotch in the hind wings. It is mimicked first of all by the female of Hypo- limnas misippus, found like its model in India and South China as well as Africa, which has forms corresponding to those of the model. This only applies to the female, the male being a blue-black insect with two large white blotches in the fore wings and one in the hind wings. These forms, however, are not confined to special areas to the same extent as in the case of the model. The plain brown form, for instance, is common in countries where the corresponding form of the model is rarely, if ever, seen. Another mimic which also has three forms like those of the model is Acraea encedon, and, in this case, though the mimic belongs to a distasteful genus and is certainly a Mullerian mimic, it is remarkable that its forms in different areas correspond in their proportions to those of the model to a very large extent. In our own area we have one mimic at least which, so far as is known, only resembles the plain brown form and this is another Acraea, A. johnstoni, which also, as we shall see later, has forms resembling species which are very different from L. chrysippus. There is also a rare Lycaenid butterfly, Mimacraea Dohertyi, which resembles this brown form, but this may possibly be a variety of M. Marshalli which has not yet been recorded from British East Africa. Another very remarkable mimic is Papilio dardanus, which is so variable and has so many forms that it has received a whole host of names and is better known as P. Merope. The form resembling L. chrysippus is always scarce, though even a form like the plain brown L. chrysippus has been recorded from Nairobi. The fact is that L. chrysippus is especially characteristic of the open country and is rarely found in forests, while the Papilio prefers forests or at least woodlands. Here again the male is a very' different insect. It is creamy yellow in colour with a black border in the fore wings and a black submarginal band, often broken up into spots, in the hind wings, and it is an interesting fact that nearly allied species in Abyssinia and Madagascar have females with long tails resem- bling the five different mimics belonging to very different 86 MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES families, and though in the case of the two Acraeas and the Mimacraea the mimics are remarkably smaller than the models the mimetic connexion can hardly be doubted. But this is not all, for there are other butterflies of the genera Euryphene and Euphaedra in which the females at any rate are very like L. chrysippus as well as some day-flying moths, but here the interpretation is rather more doubtful, because these species differ somewhat widely from the model in habits and mode of flight. The fact is that it is characteristic of mimicry all the world over to occur in large associations composed of several different species and not simply in pairs, and it is probable that it is advantageous to all the members that the peculiar pattern should have a wide advertisement, so to speak, so that it may be the more readily recognised and more quickly learnt by young inexperienced foes. Limnas chrysippus is one of these species which is the model for mimicry wherever it occurs, and even in Africa there are well-known mimics which have never been recorded from this Protectorate. The most remarkable of these is Pseudacraea poggei in which the resemblance is almost closer than in the case cf PLypolimnas misippus. It is probable that some of the day-flying moths are associated with Euphaedra eleus, which I took once at Rabai, in an association subsidiary to the main association, and that they gain advantage from their mutual resemblance as well as from their resemblance, which is palpable though not exact, to the better known and more widely distributed species. It should be remarked that most of the mimics of this group resemble the type form with the black and white tip only, and that these which have varieties corresponding to those of the model are not so numerous and have only been found in Africa. The next great group which is very abundant in our country is even more complex than the L. chrysippus group. The original models, for there are two, are species of the African genus Amauris, another genus of the great family Danaidae, also known to be highly distasteful. These are Amauris dominicanus, the eastern form of Amauris niavius, and Amauris ochlea. In experimenting with spiders these Danaidae were the only species which were rejected, although I tried other well-known distasteful forms including several species of . \ THE DAN A I N E. Am. domivicanus , mimicked by a female Papilio and by two Nymphalines. (Coast District of British East Africa, 1906.) (1) Am. niavius doininicanus. (2) P. dardanus tibullus, ? f. hippocoon. (3) Euralia usambara. (4) Euralia wahlber^ All figures are ^ of the natural size. By kind permission of the Entomological Society and Prof. E. B. Poult on , E.P.S. MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 87 Acraea and Mylothris agathina to which I shall have to refer again. These two species of Amanris are both good-sized black and white insects, A. dominicanus being considerably the larger of the two. In this there is a white blotch across the wing from the costa to the hind margin and another large blotch on the inner margin. In A. ochlea in addition to the blotch across the wing near the tip there is a much larger band across the wings nearer the body. Though they have somewhat the same appearance they can readily be distinguished even on the wing, and it will be more convenient to take the principal mimics separately. The closest mimics of A. dominicanus are three : — (1) Euralia wahlbergi belonging to a genus closely allied to Hypolimnas, and (2) Euralia usambara, a finer and rarer species, and (3) Papilio dardanus f. hippo coon. This form of P. dardanus is always more common than any other in tropical Africa, and shows perhaps slighter modification of the male pattern than any other except the primitive females which have been called Trimeni, which are the nearest of all. All these species are very like the model, having the two white blotches in the fore- wing and the white hind wings which are characteristic of it, and all are mimetic in both sexes. There is also another species which is a connecting link between these species and those which mimic A. ochlea. This is Euxanthe wakefieldi which is only mimetic in the female. This has a pattern more like that of A. ochlea, except that the large white band nearer the base of the fore wings is more broken up by streaks of the ground colour. On the wing, however, the resemblance to A. dominicanus is much closer owing to its being so much larger than A. ochlea, and before I was so well acquainted with the species as I am now. I have actually mistaken it for the model, whilst its resemblance to the Papilio mimic is even closer, owing to the great develop- ment of the sub marginal spots in the hind wing, a feature which is altogether wanting in the model. Amauris ochlea has also three mimics, all of which belong to the Nymphalidae. These are Euralia deceptor, of which the male has had the name of kirbyi given to it, Pseudacraea lucretia in one of its forms, and Euxanthe tiberius which is only mimetic in the female. 88 MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES The males of the two Euxanthes were figured in the first number of the Journal, and the females resemble them except that the fore wings are more produced, especially in E. wake - fieldi, and all the pale markings become conspicuously larger and whiter and E. tiberius gains the large white patch in the hind wings. These comparatively simple changes are quite sufficient for the purpose, and there can be no doubt that both species can easily be mistaken in flight for their respective models, whereas their males can be recognised at a glance. There are many other butterflies marked with white on a black or dark brown ground which, though they do not closely conform to the pattern of either of the two species of Amauris, yet bear a general resemblance to them. The butterflies which come nearest to them in appearance are Acraea satis, a rare species in which only the female is mimetic, the male having the paler markings, brick red, and Papilio philonoe. The former of these is undoubtedly distasteful but the Papilio is possibly palatable comparatively. Then comes a little group, con- sisting of Planema montana, Acraea esebria and Pseudacraea rogersi, which closely resemble each other in both sexes. The females of this group are larger than the males and are black and white, though the pattern differs somewhat from either of the Amauris. The males, which also resemble each other, are black and brown, but the depth of colour varies a little in different specimens. Then there are several species of Neptis, a genus of which there is some evidence of distasteful qualities, such as N. agatha, N. saclava, N. melicerta and N. seeldrayersi. These vary a good deal in size, the largest specimens of N. seeldrayersi being little if any smaller than Amauris ochlea , whilst the smallest specimens of N. melicerta do not reach half this size. In fact size seems of minor importance in these mimetic associations, and the last species which need be referred to is a little Lycsenid butterfly, Alaena picata, also belonging to a distasteful genus, which, in spite of its diminutive size, bears a considerable resemblance to the other members of the combination and is linked on to the larger species by the grad- ually descending series of the genus Neptis. The conclusions which were reached in discussing the mimics of Limnas chry - All figures are about § of the natural size. MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 89 sippus are seen to be fully supported by this great black and white association. The mimetic series is centred round the abundant and highly distasteful Daniadae, but there are a number of other species of more or less similar patterns, which have a tendency to fall into groups amongst themselves, and are united into a single large and highly complex association. Besides the black and white species of Amauris, there are two other species which resemble each other so closely that they have only recently been properly differentiated by minute but definite structural differences. These are Amauris echeria and A. albimaculata. They are very abundant in many parts of the country, but do not occur in the coast district so far as is known at present. For our purpose these may be regarded as a single model. Here again we have a mimic of the genus Euralia, i.e. E. mima, which there is some reason to suspect may prove to be a dimorphic form of E. wahlbergi. This species I have never met with, but it is probably not uncommon in some places. The most interesting mimics, however, are those of the great genus Papilio. In the first place we have yet another form of Papilio dardanus known as the form Cenea, which is probably common at Nairobi. There can be no question that these very distinct females of Papilio dardanus are all one species, for they have all been bred from the same female by Mr. G. F. Leigh at Durban, and it would be a most fascinating study to breed them through at Nairobi, where other mimetic forms are known to be present and where some very interesting and primitive females have been taken from time to time. The food plant in South Africa is Vepris lanceolata, and there is probably a nearly allied plant in British East Africa, even if this species does not prove to be found. The result of such an experiment would well repay the labour involved, and all the offspring should be kept. I may say that Professor Poulton is very anxious to get this done, and he would be more than pleased to receive whole bred families and would give them a place in the Museum at Oxford where they would always be kept together. In addition to Papilio dardanus there are two other species of this genus which mimic Amauris albimaculata. These are P. echerioides and P. jacksoni. They are closely allied but 90 MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES belong to a different section of the genus from P. dardanus. Here again the males are non-mimetic and are dark brown insects with a continuous pale stripe across all the wings, broadest in the hind wings and becoming macular in the fore wings. The females are very close mimics of A. albimaculata, as may be seen in the plate. Unfortunately the specimen of the Cenea form of P. dardanus here figured is not only much shattered but is also distinctly intermediate towards the black and white form. Generally it is also an excellent mimic, and there can be no doubt that the three mimics resemble each other more closely than they do the model. Associated with these there is the ordinary form of Acraea johnstoni, of which we have seen that there is a form mimicking the Dorippus form of Limnas chrysippus. This is a smaller butterfly than any of the Papilios and the resemblance is rather in general coloration than in exact pattern ; but as this species has many different forms, all of which bear a considerable resemblance to distasteful species, and itself belongs to a genus well known to be distasteful, there can be no doubt that the mimetic interpretation of these resemblances is correct. It is certainly remarkable that, in spite of its wonderful powers of adaptation, it as a rule does not attain to the exact and wonderful resem- blance which we have seen to exist in other species — but it is possible that the adaptation is still proceeding. Moreover Acraea johnstoni itself is mimicked by a species of Neptis, N. woodwardi, in a very convincing manner, and Professor Poulton has shown that the resemblance is much closer east of the Rift valley, where this combination is most dominant, than it is further to the west. It is at least possible that N. woodwardi should be regarded as a Batesian mimic, but it should be borne in mind that mimicry is very charac- teristic of this genus and numerous other examples are known from India and elsewhere, whilst we have seen that several species of Neptis are probably to be included in the large black and white association, and I have myself suggested that Neptis incongrua may be a mimic of Eurytela hiarbas. At any rate there can be no doubt that the whole genus participates to a marked degree in the slow leisurely flight so characteristic of distasteful butterflies, though I must confess that they are not MIMICRY IN EAST AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES 91 nearly so easy to catch as one would be led to expect from their appearance. This brings me to the end of the large combinations centred round the different species of Danaidae found in the country, but there are yet two species of this subfamily to be found in our area, and both of these are objects of mimicry. The first of these is the beautiful Melinda formosa , which is a somewhat local species of a limited range. It may be described as a black insect with nearly half the fore wings near the base orange brown, and with numerous rather large pale blue -green spots over the rest of the wings, the basal area of the hind vTings being occupied by a large blotch of the same colour divided into three parts by the black nervures. This is very accurately imitated by the rare and fine Papilio rex, though it may be separated from it immediately by the important structural differences. (The Papilios have S’x perfect legs whilst all the Danaines have the first pair aborted.) The other Danaine is Tirumala linniace. This species does not differ sufficiently from the Indian representative to be considered as a distinct species and is almost certainly a comparatively recent immigrant from some part of the Oriental region. It is a very abundant and distasteful species, but it appears to have done little in the way of drawing other forms into resemblance to itself, and is the only abundant and wide-ranging Danaine in the country which has not become the centre of an association. It is true that there is one species which does bear a considerable resemblance to it, but the mimicry is not nearly so close as in the other cases we have been considering. This species is Papilio leoyiidas which, I may remark, has a form in South Africa which resembles Amauris echeria and another form which is not mimetic at all. We seem to have here an interesting case of incipient mimicry, and it is worthy of note that the model is in all probability a recent invader whilst the mimic is, so far as we know, an old inhabitant. Such cases as these, and they are known to occur in other regions, are an insuperable difficulty in the way of interpreting these resem blances as due to the influence of local causes, whilst they afford the strongest possible support to the theory of mimicry, since the invader which is able to draw after itself original Vol I. — No. 2. H 92 THE SMALLER FAUNA OF MOUNT ELGON inhabitants is always a species which is well known to be very distasteful and is invariably a dominant species found in immense numbers. I do not wish to be understood as putting forward these considerations in any dogmatic spirit, but I must own that the evidence which has been accumulated for many years in favour of these theories seems to be conclusive. ON THE SMALLER FAUNA OF MOUNT ELGON By R. Kemp. Having recently spent five months on Mount Elgon and in its vicinity, a few notes on my experience there and remarks on the smaller animals and birds which were met with may perhaps be of some interest to those who read these pages. It was on the 20th August 1909 that I left Kisumu, north- ward bound, and on the 21st January 1910 I reached the railway again at Kibigori, having collected during that time four hundred and sixty nine small mammals and two hundred and fifty small birds, for Mr. C. D. Rudd of South Africa. Of the birds which I obtained and noted I do not propose to write much, partly because birds have already been so thoroughly studied and collected that little new can be expected, and partly because the specimens have not yet been worked out, so that a detailed examination of them yet remains to be gone through. However, I was pleased to find fan-t ailed grass -warblers (Cisticola) and their near relations much in evidence, from the grass plains at ihe foot of the escarpment right up to the great cave at about 10,000 feet on the south face of the mountain. Engabuni or the Elgon escarpment, where there are such a great number of caves, is distant from the Kirui’s villages only some five or six miles, and yet the bird lists of these two places is almost entirely different. Apart from the forms which sleep on the escarpment, but which feed on the plains below, such as most of the pigeons and doves, the hawks, the pied raven and a few others, my records show only one species which really lives in both places, and that is the Bulbul with a THE SMALLER FAUNA OF MOUNT ELGON 98 yellow vent (Pycnonotus). This active bird is quite common at both localities and also ranges several miles up the mountain, becoming however less numerous towards 9000 feet. Probably a fuller investigation of the bird world than I was able to make would reveal other forms common to both plains and escarpment. One cannot hope to do more than touch the surface of the bird list in the space of five or six weeks in any one locality. The Starlings ( Onycognathus ) made the bright sunny mornings on the escarpment seem still brighter with their cheerful notes, and their parties in joyful flight from tree to tree or rock to rock, up and down the ravine where I lived, were indeed worth going far to see. Their handsome black plumage contrasted with the chestnut colour of their wings ; when flying in a party they are very pretty. They appeared to roost in couples on a shelf or in a cleft of the great rock face. As a rendezvous in the early morning they chose an enormous tree close to the cliff face, and different pairs arrived from time to time till a party was formed of twenty to thirty individuals. But it has been amongst the rats and bats, the mice, lemurs, squirrels, moles and so forth that the chief interest of my work has lain. The secrets as to its smaller mammals which old Elgon has so long held have now in great part been divulged and show a lengthy list of new species and subspecies, and also one new genus. The ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History ’ for Decem- ber 1909 and February 1910 contain the report of most of the new forms from Elgon, and referring to it I find described the one new genus Uranomys and no fewer than nine new species of bats, shrews, rats, mice and dassies, besides eight new sub- species of various other small animals. This includes most of the forms obtained up to reaching Mumias on the return journey. There are still some further new forms to be described from Kakamega and the Nandi forest. How rich Elgon seems to be in its smaller mammals ! As my last advices from home state, there seems to be no end of them. When the complete list of old and fresh forms from Elgon and district is made up, it will, J think, prove to be one of exceptional length. 94 THE SMALLER FAUNA OF MOUNT ELGON The new genus Uranomys, closely allied to Loyhuromys, is a large mouse or small rat of a dark chestnut colour and fur of a springy texture. It has a delicate skin which breaks on the least provocation in skinning. Of rats and mice it is of course difficult to give an interesting account as to their life history ; and descriptions of form, size and coloration and near relations would be still more difficult in such a superficial account as this is meant to be. The large series of forty mole-rats or Tachyoryctes (means £ swift digger ’) in this, the Rudd collection, which I sent home has enabled Mr. Oldfield Thomas to distinguish no fewer than six new species of this genus and one new subspecies, which were hitherto undeterminable. With the large series of skulls and skins one can get a sort of foundation which greatly helps in judging isolated specimens from other localities. Mr. Oldfield Thomas describes the mole-rats from this part of the world as follows : — Tachyoryctes ankolice „ daemon „ ruddi „ storey i ,, naivashce of Uganda, of Kilimanjaro, of Elgon, of Elmenteita. of Naivasha. syalacinus of Kenya. and a subspecies of T. ruddi from Eldoma ravine. These mole-rats are much alike externally but their cranial or skull characteristics differ considerably. In size, also, they show a great difference. Two specimens of Cricetomys, an exceedingly large rat, were obtained at the unusually high altitude of 8000 to 10,000 feet. They prove to be a new subspecies allied most nearly to the Ruwenzori form. Family groups of three to six individ- uals travel through the forest in Indian file and will climb the very large trees of which there are some real monsters on Elgon at 9000 to 10,000 feet. My measurements of this animal are recorded as 880 mm. for the length of the head and body and 440 mm. the length of the tail, making a total of 820 mm. Expressed in our English terms the total length is, therefore, 82J inches, quite a double handful to pick up. And a nasty, disagreeable animal it is to skin. Its naked tail flops round THE SMALLEB FAUNA OE MOUNT ELGON 95 your wrists, and as this animal is the host of many parasites, these latter busy themselves by crawling up your arms and tickle you everywhere. You are often perplexed to decide whether to finish a cut you are making or to stop and scratch yourself. For unpleasantness of skinning it comes a good second to the Apteryx of New Zealand. That bird may be described as a saturated solution of lice. One becomes accus- tomed to a good many disagreeables in collecting work, but I never again want to skin an Apteryx. The tickling and creeping sensation of the Apteryx lice remained with me no less than four days afterwards, in spite of many baths and washes. A Buganda boy, whom I had, volunteered the information that he knew of the existence of a ‘ small white animal ’ on the western summit of Elgon. He pointed to white paper or cotton-sheeting and said, ‘ the same as that.’ He furthermore indicated the size of trap necessary for them. From which I concluded that a white mouse or rat or perhaps a weasel or stoat does exist on the summit of Elgon. I was sorry to leave the mountain without being able to investigate this point ; but it must be for some future worker better equipped with reliable carriers. But the chief prize of the expedition so far has come from the Kakamega or Nandi Forest. It is the Potto, a lemur- like animal of a genus hitherto only known as inhabiting West Africa. This is a fine new species and a good specimen. Messrs. Maturin and Brett of Mumias very kindly gave it to me for the collection, and a right welcome gift it proves to be. Mr. Brett obtained it at Kakamega and sent it through alive to Mr. Maturin at Mumias, carefully imprisoned in a box. Maturin tied a string to it and let it climb up a gum-tree to sleep. On the following morning it was quite out of reach. Then Maturin very kindly gave me leave to take possession. I had to get it down somehow. I was in rather a hurry because a force of twenty porters was waiting ready with loads to take me through to Nandi and the sun was getting well up. In the end we had to shoot the poor little Potto. I skinned him that night half-way between Mumias and the place he originally came from, Kakamega. Now he reposes as a dry specimen 96 THE SMALLER FAUNA OF MOUNT ELGON labelled ‘ Maturin and Brett — presented,’ and will be described with much technicality in the forthcoming number of the 4 Annals and Magazine of Natural History.’ Such are the items which help us to link up relationship with other zoo-geographical regions. In the case of this Potto we get a connexion with West Africa ; in other forms we find connexions with South Africa, Madagascar, Ruwenzori, Kenya, &c. At what period must the common origin of these two forms of Potto have existed, and where ? There is still an enormous work to be done among fossil and semi-fossil remains. Also on Elgon at 9000 feet I found an ear-shaped leathery fungus of the auricula group, which is closely related to a fungus known to New Zealand and to Madagascar. It grows princi- pally on decaying timber of certain sorts. Quantities of this fungus are exported from New Zealand to China, where it is used for soup or for edible purposes of some sort. Both bird and animal life were particularly abundant on the Elgon escarpment at 7000 feet, and the five or six weeks which I spent there, living in one of the large caves, was the most pleasant period of the trip. The cave I found a first- rate dwelling-place. There was plenty of room for skinning and drying specimens, there was plenty of light, the mouth being very wide and high. It was very dry and yet there was a good water-supply at one end, it was cool in the daytime and not too cold at night, and there was also plenty of room for the boys and cooking, and still enough left for a few hundred more. Firewood was also easily obtained there. Altogether I may safely say it was the most comfortable place I have ever lived in, the one great drawback was that, to get to the greater world beyond, it was necessary either to carefully descend some steeply sloping rocks or else to climb a break-neck cliff to the grassy slopes above. My few near neighbours, the Masai, who dwelt in adjacent caves, were perfectly honest, and the cave and contents could be left with boxes open and impedimenta lying about without fear of their being meddled with. The Masai never even touched the empty cartridge-cases which were dropped upon the paths. Long may they remain honest. Though they never helped me in the least, except to bring an occasional animal or bird, they never interfered with things. THE SMALLER FAUNA OF MOUNT ELGON 97 A different experience was mine at Kisumu, where, on the very first night of tent -life in this Protectorate, two new hurricane lamps were the forfeit for the night’s rest. I had the greatest difficulty to get even to 10,000 feet on Elgon. The Kavirondo stoutly refused to move up beyond the escarp- ment at 7000 feet. I had up twenty-four carriers from Mumias to the escarpment cave. They refused to move a single load up the mountain, although I knew the track and had located the next camp. Eventually I had to make my four boys and cook take up only the absolute necessaries, carrying half a load myself. The cave at 9000 or 10,000 feet, where I lived for a short time, was not so pleasant as the escarpment cave ten or fifteen miles lower down the mountain. To begin with it was distinctly cold at that elevation. The cave was what can only be described as immense. There was a whole Masai village in just one corner of it. The huts remained, but the Masai had gone. A large waterfall, which poured its volumes in front of the cave, made an unceasing deafening noise, and was very annoying until one became used to it. This cave and water- fall have much similarity to the salt cave and waterfall on the escarpment, described by Sir H. H. Johnston. It is the home of myriads of bats. I made a great onslaught upon them. There are enormous ramifications of this cave. One ends in unfathomable water, another seemed to end in the roof, and others twist and turn in bewildering confusion. But I did not explore the whole of it. I had become nauseated with exploring caves. More than twenty down on the escarpment had completely taken the first excitement away. Perhaps a few words on my method of collecting may be of interest. When the tents are pitched on a fresh camping ground, I get out from forty to eighty traps of varying sizes and sorts. Traps for mice, for rats, for moles and for larger beasties, baited with porridge, bread or aniseed, I put them in different kinds of places, some in grass, some in the tree forest or bamboo forest, under rocks or amongst stones, by a swamp or stream or up a hill, at the base of a large tree or under a fallen tree, in the heather, amongst the flowering plants or in the thorny desert ; anywhere in fact that looks likely and where I can 98 SPITTING COBRA perceive signs of animal existence. Rat, mouse and birds’ nests are also looked for. They often yield a good supply of fleas which are saved in tubes of vinegar for Mr. Rothschild. I also hunt around for haunts of bats and lemurs and look out for runs and droppings, foot-marks and bitten leaves and grass. A supply of animals soon turns up and I get to work on them. With birds it is not so easy to use traps. The *410 shot gun is a more useful instrument, though birdlime and snares will get many a specimen for which the gun is of little use. The mammal skin must in each case be accompanied by its skull. The label on the skin must record the following data : — Collector’s number. Date. Sex. The dimensions in millimetres of Tail. Head and body. Locality. Altitude. Collector’s name. Hindfoot. Ear. And in the case of bats the length of forearm. In conclusion I must say that I have experienced the greatest help and kindness from the Protectorate officials and would particularly mention those at Mumias. River Camp, Yoi, 24 April 1910. SPITTING COBRA By C. W. Hoblby. It has been well known for some years that one of the colubrine snakes of East Africa when disturbed possesses the unpleasant habit of spitting a venomous saliva into the face of its assailant, in fact cases have been recorded in Nairobi itself. In Portuguese East Africa the name given to these snakes with reference to this habit is Cobras cusyideiras. In the Soudan the spitting cobra has been definitely identi- SPITTING COBRA 99 fied as Naja nigricollis by Dr. F. Werner of Vienna, who actually saw a specimen spit at a colleague of his. As far as is known the spitting snake of this country has never been scientifically identified, but it is probably Naja nigricollis ; two sub-species or varieties are recorded from Uganda, viz. : mossambicus and melanoleuca, their difference from the type being mainly in coloration. I was recently travelling between Athi River Station and Kitui and observed two specimens of this snake ; the first was coiled on an ant hill about 9 a.m. on the north side of Chumbi Hill and when disturbed it hastily retired into the ant hill ; the following day, between Machakos and the Athi cable- way near the Iwai River, a young dog belonging to the District Commissioner suddenly stopped and began to bark at a tiny bush which was growing out of an ant-hill close to the path, and immediately a snake rose up out of the bush in the typical attitude of the cobra and I distinctly saw it distend its hood to a width of about 4^ inches. It swayed its head slightly and gradually drew it back and I expected any second to see it strike the dog, but instead of that a stream of colourless liquid suddenly shot out of its mouth into the dog’s face and the snake dropped and wriggled into the bush ; the dog rushed at it but was foiled by the twigs, and after another small feint at striking the snake slid down a hole in the ant-hill. I was riding a mule at the time and the incident was over so quickly that I was unable to take any steps to kill the snake. At first the dog did not seem to have suffered at all, but in about ten minutes it began to rub its head on the ground and was in evident discomfort, and when we reached the camp about half an hour afterwards its right eye was completely closed and the vicinity of the eye was very much swollen. We poured some milk into the eye and next morning it was distinctly better, and in a few days the effects had quite worn off. In general appearance these snakes were blackish grey on the back and much lighter below and the approximate length was 5 feet or perhaps a little more. Some years ago on the edge of the Yatta I was attacked 100 SPITTING COBRA by a cobra which I had slightly wounded ; this did not attempt to spit and I luckily shot it before it struck, it was over 7 feet long. While clearing the site for Kisumu township many cobras were killed by the workmen and one man was bitten and died ; I never heard of any of them spitting, the longest I saw was between 7 and 8 feet. The cobras in this country are popularly called mamba, a name, I believe, imported from South Africa, and are divided into two classes — black mambas and green mambas. It will, however, probably be found that most of the black mambas are of three species, viz. : Naja hajce, Naja melanoleuca and Naja nigricollis, the latter being the spitting species. As for the green mamba I can find no record of a green cobra, and this snake which is said to have a great preference for trees is probably not a cobra at all, but a green viper closely allied to that of the Nile Valley which is called Causus resimus and is very poisonous. The Soudan species, however, is said to be only about 2 feet 6 inches, whereas the green mamba is said to reach 5 feet in length. It may be of some use to collectors to be able readily to distinguish a snake of the cobra group from one of the viper group and to which the puff adders belong. The poison fangs of a cobra are grooved along their front edge and the poison runs down this groove into the wound. In the vipers, however, the poison fang is hollow and the poison issues from a tiny hole near the point of the tooth. Mr. F. J. Jackson tells me that he believes he has identified five species of the large poisonous snakes and classifies them as follows : — (1) Shiny black ‘ Mamba 5 with a yellow throat, length about six feet. He is inclined to believe that this is not a cobra as he has never seen it dilate its neck into the typical hood. (2) Dull black cobra, le gth 6 feet to 10 feet. Note : This is probably Naja melanoleuca , which is the larges' of the African cobras. (8) Earthy grey cobra, length 5 feet. Note : Probably Naja hajce. EUEOPEAN MIGEANTS IN EAST AFEICA 101 (4) Earthy olive brown cobra, length 5 feet. Note : Probably Naja nigricollis. (5) Green * mamba ’ — lives in trees to a great extent — length 5 feet. Note : Probably a green viper of genus Causus. The poisonous snakes of this country are not very well known, and it is hoped that members of the Society will devote some attention to the collection of specimens ; for the purpose of identification it is not necessary to send in the whole body of a snake, but the head and upper part of the neck should be sent in, in spirit ; but the length should be measured and a careful description of the body markings noted immediately after death ; the body should be skinned and the dried skin forwarded, or the skin can be left attached to the hood and placed in spirit with the head. It is very important that all residents should be able readily to identify all the poisonous reptiles of the country. EUEOPEAN MIGEANTS IN BEITISH EAST AFEICA By A. B. Pbrcival. Few subjects have interested naturalists more than the migration of birds, and it is only comparatively recently that it was accepted that birds migrated for any great distance. Even such a good naturalist as White of Selborne had doubts about the Swallows, and quoted cases of hibernating Swallows having been found in various places, though he admits that he never saw any himself. One can quite understand doubts being held as to the possibility of such weak -winged birds as the Willow- Warbler and Sedge- Warbler being able to cross even the English Channel, but the man who had told White that they actually travelled for 4000 miles to their winter resort would have been laughed at. Yet such is the case. One can easily understand such strong-winged birds as Swallows and Swifts travelling any distance, but that the small warblers that flit from tree to tree 102 EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN EAST AFRICA and hardly seem able to go more than a few yards at a time should travel all the way from Europe to the Cape is really wonderful. At present very little is known of the time, or the route they take, and it is in hopes of interesting some of the naturalists in British East Africa that I am writing. British East Africa is really half way between the winter and summer haunts of the European migrants, and a series of dates when birds pass through East Africa on their southern journey, and again on their return trip would be of the greatest interest. In Europe the most accurate records of arrivals and departures are kept, and in South Africa similar records are being made. The trouble here will, I am afraid, he the same as in South Africa, namely, the fact that most of the migrants are rather insignificant birds and by no means well known. There are a few, however, that everyone knows. For instance, the big White Stork that is often seen in thousands near grass fires — the English Swallow — Red-backed Shrike. And the English Land-rail or Corncrake, another bird that hardly seems able to fly a hundred yards in England. The wading birds of Europe are very strongly represented on our coast during the winter months, and it seems strange to hear the wild call of the Curlew, the tittering whistle of the Whimbrel, and the various familiar calls of the Ring-Dotterel, Sanderling, Turnstone, Little Stint and other waders that one knows on the British coast. Hearing these old calls takes me back to a rocky bit of coast line in the north, where I spent many an hour crouched in a stone blind waiting for the tide to rise and put the wading birds off the flats, and set them flighting along the edge of the incoming tide within reach of my gun. It is not only on the coast that wTaders are to be seen, but about October and March every little stream and pool has some wader or other. The Common, the Wood and the Green Sandpipers, Little Stints, Ruffs, Greenshanks and others are everywhere. Many of these spend the whole winter with us, but by far the greater number pass south, returning again three or four months later, and are apparently very regular as to tbeir times of passing. The Great or Solitary Snipe, for instance, EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN EAST AFRICA 108 is almost always found between May 1 and 17, and it is seldom that even a single bird is seen after this in places where a bag of ten or twelve couple could have been made only a day or two before. The earliest of the migrants begin to arrive about the end of August, and the bird I have usually seen first is the Asiatic Dotterel, a visitor from Siberia. They arrive in small lots of three or four, but before they leave congregate into flocks of thousands. I may add here that they are most excellent eating, being very fat and quite equal to snipe though, of course, not so large. Other waders seem to follow them, but it is noticeable that one sees far less of the migrants on their southern journey than on their return. Partly, I have no doubt, owing to their being more scattered, and also in very poor plumage. On their return journey they are in almost full breeding plumage, and are also travelling in company to a large extent. There is, however, another possible reason why the feathered travellers are not seen so much on their southward migration, that is, they may travel by another route, and to discover this would be most interesting. There is no doubt whatever that the route followed is not always the same, but is liable to change owing to the season and rains. The Great Snipe of which I have already spoken is one year numerous in a certain district in May, while another year not a bird will be seen. In addition to the migration of the European birds there is the migration of purely African birds, but of this we know very little indeed. Various species breed here that one does not see at any other time. And various Cuckoos only appear at certain seasons of the year. The Emerald, Golden and Klaas’s Cuckoo all appear about November, and stay till May, apparently. The fact is worth noticing that they appear in South Africa in November, so that this cannot be their haunt. The Golden and Klaas’s Cuckoo lay eggs in April and May, I know — and I should not be at all surprised if they also left their eggs in the nests of birds that breed in the small rains. Mr. W. L. Sclater in the lucid paper he read before the 104 EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN EAST AFRICA British Association in 1905 called ‘ Migration of Birds in South Africa * gives the following classes of migrants : (1) Northern migrants, i.e. birds from the Northern Hemi- sphere which breed in Europe or Asia. I. — Northern Migrants Oriolus galbula Anthus trivialis Motacilla capensis „ flava „ borealis „ melanocephala Lanius minor Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Locustella fluviatilis Cisticola cursitans Erithacus philomela Saxicola oenanthe Muscicapa grisola Chelidon urbica Cotile riparia Hirundo rustica Cypselus apus Caprimulgus europaeus Coracias garrula Merops api aster „ persicus Cu cuius canorus Coccystes glandarius Falco subbuteo Tinnunculus vespertinus ,, amurensis „ naumanni Buteo desertorum Milvus aegyptius „ korschun Pernis apivorus Circus cineraceus „ macrurus Lanius collurio Sylvia simplex „ cinerea Phylloscopus trochilus Hypolais icterina Acrocephalus arundinaceus „ palustris Crex pratensis Ortygometra porzana Glareola pratincola „ melanoptera Arenaria interpres Squatarola helvetica iEgialitis geoffroyi „ asiatica ,, hiaticola ,, alexandrina Totanus calidris „ glottis „ stagnatilis „ glareola „ ochropus „ cinereus „ hypoleucus Pavoncella pugnax Tringa canutus „ bairdi „ minuta „ subarquata Calidris arenaria Gallinago media Hydrochelidon hybrida „ leucoptera EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN EAST AFRICA 105 Circus eeruginosus Ciconia alba „ nigra Ardetta minuta Spatula clypeata Sterna cantiaca „ macrura „ minuta Stercorarius crepidatus „ pomatorhinus (2) African migrants, i.e. birds which spend the southern summer months (October to March) in South Africa, breed there, and move off probably into tropical Africa during the South African winter. The Stripe- breasted Swallow and Red-chested Cuckoo are quoted as examples. II. — South African Migrants Hirundo albigularis „ cucullata „ semirufa Cypselus africanus Eurystomus afer Halcyon swainsoni lynx ruficollis Cuculus gularis „ solitarius Chrysococcyx klaasi „ smaragdineus Coccystes jacobinus „ hypopinarius „ serratus Falco minor Abdimia abdimii Cursorius temminckii Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Cuculus clamosus Chrysococcyx cupreus Lobivanellus lateralis (8) Wandering birds which move from place to place, their movements probably being connected with their food supply, and also some local birds which go off to certain remote places to breed. In East Africa the Green and other Pigeons move about a great deal for food and the Kites go away to build and breed. (4) Resident-birds which remain in the same place all the year round and hardly move away at all. By the time this Journal comes out the migrants will be arriving, and if members of the Society will make a note of when they see any European bird for the first time in autumn and the last time in spring, and send their observations, we shall soon get an idea of the dates when the migrants arrive and depart. 106 EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN EAST AFRICA Notes as to prevailing wind and weather generally given with the dates would make observations of greater value. I would advise that particular attention be paid to the White Stork or European Swallow. Large Locust-bird. Lesser Kestrel European Bee-eater. Asiatic Dotterel and Great Snipe. These are all birds that can be recognised by most. The following list of European migrants that I have actually obtained in East Africa may be of some use as a guide but it is by no means complete : — Lesser Kestrel Common Cuckoo Hobby Great Spotted Cuckoo European Bee-eater Swallow Golden Oriole Sedge-Warbler Rock-Thrush Willow „ Red-backed Shrike White Stork Lesser Grey Shrike Curlew Spotted Fly-catcher Whimbrel Isabelline Wheatear Grey Plover Common „ Ruff Tree Pipit Great Snipe Red-breasted Pipit Curlew Sandpiper Ray’s Yellow Wagtail Common „ Blue-headed „ Wood Hoopoe Green „ Turnstone Ring Dotterel Sanderling Little Stint Greenshank Landrail Asiatic Dotterel I. From Enderrit River. II. From Enderrit River. MICROSCOPICAL STRUCTURE OF DIATOMITE 107 NOTES THE MICROSCOPICAL STRUCTURE OF DIATOMITE J. K. Creighton Owing to some mistake or mishap photo -micrographs of the Diatoms of the Kiriandus Deposits of the Rift Valley which were expected to arrive from England in time to publish in the first number of this Journal did not turn up. Mr. Hobley therefore asked me to try to photograph the Diatoms for the second number. Figs. I and II show some of the forms from the valley of the Enderrit River, four miles S.W. of Elmentaita (Mag. 700 diameters). Fig. Ill those of the deposit in the Kedong Valley (Mag. 900 diameters). Fig. IV is diatoms from a small stream in Parkland s (Mag. 600 diameters). On the average the Frustules from the Kedong Valley deposit are much more minute than those from Elmentaita and very different in form, the typical Frustule in the Kedong Valley being a bamboo or nutmeg-grater shape. Very few of these are to be found in the other deposit and so far I have not come across any in the living state. The above photographs only show a few of the larger diatoms, besides these there are many others so minute and with markings so fine that they would require the finest high power apochromatic objective to resolve them. Figs. I, II and III were taken with a Zeiss 8 mm. apochro- matic, kindly lent me by Dr. Marsh. Fig. IV was taken with a Ross achromatic J" and green screen. The lighting used in each case was a small acetylene bicycle lamp. Vol. L-— No. 2. i 108 RANDOM OBSERVATIONS OF CHAMELEONS RANDOM OBSERVATIONS OF CHAMELEONS By Francis Burmeister. Chameleons seem to prefer to rest on the dry sticks of dead bushes rather than on anything green. Only one have I seen on fairly green grass, and that was after a heavy shower. It was a small one, quite black, and when picked up struggled to escape and tried to bite, in fact was really very agile for one of its species. They all appear to assume a threatening attitude and give vent to a subdued hiss, when touched. One actually bit my finger ; but although the teeth were sharp, its jaws were not sufficiently powerful to enable it to draw blood. Several times I have put them on a green creeper, but all, with one exception, soon moved off on to the grass thatch. The exception stayed for over a week, laboriously crawling down the stems near to the ground during the day, in the hope of catching flies, and coming up again in the evening to sleep. It chose the same spot nearly every night. The flies were few, and when all the Aphides within its limited range were devoured, and I am not sure that small spiders did not also fall victims, it moved on to the more congenial habitat, dry grass, and disappeared. The capability of colour change is very poor. Dull drabs, browns, yellows, and greys are the favourite shades, as these shades are more in harmony with their surroundings. On occasion, however, they can illuminate a row of oblong spots on either side of the back, with brighter and different colours from the rest of the body. The colours are more intense on the side exposed to a strong light. There appears to be a certain set of cells in each spot, which can only be flushed with its own particular colour. All endeavours to get a vivid and decided colour were in vain. The poor reptile rolled its eyes wearily around and did its best, which was very feeble ; and either crawled away or went to sleep. 111. From Kedon.5 Valley. IV. Modern Form. V MELANISM IN FELIS SERVAL 109 When sleeping at night, they turn chalk white or pale sulphur yellow, the head uppermost and the tail curled up like an ammonite — never over the back, the flexor muscles being on the underside — or else the tip hooked around some convenient projection. After death they are white, and in one instance when a chameleon crawled on to the floor and was stepped upon, its head, the injured part, turned quite black and the remainder of its body white. The congealed blood was obviously the reason of the blackness. This seems to prove that the colours are caused by suffusion of blood in the pigment cells in the living reptile. MELANISM IN EELIS SERVAL By C. W. Hobley. It has been well known for some years that in Kikuyu country specimens of black servals have been obtained. As the country becomes more occupied the frequency with which these abnormal specimens are killed is extremely striking, and in a recent tour through some of the farms in the Limoru area I observed several skins at nearly every farm house. Since my attention was first directed to this peculiarity, I must have seen upwards of twenty skins. No explanation has, I believe, been offered of this extra- ordinary recurrence of melanism, and I would therefore suggest that the Society should endeavour to secure through its mem- bers a series of skulls from black servals and carefully compare these with the ordinary variety in case there should be some anatomical divergence which has escaped notice ; measurements of the two types might also prove of interest. The skins do not appear to be all of equal blackness, and range from a rich dark brown to almost jet-black ; in some skins traces of spots can be distinguished, but this becomes more difficult the blacker the specimen. Mr. Percival informs me that the genet in the same locality also exhibits melanism and that black servals have been found on Kilimanjaro and on Mau. Mr. Heatley also obtained a 110 WHITE WATEEBUCK —GAZELLA GRANT II black leopard. Ifc will therefore be interesting to gather facts as to the actual distribution of this peculiarity, the suspicion is that it only occurs above a certain altitude. OCCUEEENCE OE WHITE WATEEBUCK By A. B. Percival. Two very interesting examples of white waterbuck, male and female, both full grown, have recently been brought from the Northern Guaso Nyiro by Lord Gifford. He informs me that he saw in the one troop two bucks, three does, and two young, one of the latter being suckled by an ordinary-coloured cow. The eyes were normal in colour and not pink, so they are not Albinos. A V ABLATION IN GAZELLA GRANTII By A. B. Percival. A most interesting series of Grantii skins and heads were recently brought from the Marsabit country by Capt. Lely of the 2nd K.A. Eifles. The Grantii of this district is in colour and size very similar to Soemmerring’s Gazelle, but the horns are of the straight thick type similar to the Gazella grantii notata of Laikipia. The skin is of great size, far larger than the Gazella Grantii typica, very pale in colour, and has no black whatever either on side or between the fawn of the back and the white rump patch. In this it is similar to the Soemmerring’s Gazelle, and differs from Gazella grantii brighti in size and in the total absence of any dark markings. I have seen only one female skin, and that differed from Gazella granta typica and other subspecies in that the black side stripe was absent. It is a typical desert type of antelope, the pale fawn being very different from the rich colour of the other subspecies of Grant’s Gazelle. The range so far as we know at present is Marsabit road, but coming much further south towards the Lorian Swamp. KAVIRONDO POTTO 111 KAVIRONDO POTTO By C. W. Hobley. In Mr. R. Kemp’s interesting paper on collecting on Mount Elgon, he mentions the discovery of a lemuroid beast quite new to East Africa, representatives of this genus being up to now only found in West Africa. Now for some years past I have been collecting native and other stories of a queer beast which inhabited the Nandi forest. One European saw a specimen on the Uasingishu plateau and declared it was a bear ; stories reached me also from Nandi of an animal which attacked women when they went into the forest to collect firewood, and it appeared that there must be some foundation for all these yarns. Since the discovery of the curious animal referred to I believe that we have solved the question of the mysterious beast of the Nandi Forest. I have not seen the specimen, but Mr. Brett tells me that it was brought in to him from the Kakumega Forest by a native of that region, who stated that the specimen was a young one and that if the mother had been about they would not have succeeded in catching it, for the adults are very fierce and throw stones with considerable accuracy at anyone who comes near. In life the head of the beast is said at a little distance to appear extraordinarily like that of a bear. Mr. Brett’s specimen was in length approximately two feet without the tail, and brown in colour; its scientific name is Perodicticus ibeanus. Efforts should be made to obtain a series of adult specimen skulls and skins for the Society’s Museum. It is said to be very slow in its habits, so that once found there should be no difficulty in shooting it. The lemurs are allied to the monkeys but are somewhat lower in the scale, they are generally of nocturnal habits and feed on insects and also fruit and the eggs of birds. There are two species of small lemur found from the coast up to about Kibwezi and called by the Swahilis Mkomba, they belong to the Galago group of the lemur family. 112 KAVIRONDO POTTO In the above connection attention is drawn to the following interesting letter which recently appeared in The Field. ‘ The African Forest Fauna ‘ Naturalists, and especially those who devote special atten- tion to geographical distribution, are accustomed to speak of a West African fauna as though it were distinct from that of all the rest of the continent. For many years past, however, evidence has been gradually accumulating to show that a large number of the genera of mammals long supposed to be peculiar to the West Coast and its hinterland really range right across the forest zone to the Semliki and Uganda, and the time has therefore come when our nomenclature should be changed. The immediate inducing reason for this change is, of course, the discovery and description of the potto ( Perodicticus ibeanus), and the consequent definite ratification of the evidence as to the occurrence of pottos on the eastern side of the continent. This discovery reduces the list of generic types of mammals peculiar to the West Coast to a very small number. One of the first types whose range was shown to include the eastern side of the forest region was the chimpanzee, which was recorded from the Niam-niam country by Schweinfurth, and later on from Monbuttu by Emin Pasha. On the other hand, the gorilla, the mandrill, and the drill still appear to be exclusively western types, although the possibility of their discovery in the east must not be overlooked. As regards other groups. Speci- mens brought home by Major Powell-Cotton proved the exis- tence in East Africa of the otter-shrew ( Potamogale ), the water chevrotain (Dorcatheriuin), and the red tiger-cafc ; while Mr. F. W. Isaac was the first to add the bongo ( Tragela'phus eury- ceros) to the eastern list, from skins and heads obtained by him from the Wandorobo. The yellow-backed duiker has been shown by others to extend to the Ituri and Rhodesia, and the royal antelope of Guinea is represented by a nearly allied pigmy species on the eastern side of the forest. The red Congo buffalo and the red river hog remain, it is true, distinctly western types ; but the former has an analogue in the Semliki Bos cottoni, of which females and immature males retain the ancestral red, the bush pigs of other species represent the red KAVIEONDO POTTO 113 river hog elsewhere. Although originally discovered on the eastern side, the great black forest hog ( Rylochcerus ) soon after turned up in the Cameroons ; and there is a possibility of the range of the okapi extending further west than is at present known to be the case. Amongst smaller mammals, the so- called African flying squirrels, better designated scale-tails (Anomaluridce), the pigmy squirrels of the genus Nannosciurus, and the civets of the genus Nandinia all have representatives on the eastern as well as on the western side of the forest tract, although the beautifully coloured Poiana, the African form of the Indo-Malay linsangs ( Linsanga ), appears to be restricted to the West Coast. ‘ That the greater portion of the western fauna would even- tually be found to range over a large extent of the forest region was long ago predicted by Dr. A. R. Wallace in his Geograph- ical Distribution of Animals, where, however, the terms Western fauna and Western sub-region were still applied to the whole area and its animals. The time, as already stated, has now come when these terms should be replaced by the designations Forest fauna and Forest sub -region. That the fauna of the forest tract of Africa is intimately related to those of Ceylon, Southern India, and the Malay countries has been long familiar to naturalists, but it is only recently that an adequate and convincing explanation of the fact has been given to the world. For this we are indebted to Dr. Arldt, who points out that when the Siwalik fauna migrated from India to Africa, as it certainly did during later Pliocene time, probably by way of Baluchistan, Persia, and Arabia, or perhaps by a submerged line now re- presented by Socotra, the line of march must have been along a forest tract, as otherwise animals like chimpanzees and okapis Gould not have formed part of the company, and of these ancient forests we have evidence in the silicified tree trunks of the Punjab, Baluchistan, Syria, and Egypt. As the result probably of secular desiccation, the country subsequently assumed a more or less desert character, with the result that the forest animals were compelled to retreat to districts suitable to their habits ; in other words, to Ceylon, Malaya, and the equatorial forests of Africa. In this way, and in this way only, can be satisfactorily explained the fact that pigmy squirrels and chevrotains are 114 HONEY GUIDES common to the African forest region and Indo-Malaya, and that the pottos of the one tract are represented by the lorises of the other. The discovery that so many of the African types formerly supposed to be confined to the West Coast really range far to the east has, of course, greatly simplified the distributional problem. R. L.’ HONEY GUIDES It is well known the Indicator bird or honey guide will lead people to bees’ nests ; this in itself is most interesting, but every native tribe in this country, as well as in South Africa, holds the belief that these birds will also lead one to dangerous animals and to snakes. There is no record of this being corroborated by European observation, and it would be interesting if any member who has had an experience of this alleged action were to send in an account of it. Editor. NOTES BY THE HONORARY SECRETARY On the evening of Thursday, June 28, Mr. Cherry Kearton very kindly gave a cinematograph exhibition in the Railway Institute in aid of the funds of the Society. In addition to moving pictures of East African game, rhino, hippo, giraffe, etc., Mr. Kearton showed some of his remarkable photographs of birds taken on the Bass Rock and Fame Islands. The Institute was filled by a most appreciative audience and the entertainment resulted in a substantial sum being placed to the balance of the Society, which will be a material help towards fitting and furnishing the Museum. Mr. Haagner, the honorary secretary of the South African Ornithological Union writes that he will be glad to receive correspondence from the Society on matters relating to migra- tion. Members having any observations to communicate on this subject should forward them to me and I will, after having LIST OF NEW MEMBERS 115 them copied for publication in the Journal, send them to Pretoria and communicate any reply Mr. Haagner may send, which will also appear in our columns. It is hoped that in this way we may inaugurate a very interesting section in the Journal which will appeal to all Ornithologists. Members are again reminded of the approaching completion of the Society’s Museum and the obligation which rests upon them of obtaining specimens for the collection. LIST OF NEW MEMBEKS Branwhite, H. Birch, H. M. Bailey, J. A. Clarke, Col. S. R. Champion, A. M. Creighton, J. A. Cobb, Powys E. Espeut, C. Y. Fawcus, A. E. Heatley* H. H, Hirtzel, C. Lynde, W. M. Montgomery, R. E. Milne, Dr. A. D. Panting, C. Parker, Mrs. Ross, W. MacGregor Seth Smith, L. M. Watts, G. K. Webb, B. F. Welstead, A. D. Williams, J. H. White, Dr. W, C. P. 116 O O tH o CO O 00 CO 03 w O CO O0> cd co o co M 00 O t— ! t—I o p tr- ee o cq W. 03 <30 5- s e <£> Eh H P H HH ft £ s PM x H EM g M CQ o 5z; < < m 5* bl p g m o K o o o o pop o do o rH ZD CD tH CO o o tr- ee o oq ZCL Ph m H PM i— i H <0 H pH • rH 'S n o i — i : «j ® rCl o 2 S ft g S g . S?i r^> 5S .2 o so -+a h-s O S ft -g *5“J «+-t c3 H*1) 8 ° S J§,2 § C3 c3 • >-H PQ o e 02 OQ Q m 5 2 & m : Ube journal OF THE East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society March 1911. Vol. II. No. 3. CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1910. Hon. Secretary . 1. BIRDS IN UGANDA FORESTS. L, M. Seth-Smith .... 2. A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY. Norman Leys, M.B. ... 3. SEASONAL VARIATION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GENUS JUNONIA. Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers, M.A., F.E.S, . • 4. THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAME IN UGANDA. F. A. Knowles 5. NOTES ON THE PATHOGENIC PROTOZOA IN B.E.A, R. E. Mont- gomery, M.B, .......... 0. SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS. C. W. Woodhouse 7. LAKE RUDOLPH. A. C. Hoey 8. MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY. A. H. Marsh, M.B, . 9. TWO FINDS ON MOUNT KENIA. W. McGregor Ross, M.Sc. 10. NOTES ON THE FAUNA OF BARINGO DISTRICT, Hon. K. Dundas 11. GAME ON THE COAST AND ITS DEPREDATIONS. J. E, JONES. NOTES SOME REMARKS ON HARVEY’S DUIKER. M. P. Seth-Smith MIGRATION OF BUTTERFLIES, C, W. Hobley ..... DISTRIBUTION OF BRIGHT'S GAZELLE (Extract from ‘ Field ’) LORIAN WHITE WATERBUCK (Extract from ‘ Field,' ) . ATTITUDE OF MARABOU STORK DURING FLIGHT. Editor . LIST OF DONATIONS TO MUSEUM ..... NOTICE .......... BALANCE SHEET ......... ILLUSTRATIONS 14 18 22 40 47 52 60 63 71 79 73 74 76 zz%q88 EXAMPLES OF UGANDA GAME ...... Frontispiece I, MAHARANEE, CROSS BETWEEN INDIAN COW AND E.A. BULL To face page 52 II, THREE HEADS OF CROSSES BETWEEN SHORTHORN BULL AND E.A. COWS , ...... To face page 58 III. (1) RIPPLE MARKS ON MOUNT KENIA. (2) CESAR GLACIER, NORTHERN KENIA . . ... . To face page 60 IV, (3). MORAINE AND TARN BELOW JOSEPH GLACIER NORTHERN KENIA. (4) BUFFALO CARCASE LYING ON MORAINE To face page 70 EDITORS C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G. T. J, ANDERSON, B.Sc. LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 39 PATERNOSTER ROW. LONDON, NEW YORK, BOMBAY AND CALCUTTA Jill rights reserved Additional copies : to members , Rs. 3(4/-) ; to non-members, Rs , 4 (5/4). CAPE BUFFALO. Bos caffer. ( Record head .) SING SING WATERBUCK. Cobus defassa. KOB ANTELOPE. Cobus thomasi. SITATUNGA. Tragelaphus speke Examples of Ugan- .* Game. Fro?n photographs by F . Knowles. THE JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY March 1911. VOL. II. No. 3. patrons SIR E. P. C GIROUARD, K.C.M.G., R.E., D.S.O. SIR JAMES HAYES SADLER, K.C.M.G., C.B. SIR H. HESKETH BELL, K.C.M.G. president ant) Chairman of Bjecutlve Committee F, J. JACKSON, C.B., C.M.G., F.L.S., E.Z.S., M.B.O.U. IDIce^presIDent C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G., F.R.Anthrop.Inst. Bjecutlve Committee : T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc, E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNNINGHAME, F.Z.S. THE RIGHT HON. LORD DELAMERE A. C. HOLLIS, C.M.G., F.R.Antjirop.Inst. A. C. MACDONALD R. J. STORDY, M.R.C.V.S. R. B. WOOSNAM, F.Z.S, f)onorar£ Creasurer W. McGREGOR ROSS, B.A., M.Sc., B.E. IbonorarE Secretary JOHN SERGEANT IbonorarE Curator T. J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. 1911 Vol. IL— No. 3. B 2 REPORT REPORT, 1910 The Committee in presenting their report for the first year of the Society’s existence congratulate the members upon the progress made, resulting in a membership of ninety -four. Owing to various causes over which they have had no control, there has been considerable delay in the publication of the Society’s Journals, the first number not being placed in the members’ hands until April 1, 1910, and the second not until April 1911. The principal cause of these delays has been the difficulty experienced in obtaining contributions for publication, and this difficulty, it is regretted, does not lessen as time goes on. In consequence of the delay in bringing out the first number it was deemed advisable to extend our first financial year to December 31, 1910, in order that members might not be called upon for further subscriptions until they had received at least two copies of the Journal. Journal No. 3 which is now placed in the members’ hands commences a new volume which, if our membership increases sufficiently to meet the necessary expense, and members help with contributions, it is hoped will consist of three numbers instead of two. An arrangement was made with Messrs. Jeevanjee and Co., in October 1909, to build a museum for the Society (according to drawings kindly made by Mr. Rand Overy) at a rental of £2 10s. a month, and this building was ready for occupation on August 16 last. Orders for several teak specimen cases have been given, amounting to £35 in value, and it is expected they will be ready by the time this report is sent to the publishers. His Excellency Sir Percy Girouard has given instructions to all provincial officers that heads of certain species of game are to be sent in, duplicates of which are to be placed in the Society’s Museum ; this will be a material help to the collection, particularly if sufficient funds can be raised to have the heads properly mounted. The Society is greatly indebted to His Excellency for this very practical evidence of his interest in the Museum. REPORT 3 Donations of books for the Library have been received from Mr. R. J. Cunninghame, Messrs. Rowland Ward and Co., and Mr. A. S. Neave, and the Committee wish to place on record their appreciation of the generosity and kindness of the donors. It is hoped that the Library in course of time will become of considerable value to members and an added inducement for membership. On June 23 Mr. Cherry Kearton very kindly gave a Cinematograph Exhibition of some of his nature photographs in the Railway Institute, in aid of the funds of the Society, which resulted in a substantial amount being placed to our credit. It was deemed advisable in consequence of the prepon- derance of non-Nairobi residents amongst our members, to propose an alteration of the Rules, and substitute a Referendum instead of an Annual Meeting for the election of the Committee. These alterations were carried unanimously, and in future all members will have an opportunity of nominating and voting for members of the new Committee each year. The British Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, Washing- ton, the American Geographical Society, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, the Australian Museum of Sydney, the Royal Colonial Institute, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum of Hamburg, and the Bombay Natural History Society, have all undertaken to send copies of their publications in exchange for our Journal. The Committee would again urge upon members the necessity for united action in order to increase the membership of the Society and to obtain contributions for publication in the Journal. The Society is now at considerable expense with the rental of the Museum building, viz. £30 per annum ; in addition, each number of the Journal costs on an average £26, and if the ambition of the Committee is to be attained and a quarterly number eventually issued, a considerable increase in membership will have to take place to meet the necessary expenditure. In addition, funds will be required for the purchase of cases and the setting up of specimens for the Museum and the purchase of books for the Library, and 4 BIRDS IN UGANDA FORESTS for these purposes it is calculated that the Society should have an income of at least £1 80 a year. If each member would secure one new member during the current year and write himself, or induce a friend to send in an article or interesting ‘ note ’ for the Journal, the Society would be on a sound basis, and the present continual anxiety of the Editors as to where the necessary manuscript for the next Journal is coming from would be avoided. In conclusion, the Committee thank all members who have helped during the past year by contributing articles to the Journal or introduction of new members, to the measure of success the Society has attained. John Sergeant, Honorary Secretary. Nairobi, March 1911. BIRDS IN UGANDA FORESTS By L. M. Seth-Smith I think I may say that African forests appeal to everyone — the lovely cool shade, the silence, the vast height of the trees — but more especially do they appeal to naturalists, as they contain an infinite variety of every kind of living creature, many of which, I believe, still remain to be discovered ; but more important still, the habits of nearly all are practically unknown. I do not wish to insinuate that the habits of creatures whose habitat is in the more open country are well known, but observations are much more difficult in forests and, hence, far less is known. It is most extraordinary how one is able to walk through a forest without seeing or hearing a bird, except, of course, some of the larger species, such as glossy starlings, parrots, hornbills, &c., and possibly catching a glimpse of some bird as it flies across one’s path like a flash and disappears into the under- growth. Only a few days ago I was walking with a friend BIRDS IN UGANDA FORESTS 5 through a large forest, when he suddenly exclaimed : ‘ That’s the first bird I have seen in the forest.’ Quite so, but what a difference when one remains quiet for a few minutes. A moving leaf catches one’s eye, then a twitter is heard in a thicket in front, and by degrees the place seems full of birds ; but even then the undergrowth is too thick to see much, and only now and then does one catch a sight of anything. However, it is one’s only chance to remain quite quiet, and, as I personally prefer to be as comfortable as possible, I always take out with me a chair, and usually one or two boys who have to remain absolutely quiet, but are useful for retrieving. One loses quite a large percentage of birds by their dropping into thick undergrowth and vanishing — that is the only word I can use ; they fall and the spot is marked as carefully as possible, but no sign of the bird can be found, and the search is at last given up in disgust. It should be remembered that birds when shot not unfre- quently catch in the undergrowth, and this should be searched if the bird is not found on the ground. The majority of forest birds are of dull colouration, and so we get the sunbirds represented in forests by Cyanomitra obscura and the genus Anthothreptes, of which the species axillaris, hypodela and tephroloema, are all found in the Budongo forest. Most of the birds I shall mention here have been obtained by me in the above-mentioned forest, which lies in a triangle of country between Masindi, Butiaba, and Fajao. The tits are represented by Parus funereus (the dusky tit-mouse) and Parisoma plumbeum (Hartlaub’s tit-warbler), which have the typical tit habit of searching every cranny and crevice in bark for their food. These genera, unlike their cousin JEgithalus (of which we get the species parvulus in the country), prefer to keep to the larger stems of trees and at a reasonable height from the ground, whereas my very limited experience of parvulus shows that it keeps to the topmost small branches of high trees. The genus Nigrita (negro finches) is represented by schistacea, diabolica, and fusconota. 6 BIRDS IN UGANDA FORESTS The weaver birds are interesting. Spermospisa rubricapilla is to be found in most of the forests in Uganda, I believe, but it is not necessarily a forest bird, as it is also to be found in patches of thick bush. I was fortunate in obtaining the type of the male of this species in the Budongo forest, the bird previously being known, I believe, only by the skins of two females. I have since obtained it at Mubende and in the Mabira forest, and feel sure I have seen some on several other occasions. It is without doubt a very shy bird and keeps almost exclusively to thick undergrowth, and this must be the only reason that it is so little known, as its bright red breast is very conspicuous. Malimbus is represented by rubricollis and malimbicus. These are weaver finches. I watched a family party of the latter species a short while ago in the Mabira forest. The young were in that stage in which they were quite capable of finding their food, but at the same time liked to be fed by the old birds. At the distance the young birds looked just like the females in plumage. They are fascinating birds to watch, quite as much at home, while searching for food, clinging to the underside of branches as on the top, the bright red head being a very con- spicuous object in the dull light of a forest, especially when a ray of sun catches it. Of Cinnamopteryx I have obtained a pair of tricolor (chestnut weaver finch) in the Mabira forest, but the female is identical with the description of C. inter scapular is which Shelley con- siders may be a black-breasted variety of tricolor. I feel sure that my skins are a pair, but they have not yet been sent home for identification. Orioles are represented by Brachyrhynchus , whose fine notes frequently resound throughout the forest. Nicator chloris is found in most of the forests. It is a shy bird, and I have usually seen it in thick undergrowth. In 1907 I obtained a pair of Bleda woosnami (Woosnam’s yellow bulbul) in the Budongo forest. This species had only a few months previously been found for the first time by the Ruwensori Expedition. This forest also produced a specimen which, at first, puzzled the authorities at the South Kensington BIRDS IN UGANDA FORESTS 7 Museum, but proved to be Sylviella toroensis (the Toro crombec), of which the only previously known specimen was obtained by Mr. Jackson. My specimen had a tail about half an inch longer than the type. Closely allied to this rarity I obtained a new species, which I named Cryptobpha hudongoensis (the Budongo fly-catcher), of which a pair were obtained. Apalis denti (Dent’s warbler) and Alethe carruihersi (Carruthers’ robin-chat), both named after members of the Ruwensori Expedition, were also obtained. Those two charming birds, Dyaphorophyia castanea and Jamesoni, are fairly common. They seem like little balls of fluff in one’s hand, the very short tail hardly showing. They make at times a curious clicking noise when flitting about, apparently made with the beak. Erythrocercus congicus and Tro-chocercus Idbaliensis (fly- catchers), both species first obtained by the Alexander-Gosling Expedition, were obtained in the Budongo forest. Both Terpsiphone cristata and Emini (Paradise fly -catchers) are common. By-the-by, does Emini change into the white plumage like cristata ? There are just two species I should like to mention, Columba unicineta and Gutter a cristata. The former, a fine wood -pigeon, has been shot by very few collectors, and yet it is to be found in almost every forest in Uganda and Unyoro. It is a shy bird and keeps to the tops of trees and so escapes observation to a large extent, but early in the morning and in the evening it feeds lower down on trees, which the Baganda call Musasa, together with green pigeons. Its note is a very mournful coo-oo, and can easily be distinguished once learnt ; and, lastly, Gutter a cristata, a most lovely blue-spotted guinea-fowl, with black crest, I took one of these birds home alive three years ago, and it is, I believe, still to be seen in the Zoological Gardens. What was most noticeable about it was its extreme tameness almost immediately after being caught, and the species should thus be very easily domesticated. I fed it on the journey on raw meat and biscuits mixed up, possibly not the best diet, but it thrived, and when in England it remained in an aviary about two years, its main food being black beetles. The reason of its dismissal to the Zoo was, that the lady of the household 8 A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY imagined that black beetles were being encouraged rather than got rid of, for the sake of the bird. My specimens appear to have been brighter than those previously in collections, or there is some slight difference, and it has been given the rank of a sub- species named Guttera cristata seth-smithi, though the difference is, I believe, so slight that it would appear to be a mistake to form a sub-species of it until many more specimens have been obtained. I am afraid that the above is hut little more than a list of birds ; but I think it shows that there are a great many birds of immense interest in forests, especially when I mention that most of these birds were obtained in my spare time during a few days I spent in the forest in 1907. I am quite sure that if one could spend a year collecting, not only skins but notes of nests, eggs, and habits of forest birds, a great deal of new and extremely interesting information would be obtained, as I believe very little is at present known about this most fascinating branch of Ornithology. A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY By Norman Leys, M.B., B.Ch. Anthropometry is the least interesting branch of anthro- pology. It has no room for the exercise of imagination and no human interest. On the other hand, there is little room for fancy or prejudice, and one’s facts, unless indeed one cooks them, are final and indisputable. In anthropometry measurements of the human body are made with the purpose of determining race. Races, of course, are popularly determined by other means. We tell a man’s race by his language^ his clothes, his religion. Unfortunately, investigation shows that these tests are unre- liable. Probably, for instance, only a minority of those who now speak English are of the English race. Not only in Ireland and Scotland, but in French Canada, Dutch South Africa, Asiatic India, Cosmopolitan America, our language A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY 9 is the mother tongue of aliens in blood. A good half of Germany is Slav in race though German in speech, and a good half of France is Latin in speech though German in race. To come near home, the Kavirondo plain is inhabited by people whose ancestors, many of them, were Bantu. Now they speak a language as far removed from any Bantu speech as English is from Chinese. It must not be thought that language is no guide at all. The villages in Kavirondo where Bantu was once spoken are still distinguishable by defects in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, from villages of true Luo origin. English bears the marks, in its simplicity of structure, its absence of case and tense inflexions, of having been learnt laboriously and imperfectly by Celtic, Danish and Norman strangers. Swahili has undergone modifications of the same kind from the typical Bantu pattern, having been affected by successive Mohammedan invasions ; so has Hindustani from its older form. The rule is, accordingly, that the more elaborate the structure of a language the more likely it is to be spoken by a e pure ’ race, and the simpler the language the more mixed the race. The Australian aborigines, for instance, isolated as they have been for very many centuries, speak a language with such a detailed vocabulary and such an elaborate grammar that no European has ever learned to speak any of its dialects properly. If language is an uncertain guide religion is still less certain. In our age we have the spectacle of Europe, having learned its faith from Asia, teaching it back to Asia. The North of Africa was once the most solidly Christian part of Christendom, and Spain once the richest, most learned, and most glorious country in Islam. Buddha was a native of India, but few among the millions of his followers are found in India to-day. Nor do the customs embodying beliefs from which religions spring, persistent though they are, help us much. The use of the wedding ring, the Sun myth, sacrifice, and a score of other ancient customs and beliefs exist all over the world to-day, but have wandered so far from home, and have so changed in their wanderings, as to prove little but the deep differences of the learned. Even a definite institution like circumcision 10 A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY is of little help, A map of Bantu Africa distinguishing the circumcised from the uncircumcised would be like a patchwork quilt. In one province of life, indeed, where fashion is proverbially fickle, people in certain parts of the world are strangely unchanging. The East has seen many invasions, social revolutions, new religions, since she last changed her clothes. And one of the indications of the profundity of Western influence over the East is that her sons now put on trousers and boots. But if man can thus change his language, religion, customs, he cannot add a cubit to his stature. The one thing that does not change in the members of a race is the shape of the bony framework of their bodies. The shape of the cranium and the nasal bone, for instance, are believed to persist un- changed in spite of changes in diet or with emigration to new latitudes and elevations. The application may be described as follows : If one measures a man’s head in two dimensions, lengthwise and breadthwise, and divides the breadth by the length, one gets his ‘ cranial index.’ The head, for instance, may be eight inches long and six inches wide. The cranial index in that case, omitting the decimal point, is 75. If one takes a thousand typical Englishmen and measures their heads one finds that their cranial indices vary between, roughly, 72 and 88. More perhaps will be found to have the index 79 than any other, and the indices found next most commonly will be 78 and 80, while instances of men with larger or smaller cranial indices will grow scarcer the farther they get from the average index. One may write down the data graphically, in the form of a curve. The top of the curve will correspond to the index 80, as more have that index than any other, and at the bottom on one side will be represented, perhaps one man with the index 72, and at the other perhaps two men out of the thousand with the index 89. A second curve taken in the same way from measurements of a second thousand typical Englishmen will coincide with the first. But a curve drawn on the same plan for Armenians or Chinamen will be very different. In these races the longest- headed may have an index of 80 and the broadest one of 95. A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY 11 Punjabis’ heads again run from 67 to 80. These racial differ- ences in head shape have been shown, by examination of skeletons, to persist over centuries. The co-ordination of the measurements of various physical features has made possible an ethnographic map of the world. In this map there are areas where the outlines depend on abundantly proved facts. In many Continental countries part of the work of the doctor who examines conscripts is for the ethnographic survey. Similar work is often done among children in schools. In Europe ethnographers have the help, too, of a long history to explain the results of anthropometry. The existence, for instance, of a fair-haired, tall, long-headed element in the population of North Italy is explained by the .Lombard invasion and settlement. But in most of Africa such an anomaly would be at the best a subject for guess work. The ethnographic map of Africa has uncertain outlines, often even large unexplored areas. What history the continent has is of constant migrations, conquests, absorptions, dispersions. Few tribes in East Africa lived a hundred and fifty years ago where they live now. Many, as the Kikuyu, the Taita, the Kavirondo, the Suk, are recent amalgamations. All this confusion, and the absence of any reliable history except of recent generations, means that in Africa anthropometry is almost the sole means of determining race. A few hints may be of service to men who may wish to take anthropometric data. The only instruments necessary are a pair of callipers which can be got for two guineas through the Secretary of the Anthropological Section of the British Museum, and a notched pole for measuring heights. Measure- ments are best made on the metric system. The most important datum is the cranial index. The next two in importance are stature and the nasal index, taken in the same way as the cranial, i.e. breadth across nostrils divided by length from the tip to the wrinkle at the root. Other data of importance are the shape of the individual hair and the depth of cutaneous pigmentation. But the first of these needs a microscope and the second is not easy to determine accurately. It is most important to know that a few measurements taken from 12 A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY each of many individuals are of more value than numerous measurements taken from fewer individuals. The average of a thousand cranial indices is a more accurate figure than the average of twenty. And there is great difficulty in co- ordinating more than a few different kinds of data. Accuracy of mathematical expression of the difference between two classes of things diminishes as the number of features regarded as differential increases. It is also most important to classify individuals as accurately as possible. In Africa it is very difficult. Not everyone is a Swahili who calls himself one. Anthropometrically a man is only a Swahili if his ancestors so far as he knows lived on the coast and spoke Swahili. This definition excludes many who are Swahili in their own opinion. A Swahili, for instance, whose paternal grandparents were Digo and maternal ancestors Makua, should have an entry to himself. A similar difficulty exists in the case of other tribes. Many Kikuyu are of Dorobo ancestry. A simple way of discovering the fact is to ask if they eat game. Classification, also, should be as detailed as possible. The Wagunia, for instance, should have a page to themselves and not be classed with Mombasa people. A note on the interpretation of data may be of service. A pure race will vary little from its own average in respect of any one physical feature. All will, that is, have nearly the same stature and nearly the same shape of head. Curves drawn to represent such data will be sharp and symmetrical. In the case of races containing two or more types these curves will be differently shaped. It might be thought that the offspring of a broad-headed man and a long-headed woman would have an intermediate-shaped head. But the law governing the transmission of parental differences is that the children more often take after one parent or other in respect of each character. Only frequently repeated blends are liable to result commonly in intermediates. Thus the curve of a mixed race shows evidence of diversity of origin in irregularity of outline. It can easily be understood that a broad flat-topped curve would indicate a fusion of different types, while a curve with a shoulder in it would show the A NOTE ON ANTHROPOMETRY 13 persistence of a type subsidiary to the main type. Examples of all these can be got in East Africa. The fact should be mentioned that the results of anthro- pometry are of no immediate practical value. Nothing can be predicted of a man’s character or capacity from the physical type he belongs to. Not everyone with a nose as broad and flat as Socrates is a philosopher, nor does a nose like Wellington’s argue a good soldier. No shape of head or any other physical feature is the best. Further, mental characteristics of races seem to change. The Jew was once a cultivator and only engaged in trade and finance when he was cut off from the soil by Roman conquerors and Christian persecutors. The Scot, now known as canny and hard-fisted, was known to the Europe of the Middle Ages as 4 Scotus perfervidus.’ In still earlier times he seems to have had a much less savoury reputation. Gibbon records the unpleasant tradition that the inhabitants of the Clyde Valley were once cannibals. One thing that does appear probable is that mixture up to a certain point is advantageous. The modern world was born and cradled in the eastern Mediterranean basin, the place of conflict and commingling of three continents since the dawn of history. In recent centuries indeed from a number of causes words like patriot and nationality have come to have narrower boundaries. The phrase now common in law, 4 of European descent,’ would have seemed strange indeed to Justinian. But absorptions of widely different racial types still go on in the modern world. The Hungarians are an Asiatic people, who, by a political accident, took sides with the West rather than with the East. Now, in their religious, social and industrial life they are typical Europeans, while their kinsfolk of Central Asia are still semi-savage nomads. In our own time Maoris and North American Indians are rapidly being absorbed by a European race. The magic of the term pure-bred comes from its associations with biology. But there is the difference that the scientific farmer knows what to work for, while we do not know what types in men to breed. If we ever learn it is safe to say that no one race will provide all the qualities of the best breeds. 14 SEASONAL VARIATION Meanwhile the history of racial conflict and conquest will repeat itself. And its great paradox will not seldom also be repeated. As in the old world Greek slaves and Jewish outlaws proved stronger than their Roman conquerors, so in the future will races and their empires that rest on force be swayed and transformed by invulnerable revolutions of the mind. SEASONAL VARIATION WITH SPECIAL REEERENCE TO THE GENUS JUNONIA By the Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers, M.A., F.E.S. The subject of variation is a study of no little importance, inasmuch as it is probable that it will throw more light on the vast subject of the inception of new species than any other investigation. It, moreover, requires co-operation on a large scale because for its pursuit large numbers of specimens from properly authenticated localities and duly dated are necessary. Breeding on an extensive scale is of primary importance, and is sure to repay the trouble by the interest of the results obtained if carried on with due care. The butterflies especially are suitable for experiments of this nature, because they are so variable and are influenced by so many different conditions. Not only do the males and females show great differences in many cases, but most species of wide distribution show con- siderable, and in some cases large, amounts of variation in different geographical areas. It is, for instance, often possible to say at a glance whether specimens of many species have come from East or West Africa. In this case specimens which come from the districts where these two areas overlap are of the first importance. Then, again, in butterflies there are often marked differences between the specimens characteristic of the wet season and the dry season respectively, and these differences reach their highest development in Africa. Owing to the fact that our wet and dry seasons are not so well defined as in other parts of the continent, it may happen that one form does not occur at all SEASONAL VARIATION 15 in certain areas. For instance, well-marked specimens of the dry phase of the genus Teracolus (orange tips) are hardly ever to be found in the damp districts of the coast and are very preva- lent in the colder and dryer districts in the highlands ; in fact I have my doubts whether the full dry form in this genus is ever produced by drought alone apart from cold. The special sub- ject of this paper is however the seasonal forms in the genus Junonia or Precis. I have chosen this genus because it is specially suitable to illustrate the subject, and, moreover, it con- tains the most diverse seasonal forms at present known. In the first place, there are four species of the genus which exhibit the variation in its simplest form. All of these are ornamented with large blue spots in the hind wing. They are J. clelia, J . hierta, J. boopis and J. westermanni. All except the last are to be found all over the country, but J. westermanni is only to be found to the west of Nairobi, and I should add that its female has no blue and differs much from the male ; it is possibly minetic. In all these species the only difference between the two phases is to be found on the underside. In the dry form all the markings tend to become more or less obsolete, especially the eyespots which are easily to be dis- tinguished in the wet phase. Both forms are distinctly protective, the butterflies very frequently settle on the ground, but the wet phase is less protective than the dry. The next two species to be considered are J. elgiva and J. aurorina. Both these resemble those already mentioned in that the markings of the underside tend to become obsolete in the dry phase, but they differ in one respect — and that is the more perfect resemblance to a dead leaf of the dry phase. This is produced not only by the obsolescence of the eyespots but also by the development of a marking across all the wings from the tip of the fore wings to the anal angle of the hind wings which resembles the midrib of the leaf. The resemblance to the dead leaf is marked in both forms, especially in J. aurorina , but it is much more marked in the dry form. There is another difference, moreover, which is nearly always to be found in these ‘ dead-leaf ’ butterflies, i.e. the shape of the wings is different. In the dry form the projection below the tip of the fore wing and the * tail ’ at the anal angle of the hind wing 16 SEASONAL VARIATION are both much produced in comparison with those of the wet phase, so that it is possible from this character alone to say whether a specimen is a dry form or not. This has been explained on the ground that dead leaves in the dry season are invariably much curled, and the strongly accentuated productions of the extremities of the wings produce this appearance in the butterflies. J. natalica shows differences very similar to the last two species except in one particular. J. natalica possesses in the wet form conspicuous white spots, which are probably directive marks, i.e. their function is to attract the attention of a prospective enemy and invite attack on an unimportant part of the structure. It is obvious that such spots, which in the wet phase probably represent fungoid growths, would interfere con- siderably with the resemblance of the dry phase to a dry and withered leaf. Accordingly we find that in the full dry phase there is no trace of these spots whatever ; but intermediate forms are to be met with, in which the spots exist, but they have become so diffused and harmonise so beautifully with the other dead-leaf markings that they hardly detract at all from its protective character. There still remain the two most remarkable butterflies of the genus from this standpoint. The first of these is J. sesamus. The wet phase of this species is a salmon red butterfly with a black border marked with white lunules and other black spots and markings. The underside is very similar to the upper side, except that the ground colour is paler and so the black markings are more conspicuous. It is, however, much less easily seen than one would think, especially when seated on the ground. On the wing it is certainly very conspicuous, and there is some reason to believe that, in spite of its different shape, it is mimeticafly associated with Acreas such as A. acara and A. anemosa, and in some places A. astrigera . The dry phase is a very different-looking insect. It is a beautiful shade of blue, with darker markings which do not at all coincide with the black markings of the wet phase. On the underside it is of a dark dusky colour with a distinct green shade in it, which is very protective in shady places amongst rocks, the favourite resort of this phase. I should have said SEASONAL VARIATION 17 that the salmon red of the wet phase is represented in the dry phase by a discal row of red spots across all the wings. It is, perhaps, needless to add that the two phases were looked upon for many years as quite distinct species and that sys- tematic naturalists were only convinced by the actual breeding of one form from the other. This was first accomplished by Mr. G. A. K. Marshall in 1898. The phases of J. antilope are hardly less remarkable. In this species the wet form resembles that of J. sesamus, except that the salmon red is replaced by fulvous, and it is of course a much smaller insect. The resem- blance in colour on the underside is much more marked and it is equally conspicuous. The upper side of the dry form resembles the wet form in colour, but the shape of the wings is quite different. The projection below the tip of the fore wings and the tail at the anal angle of the hind wings are much accentuated, though they can hardly be traced at all in the wet season phase, and the under side of the wings bears a very strong resemblance to a dead and withered leaf with a prominent mid-rib. It is by no means improbable that these last two species have made considerable progress towards splitting up into two species, and that under favourable con- ditions the development into distinct species might be rapidly effected. There can be little doubt that other forms, at present regarded by most naturalists as distinct species, will in the future have to be united, and the study of these forms which can only be undertaken by one living on the spot, since it involves breeding on an extensive scale, will amply repay the trouble and time expended. One such species is J. archesia. The wet form is a brown butterfly with a broad band of ochre- yellow across all the wings, both above and below. The dry form is very rare, if indeed it occurs at all in British East Africa. It is similar above, but the ochre-yellow band is much narrower, and the eyespots which exist beyond it are white. On the underside the broad band narrows into a midrib and other subsidiary paler markings are developed, increasing the resemblance to a dead leaf. We have, however, another form known as J. limnoria, which is probably only a form of this species and resembles it closely in the wet phase, but in the dry phase this last is banded on the underside with Vol. II. — No. 3. c 18 THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAME IN UGANDA several narrow bands which appear conspicuous in the cabinet, but which harmonise so beautifully in nature that it is almost impossible to detect a specimen at rest among dead leaves. Neither of these species has yet been bred through, and it would be of the highest interest to do so. J. archesia is common in some parts of Kikuyu and J. limnoria in Taita, &c. Other species of the genus exist in other parts of the country, but I have confined my observations to those with which I am familiar, and they will perhaps be sufficient to indicate the interest of the subject. THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAME IN UGANDA By F. A. Knowles The Game animals of the Uganda Protectorate are prac- tically all common to East Africa, with the exception of the Cobus thomasii , or Uganda kob, which do not live east of Lake Victoria, and a small variety of the tragelaphus known as the harnessed antelope. On the other hand, many of those of East Africa are not found in Uganda, such as the Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, the oryx, Coke’s hartebeest and wildebeest. The distribution varies according to the altitude and natural features of the country and the various kinds of grass, scrub, &c. best suited to the different species. In some places the animals of certain species are curiously detached in small herds, which occupy an area of a few square miles, divided from their fellows by huge tracts of country — noticeably the impala — having, it would appear, been killed off either by the natives or by disease in the intermediate spaces, and so become isolated. Practically half of the province of Buganda and of the districts of Toro and Unyoro is covered with what is known as elephant grass, where no animals but the elephant and buffalo (excepting lion, leopard, and pig) can live. This confines the habitat for the antelope and gazelle to considerably less than THE DISTBIBUTION OF GAME IN UGANDA 19 half the area of the Protectorate, including the forests and thickly populated localities with the country where they do not live. The Uganda Protectorate may be roughly divided into the following zones, each having broadly marked characteristic features which have a general bearing on the game distribu- tion : — (a) Undulating country with rich soil, bearing ‘ elephant grass,’ intersected throughout by valleys of papyrus swamps and forest scrub. (b) Heavy timbered forest. (c) Open plains and rolling downs of poor or shallow soil, with grass of the short growth variety, and stretches of forest scrub and acacia bush. The Game may be classified roughly under each as follows : — numerous in the forest scrub. (a) Elephant, distributed practically throughout, except in thickly populated or badly watered regions, the large herds generally being found in the neighbourhood of the principal rivers. Buffalo, ditto. Leopard, occasionally. Bush pig, numerous everywhere. Sitatunga (Speke’s tragelaphus), fairly plentiful in the large papyrus swamps. Bush buck ) Waterbuck ) (b) Elephant. Buffalo. Giant pig (scarce). Ntalagania,1 numerous at low altitudes. (c) Elephant, in the rainy season. Buffalo, ditto. Lion. Leopard. Waterbuck ( Cobus defassa). Bushbuck. Harnessed antelope. 1 Ntalagania is the Luganda name for a small forest duiker. 20 THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAME IN UGANDA Reed buck. Oribi. Duiker. Cobus kob ( Thomasii ), by the lake shores and larger rivers. Eland, in isolated herds, scarce. Impala „ „ Jackson’s hartebeest. Topi (Damaliscus senegalensis). Wart hog. Zebra. Rhinoceros, by the Nile and in certain parts of the Eastern Province, scarce. Giraffe, Ostrich, the greater and lesser Kudu and the Roan antelope, in the Gondokoro Districts, Nile Province, and part of the Eastern Province, but very scarce. It is curious that the last named animals, though common to British East Africa and the Sudan, do not exist in any other part of the intervening country in the Uganda Protectorate. Elephant. — Elephants are most plentiful in Unyoro, which is a well-watered country with large forests, interspersed with large open tracts of ‘ elephant grass,’ affording good cover and an inexhaustible food and water supply. The largest tuskers are to be found in Unyoro also, which country they seem by instinct to have chosen as the safest retreat in which they can find secure hiding places where their enemy, man, would find it both difficult and dangerous to hunt them. In these fastnesses the females rear their young until large enough to travel with the herd. During the dry season the herds do not wander much, as they never like to move far from water, but, when the rains commence, they roam from one district to another where the conditions of the country suit them. The oldest beasts do not appear to migrate often, though occasionally some of the old bulls, known to have come from Unyoro, are found in the neighbouring provinces. The elephants of the Buganda Kingdom Province are notably smaller than those from Unyoro. THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAME IN UGANDA 21 There is another variety also, which is known as the forest elephant, which sometimes visits Uganda from the Semliki plains and the country to the west of Lake Albert, whose tusks are remarkably long and slender and quite distinct from the Uganda or Unyoro kind. Buffalo. — The buffalo vary from the massive and short spreading horned variety, known as the Central African, to the wide spreading, classified as the ‘ Cape.’ The former are the most common, the latter practically being found only in one district. It is curious to note, in this connexion, that the horns of the buffalo grow to an abnormal size together with those of the waterbuck, in this one district, that of Ankoli, while the cattle there are also remarkable for their wide spreading horns. It would seem that the nature of the grazing was possibly the cause of this abnormal development of horn, but this theory is upset by the fact that the horns of the antelope and gazelle in the same region are no larger than elsewhere. Hartebeest. — The distribution of the Jackson’s and Topi hartebeest is curious as, in Uganda, they are never seen together, and, for no apparent reason, they appear to keep carefully to their own particular districts and never invade those of each other, the dividing line being roughly the river Katonga, the Jackson’s to the north and the Topi to the south, though Topi are to be found again, some hundreds of miles north, in the Gondokoro district by the Nile. Rhinoceros. — Rhinoceros are not plentiful. They are only to be found to the east of the Nile, the river, apparently, being an impassable barrier between them and Uganda proper. Hippopotami and Crocodiles. — Hippopotamuses and croco- diles are plentiful in all the large rivers and lakes, excepting Lake Edward, which it appears they avoid on account of the brackish nature of the water. In conclusion it is noteworthy to add, concerning Game preservation, that the ‘ elephant grass ’ which covers so large a portion of Uganda is a natural protection for the animals which take to it, as it is so tall and dense that it is most difficult to see for more than a few yards ahead. The herds are 22 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC completely hidden by it and hunting is thereby rendered practically impossible. While these huge tracts of waste land, where this grass grows, remain untenanted, the elephant and buffalo will therefore still have haunts to which they can retire unmolested by the advance of civilisation. NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA By R. Eustace Montgomery, Veterinary Bacteriologist, B.E.A. In compiling these elementary notes on some of the more common pathogenic Protozoa, I have endeavoured to epitomise the modern literature, and so offer shortly a crude but, I trust, accurate synopsis of the species from a zoological and pathological point of view. Knowledge of the Protozoa is so imperfect and is pro- ceeding with such rapid strides that systematic treatment of the subject is well-nigh impossible. In view, however, of the. many deadly diseases of animals, and of man too, which are due to this Phylum, much attention has been devoted to its study within recent years. Mention of East Coast Fever, Malaria, and Sleeping Sickness at once indicates the progress that has been effected since the time when Laveran (1880) described the parasite of Malaria and Ross (1893) the life cycle in the mosquito, lays bare our ignorance, and exposes the enormous field of research which must be covered before results, which will materially benefit the position from the zoological or from the practical and commercial point of view, can be achieved. All the parasites discussed in the following pages are to be encountered in the blood of the affected animal and can be studied in the ordinary film of blood or of organs, stained by one or other of the modifications of Romanowsky’s method (Methylene blue — Eosin). No mention is made here of the PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 23 flagellated and ciliated organisms parasitic in the intestinal tract of apparently healthy animals, nor of the important genus of the Sporozoa — Coccidia — one member of which has been found in association with a serious disease of cattle. The preliminary classification of the Phylum Protozoa is made on the character of the means of locomotion, four sub- phyla being recognised. 1. Sarcodina, a group possessing pseudopodia ; includes the Amoebae, some of which are pathogenic. 2. Mastigophora, in which mobility is due to one or two flagella. The trypanosomes are included in this group, as also are the Spirochaeta, though the morphology of the latter affords much scope for debate as to the propriety of their inclusion here. 3. Infusoria. Ciliated forms, none of which are credited with serious pathogenic powers. 4. Sporozoa, a group devoid of motile organs. To this sub-phylum belong the greatest number of pathogenic genera. It is a particularly interesting group on account of the com- plicated life cycle undergone by all described species, and owing to the necessity, in many cases, for a second host in which to complete development, and which acts as a reservoir or a transmitter for the maintenance of the race. Mastigophora and Sporozoa alone call for attention here : the more important species which are parasitic upon and pathogenic to domestic animals, or which have come promi- nently under the notice of this Laboratory, are the only ones which will be discussed. Sub-phylum, Mastigophora. Diesing. Class, Lissoflagellaia. Order, Spirochaetida. Genus, Spirochaeta. Ehrenberg, 1833. The question as to whether the Spirochaeta should be placed among the Bacteria in the vegetable kingdom, or in the Protozoa, is still discussed. At the present moment the consensus of opinion lies with the view that they should be grouped as Protozoa. 24 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC Species. Sp. Theileri. Laveran, 1903. Hosts. Cattle. Distribution. This parasite was first found in the Transvaal. It has been found in cattle in East Africa. Morphology. Sp. Theileri measures from 20ya to 30/a in length, and rather over 1ft in thickness. The number of curves is variable, being on an average about 8 to 10. Transmission. Laveran and Vallee succeeded in infecting a cow in Paris with the larvae of the South African Blue Tick (Boophilus decolor atus) sent from Pretoria. Theiler’s first attempt to reproduce infection by the inoculation of blood was negative. Subsequent experiments, however, have shown that the parasite can be transmitted in this manner. Pathogenesis. Little is known of the disease caused by this parasite. In South Africa it is associated with one of the forms popularly referred to as ‘ Gall Sickness.’ In East Africa it has been found in cattle which are manifesting a pronounced anaemia. The blood of an animal which has recovered from the disease still contains the parasite, though it may not be detectable under the microscope, and such an animal may serve as a reservoir for the transmitting tick. Spirochaeta have also been found in the horse (Sp. equi) and in the sheep (Sp. ovina) in Africa. Stordy was the first to describe the former in East Africa. The latter is said to be fairly common in Erythrea and Abyssinia. Nothing is known as to the transmission of these species. Sp. g allinarum. B. Blanchard. Hosts. Domestic fowls, also in pigeons, geese and ducks. Morphology. Measures about 20/-& in length. Transmission is effected by means of one of the ticks belonging to the sub-family Argasidce. The appearance and habits of these ticks are dissimilar to the commonly known species. In shape they are more like a wood louse, and in habits they are mainly nocturnal. They usually attach themselves to an animal for a few hours, during which time they feed, and then drop off and retreat to a hole or crevice in PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 25 the mud, wood work or masonry of the infected building. They are rarely found in the open. Argus miniatus is respon- sible for the transmission of this disease in South America, and Argus persicus in Northern India. It is possible that the closely allied genus Ornithodorus which is represented in Uganda and East Africa by 0. moubata (the tick carrying the Spirillum fever of man) may also serve as a carrier. Pathogenesis. Sp. gallinarum is the cause of serious epide- mics among poultry, especially imported birds, in Brazil and India. The disease is very rapid and fatal in most outbreaks, the discovery of dead birds being frequently the first indication of its existence.1 Distribution. South America (Brazil), India, Soudan, Southern Rhodesia, Australia. I have seen one case of a bird dead in Nairobi, which showed Spirochaeta, possibly this species. The existence of S'p. gallinarum to our north and south renders it the more probable that it occurs in this Protectorate. The family Spirochaetida also includes the species Tre- ponema pallida, the cause of Syphilis, and Sp. duttoni, the cause of human relapsing fever in Africa or Uganda tick fever. It is in connexion with these diseases that Ehrlich and Hatta have introduced the drug (Diamino-dioxy-arsenobenzol) more popularly known as ‘ 606,’ the curative action of which, so far as at present ascertained, may almost be considered specific. As a preventive it is probably of less avail. Order, Trypanosomatida. Genus, Trypanosoma. Gruby, 1843. The species found in mammals of this Protectorate have not yet been defined, but it appears probable that at least four must be recognised : — T. gambiense. Dutton. T. vivax. Ziemann. T.dimorphon. Dutton & Todd. T.lewesi. Kent. Additional observations will no doubt declare the existence of members of the genus in birds and fish. 1 See Wellcome Research Lab. Reports, vol. ii., for description of disease among fowls in Soudan caused by this or an allied Spirochaeta. 26 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC T. gambiense. Dutton, 1902. The parasite of sleeping sickness or trypanosome fever in man. Distribution. In East Africa it is confined to the vicinity of Lake Victoria and a few of the larger tributary rivers. Hosts. Man ; probably cattle and game (Bruce, Ham- merton, Bateman, and Mackie) ; Glossina palpalis. Morphology. Average length about 18/l6 to 2 p with a free flagellum of 5p to Ip. Biology. Capable of development in most domestic animals and the smaller laboratory species as rats, guinea-pigs, and rabbits. Duration of disease in these species usually long, and trypanosomes scanty in the blood. Culture in vitro has only been partly successful. Transmission. The coincidence of T. gambiense and Glossina palpalis led to the view that this fly is a specific host, and Bruce and Nabarro showed that infection could be trans- mitted by its agency. The work of Kleine, and subsequently that of Bruce, Hammerton, Bateman, and Mackie, has shown that a developmental cycle must take place in the fly, since a period of at least sixteen days elapses between the time the trypanosomes are ingested with the blood and the period when the fly becomes infective. This infectivity once established may last at least fifty days. Owing to the frequent presence of flagellates peculiar to the tsetse flies, as, for example, Try- panosoma or Herpetomonas grayi, the developmental forms of which in the gut cause much confusion, details of the cycle of T. gambiense have not been clearly made out. Prior to the discovery of this true cyclical development all successful transmission experiments had been of a mechanical nature, i.e. the trypanosome was presumably conveyed from the sick to the healthy animal on the proboscis. Such trans- mission might in theory be effected by any biting fly, and Nabarro and Greig proved that flies (Gl. fusca, Gl. longipennis , Gl. pallidipes) caught at Kibwezi in this Protectorate could transmit infection eight hours and twenty-four hours after the infecting meal. Decently a number of cases of human Trypanosomiasis have been found in the Loangwa Valley, Northern Rhodesia, where no Gl. palpalis have yet been discovered despite careful and PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 27 prolonged search. Glossina morsitans is very prevalent in this valley, and Gl. fusca also occurs, and these species are to be incriminated until their innocence be proved. It is highly imperative that experiments with other biting flies and with Tryp. gambiense should be conducted in order to confirm the observation of Kleine that Gl. morsitans does not act as a definite host. Stephens has suggested that the human trypanosome of Northern Rhodesia is not T. gambiense , but a new species which he calls T. rhodesiense. If this be substantiated the transmission by flies other than Gl. palpalis would be explained. Trypanosoma dimorphon. Dutton and Todd, 1903. A parasite of domestic animals. Distribution. Originally described from the Gambia, this — or allied and confused species — has since been shown to be widely distributed in Africa. I have specimens from Mambrui near Malindi, which are morphologically indistinguishable. Hosts. Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs and possibly pigs. Morphology. The original description of Dutton and Todd defines the species as occurring in three forms, i.e. a very short or ‘ tadpole/ a medium or 4 stumpy,’ and a ‘ long ’ form which carries a free flagellum. In the strain brought to Europe, Laveran and Mesnil, and Thomas and Breml failed to find the free flagellated forms. Considerable con- fusion has resulted from this dual description, and species not answering to type have been recorded as T. dimorphon. The strain carried to Europe was not that studied by Dutton and Todd, and it is consequently most probable that it repre- sents a distinct species for which the name T. confusum, Montgomery and Kinghorn, was suggested. * Tadpole ’ forms measure from 11/* to 13/*, ‘ Stumpy ’ forms 16/* to 20/*, and the ‘ Long’ forms vary from 15/* to 30/*, of which 5/* to 10/* is taken up by the free flagellum. It is usual for ‘ Tadpole ’ forms to predominate during the earlier period of disease ; the long free flagellated forms becoming numerous only towards death. The differential diagnosis of T. dimorphon from species 28 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC presenting affinities is difficult unless the original description of Dutton and Todd be borne in mind. It is necessary for a trypanosome to manifest all these three morphological forms before it can be accepted as of this species. The following list embraces the species most liable to be confused with T. dimorphon : T. congolense, Broden ; T. pecaudi, Laveran; T. confusum, Montgomery and Kinghorn (a name given to the species maintained at Liverpool and Paris as T. dimorphon, the name is pre-occupied by Luke, 1906) ; T. montgomerei, Laveran ; T. nanum, Laveran. Of these T. pecaudi alone manifests a free flagellum, but it may be distinguished from T. dimorphon by the fact that forms similar to the ‘ Tadpole ’ are not found. Biology. Capable of development in all Laboratory animals. Man appears to be insusceptible. Culture in vitro has been realised. Transmission. The confusion which has occurred with this species renders much of the evidence on transmission in nature of small value. Trypanosomes of the dimorphon group have been transmitted by Gl. palpalis (Boubard and Bouet). Bruce, Hammerton, Bateman, and Mackie have shown that the form they found in Uganda undergoes cyclical development in this fly. The writer found a trypanosome in Northern Rhodesia which responded in all details to the original description of Dutton and Todd. In this locality Gl. palpalis is absent. Gl. morsitans exists and is the species locally incriminated. From circumstantial evidence, the genus Stomoxys, sp. incert., was blamed and subsequent evidence has indicated that this or neighbouring species of trypanosomes can be spread in localities where Glossinae have not been found. It is interesting to note that no tsetse flies have been found in the locality of Mambrui from whence my preparation comes. This very important question is still sub judice, but we have knowledge that the genus Stomoxys can spread Trypanosomiasis. Martin, Leboeuf, and Roubard have succeeded in transmitting T. brucei by means of S. calcitrans and S. glauca. Since the year 1902 the island of Mauritius has suffered severely from the ravages of Surra ( T . evansi), which was PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 29 introduced in cattle from India towards the end of 1901. In 1908, 2251 head of cattle and 965 equines died of this disease, which in Mauritius is spread by the agency of Stomoxys geniculatus. Trypanosoma vivax. Ziemann. Distribution. Probably widely distributed in Africa. It is known in the Cameroons, in Northern Rhodesia, and in Uganda, and a form found in Italian Somaliland is possibly of this species. Laveran has created T. cazalboui for a try- panosome very closely allied. Its existence in East Africa is only suspected ; parasites seen in preparations of ox blood sent by Mr. A. G. Doherty, the Veterinary Officer stationed at Marsabit, towards the Abyssinian frontier, being morpho- logically very similar. Hosts. Cattle. Other domestic ruminants are susceptible. Dogs, rabbits, guinea-pigs are immune. Morphology. Stained preparations measure from 20/a to 26/a in length and from 2/a to 8* 5/a in breadth at the widest part. The posterior end is commonly bluntly rounded, and shows a well-defined kinetonucleus. The undulating membrane is poorly developed, being represented by a narrow structure which shows very slight tendency to fold. The free flagellum is relatively short, rarely more than 6/a or 7/a in length. In a fresh preparation the movement of this trypanosome is quite distinct from that of most other mammalian forms. Its movement is so rapid and the change in direction so sudden that it is impossible to retain any one organism in the field of vision for more than a very short time. Biology. The insusceptibility of mice, white rats, guinea- pigs, rabbits, dogs and monkeys is characteristic of the group of trypanosomes which contains T. vivax , T. nanum and T. cazalboui. These laboratory animals are as a rule susceptible to all other mammalian trypanosomes. Transmission. Ziemann incriminated Tabanidae in the transmission of this species, and Cazalbou has also laid stress on the importance of this family in the spread of the disease ‘ La Soumaya,’ of which the Trypanosome named after him is 80 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC the cause. The Italian workers in Erythrea note that there is no tsetse in the affected area and that the suspected fly is a Tabanus or a Hippobosca. The Sleeping Sickness Commission of the Royal Society showed that Gl. palpalis, caught on the shore of Lake Victoria, was infected with T. vivax. Bouffard has shown that Gl. palpalis, of the Niger region in French territory, maintains a true cyclical development of this Trypanosome, that it became infected after so short a period as a week, and that it might remain infected for at least two and a half months after the infecting meal. In Northern Rhodesia no Gl. palpalis occurred within 200 miles of where T. vivax appeared endemic. Gl. morsitans or other genera of biting flies ( Tabanus and Stomoxys) must be incriminated. Trypanosoma lewesi. Kent, 1881. Hosts. Mus rattus, Mus decumanus, and Mus rufescens. Lingard, in India, describes it as also occurring in M. ninieventer. Distribution. T. lewesi is widely distributed, especially in sewer rats, throughout the world. Stordy has noticed its occurrence in Mombasa, and at Kisumu I found it present in 52 per cent, of the rats examined (November 1909). Bruce and Nabarro found it prevalent at Entebbe. Morphology. This Trypanosome measures about 25ya in length, including the flagellum, and about T5/jl in breadth. It is narrower than the free flagellated pathogenic forms — T. gambiense, &c. — and the undulating membrane is more poorly developed. Note. — The term 1 flagellated ’ is used to denote a trypanosome carrying a free flagellum, as opposed to a form (e.g. T. nanum, T. cryolense, tadpole T. dimorphon) which does not. These latter are usually very short trypanosomes and consequently are rela- tively narrow. In a fresh preparation the movement of T. lewesi is more rapid than in most other species, but it is not so great as in T. vivax. Biology. No animal species but rats appear susceptible to infection. A transitory infection lasting a few days can be PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 31 detected in other rodents, but the trypanosome does not appear to multiply freely. Trypanosomes possessing somewhat similar morphological characteristics, but which are specific for their hosts, have been found in the Rabbit ( T . cuniculi, Blanchard) and Mouse (T. duttoni, Thiroux). Novy and McNeal, who were the first to succeed in the artificial cultivation of trypanosomes, made use of this species and obtained quite vigorous growths on a medium composed of blood-agar. Sub-phylum, Syorozoa. Class, Telosyoridia. Schaudinn. Order, Haemosjporidia. Danilewsky. Minchin divides this order into two sub-orders : — 1. Haemosyorea, to include the genera Lankeslrella (Labbe, 1899), Karyolysis (Labbe, 1894), and Haemogregarina (Danil- ewsky 1885), all of which are parasites on the red blood corpuscles of cold-blooded vertebrates, — fish, amphibians and reptiles. 2. Acystosyorea. These forms are parasitic in the red blood corpuscles of warm-blooded mammals and birds, and require a second host, a blood-sucking arthropod, to bring about transmission. It is usual for the parasites to exhibit both a sexual (sporogony) and an asexual (schizogony) mode of development. Schizogony takes place in the vertebrate host and Sporogony in the arthropod. In many cases the actual stages of develop- ment— more especially in Sporogony — have not yet been fully worked out, but the connexions of Malaria with mosquitos, East Coast Fever and Redwater with ticks, will serve as examples of this alternation in generation. The principal genera of the Acystosporea are Plasmodium and Laverania, which includes the malarial parasites of man and monkeys ; Haemoyroteus and Halteridium, to which the very common parasite of the red blood corpuscles in birds belongs ; and the genera Babesia, Theileria and Nuttallia, which are parasitic on, or found in, the red blood corpuscles of the domestic animals. We only dis- cuss here the last three genera, all of which in nature require one of the tick family (Ixodidae) to effect transmission. 32 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC Genus, Babesia. Starcoviei, 1893. ~ ( Pyrosoma. Smith and Kilborn, 1893. Synonyms | Pmplasma_ Paton> 1895. Babesia bigemina. Smith and Kilborn, 1893. Syn -1 ^roV^asma bigeminum. ‘ * \ Piroplasma bovis. Hosts. Cattle. Distribution. First described by Smith and Kilborn, 1893, as the cause of Texas Fever in North America, this parasite has a wide distribution throughout the world and is associated with the disease known as Kedwater in cattle. It is probably universally distributed in East Africa. Morphology. The typical form is a twin pear-shaped body lying within a red blood corpuscle. Each pear measures from 2ya to 4 ya in length and about 1/u in breadth at the blunt extremity. Round and irregular forms, measuring from 1*5 p to 2-5ya in diameter, are also found. Parasites free in the plasma are also encountered. According to the researches of Nuttall and his co-workers on this parasite and on Babesia canis, the intra-corpuscular development is simple ; the pear- shaped forms becoming round, then ovoid, and finally dividing into two by a process of budding. This Nuttall regards as an essential characteristic of the genus Babesia. Certain authors (Doflein, Lignieres, Bowhill) have described flagellated forms as occurring, and regard these as analogous to the microgamete flagellation in other Protozoa. Transmission is effected by means of a tick. Species of the genus Boophilus curtis are mainly responsible, B. annulatus in America and B. decoloratus (the blue tick) in Africa. This genus of tick requires but one host, that is to say a larva having once reached an animal remains thereon throughout its full cycle, the changes into nympha and adult being effected without dropping off to the ground. Larvae born of mothers which fed on an infected animal are capable of transmitting the parasite, which therefore passes through the egg. The credit of this discovery is due to Smith and Kilborn. Pathogenesis. This parasite is the cause of Redwater in PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 83 cattle, a disease also frequently spoken of under the local name Texas Fever, or Tick Fever. The parasite appears in the blood about a week or ten days after inoculation or infection of a susceptible animal by means of ticks. In multiplying, the red blood corpuscles are destroyed, causing the host to become very anaemic. The mortality is very variable, and in the case of cattle imported from clean land to infected pastures it may be high. On the other hand calves reared on infected pastures less frequently show any marked symptoms, although their blood contains the Babesia and is capable of maintaining the infection of ticks. This resistance may be broken down by means of a concomitant disease or when the vitality is much reduced. Babesia canis. Piana and Galli- Valero. Hosts. Dog. Distribution. Europe (France), Asia, and Africa. It has not yet been described from America or Australia. We do not know of any area in East Africa which is free of the parasite. Morphology. Very similar to B. bigemina of cattle. This parasite has been the special study of Nuttall and Graham- Smith, who have described the development within the mammalian host. According to these authors a free pear- shaped body enters a red blood corpuscle and there first becomes rounded and then amoeboid. At this time nuclear changes are taking place which result in a bifid budding of the body. Finally, formation of twin pear-shaped parasites occurs, and the corpuscle is destroyed so as to allow of these forms becoming free and available for the attack of new corpuscles. Christopher has followed the development within the tick — Bhipicephalus sanguineus — which is found to transmit the infection in India, and has traced into the ovaries and salivary glands bodies which he regards as forms of the Babesia. Transmission. Loundsbury and Robertson were the first to prove transmission of Babesia canis by means of Haemaphy- salis leachi — the common dog tick — in South Africa. Infection Vol. II.— No. 3. D 34 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC is received by the female of one generation and is carried through the egg, larval and nymphal stages to be given to a new animal when it reaches the adult stage. This tick is common in East Africa, and in addition we have here Bhipice- phalus sanguineus — one of the brown ticks — which Christopher has shown capable of spreading the parasite in India. This author has found that Bh. sanguineus may acquire and give infection in a like manner to that described for Haemaphysalis leachi — in this case the developmental forms pass to the ovaries — and also that clean nymphae placed on an infected dog will acquire an infection which can be transmitted after the next succeeding moult. In this case developmental forms pass straight to the salivary glands. In discussing the genus Babesia and particularly B. canis mention must be made of the drug Trypanblau, which was introduced by Nuttall and Hadwm for the treatment of Tick Fever or Malignant Jaundice in dogs. Experience in Nairobi has demonstrated that when properly administered the action upon the parasite is almost immediate, and the drug may fairly be considered a specific for the disease. It is an interesting fact that Trypanblau has no action on the allied genus Theileria, and present observations go to show that it has little or no effect upon the genus Nuttallia ( Piroplasma equi). Pathogenesis. The pathology of tick fever in the dog is very similar to the disease in cattle due to B. bigemina, that is to say there is a breaking down of the red blood corpuscles and resulting anaemia. Further, imported and highly bred dogs are more susceptible than pariahs and those which have been exposed to infection since they were born. The blood of a recovered animal contains the parasite, though they are usually too scanty to be found microscopically, and is infective for ticks and other dogs. Relapses may therefore occur as a sequel to another disease, and not necessarily as a result of a re-infection. Babesia mutans. Theiler. Hosts. Cattle. Very similar parasites have been seen in deer in Portugal. PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 85 Distribution. General in Africa. Morphologically iden- tical forms have been described from India, Australia, Japan, and Transcaucasia. Morphology. Occurs usually in the form of delicate rods and rings, the former measuring to 2^ in length, the latter lp to l*5yL6 in diameter. In appearance they are practically indistinguishable from Theileria parva, though a multiple invasion of a single red corpuscle is less common. No bodies resembling Koch’s bodies have been seen in connexion with this parasite. Bettencourt has placed this species in the genus Theileria, but it appears advisable to limit that generic name to those parasites which are non-inoculable by direct trans- ference of blood. Genus, Nuttallia. Franca. Species, Nuttallia equi. Laveran. Syn. Piroplasma equi. Laveran, 1901. Hosts. Horse, mule, donkey, zebra (P. H. Ross, Theiler). Distribution. Africa, including Madagascar, and India are the territories mainly affected, and it is known to be widely disseminated in East Africa. Morphology. The parasite is small, varying from 1^ to 2*50 yu, in length and is frequently ovoid in shape. Twin pear- shaped forms comparable to Babesia bigemina or B. canis do not appear. It is not uncommon to meet with four or more individuals in a single corpuscle arranged as a cross or in a radial manner. Transmission. Theiler has shown that Bhipicephalus evertsi (the common red-legged tick) is the chief transmitting agent. Infection is acquired during the larval or nymphal stages, both of which are passed on one host, and is given by an ad alt to a second host. Pathogenesis. In general, Biliary Fever of Horses show's a similar train of symptoms to those of tick fever in cattle and in dogs, viz. fever and anaemia. The disease is readily inoculated by means of blood, and the parasite remains in the system of a recovered or ‘ salted ’ equine, and may there- fore cause a relapse. 36 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC Genus, Theileria. Bettencourt, Franca and Borges. Species, Theileria parva. Syn. Piroplasma parvum. Theiler, 1903. This genus contains as yet only one species, T. parva , the parasite of East Coast Fever, and is peculiar among the intracorpuscular parasites of bo vines in being non-inoculable by means of blood. Bettencourt placed the species B. mutans in this genus. As this parasite is inoculable in blood, it would appear better to place it elsewhere, although the morphology has not yet been shown to conform to Nuttall’s requirements for the genus Babesia. The devastation caused by this parasite in South Africa since the year 1902 is well known. In East Africa T. parva has been recognised in the Ukamba Province, notably in the Kikuyu and Uakamba countries, and in the Nyanza Province. It is also known to occur in the Seyedie Province, and elsewhere on the coast. The Sleeping Sickness Commission of the Boyal Society found it present in Uganda, and it is now believed to have a wide distribution around Lake Victoria. Morphology. The parasite as it occurs in the red blood corpuscles is usually in the shape of delicate rods rarely exceed- ing 2yu, in length, or rings of Ip, to l'5p in diameter ; oval and ovoid forms also occur. Koch was the first (1897) to notice the occurrence of peculiar forms in the lymphatic glands, spleen, and less numerously in other organs of animals suffering from this disease. These ‘ Plasma Kugeln,’ or ‘ Koch bodies ’ as they are now called, are met with either free or as intraleucocytic bodies, varying from 10^ to 14^ in diameter. The cytoplasm stains blue with Bomanowsky’s modification, and contains within it a variable number of purple staining granules. Two types of this body may be recognised ; that in which the granules are coarse and less numerous, and a second in which they are very fine and densely packed in the cytoplasm. In such of the latter forms as are mature and have been broken down in the preparation of the film it will be seen that each red or purple dot is associated with a delicate blue body. The individual picture is that of an extra- cellular Theileria. Nuttall, Fantham, and Porter have demonstrated that a multi- PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 37 plication of the parasite in the circulation such as occurs in Babesia is practically unknown, and, since the percentage of invaded corpuscles at the acme of infection is frequently 90 per cent., it is obvious that a factory must exist somewhere within the body from which the red blood corpuscles become in- vaded. It is suggested that the red blood corpuscles act merely as mechanical carriers of the parasite, enabling the ticks which are feeding on the peripheral capillaries to acquire infection and so maintain the species, and that this factory is in all probability represented by certain forms of Koch’s bodies. The view that Koch’s bodies have no connexion with Theileria was advanced by Martin Meyer, but has received scanty support. In the opinion of all who have had experience of East Coast Fever, these bodies are diagnostic of the disease, and must be accepted as part of the life cycle of the intracorpuscular form. Gonder has recently published his observations on Koch’s bodies in relation to Theileria and has indicated the place held by them in the life cycle. Transmission. Loundsbury was the first to prove the transmission of East Coast Fever by means of a tick, Rhipice- phalus appendiculatus (the brown tick). Theiler subsequently substantiated this and further proved that Bh. simus (the black-pitted tick), Bh. capensis, Bh. evertsi (the red-legged tick), and Bh. nitens may carry on the development of Theileria. The transmission of the parasite is effected by nymphae and by adults which have acquired the infection as larvae and as nymphae respectively. Ticks which make use of at least two hosts, more commonly three, must be viewed with suspicion, and it is possible that Bh. pulchellus, so common on the Athi Plains, may also act as a carrier. A larva or nympha having fed on an infected animal drops off when replete and takes three weeks or more, according to season, to moult. It is only after this change that such a tick becomes capable of giving infection, and this knowledge is of the utmost practical value, since by its scientific application one can save from contact and infection all non-infected animals. Pathogenesis. East Coast Fever first manifests itself by a rise in temperature between the tenth and twentieth day after 38 NOTES ON THE COMMON PATHOGENIC the bite of the infecting tick, and in a fatal case the ox dies ten to eighteen days later. In the course of the disease there is no destruction of the blood corpuscles and no anaemia. In South Africa the mortality is about 95 per cent, of affected animals. In East Africa it is impossible yet to arrive at any exact estimate. In some outbreaks the mortality has closely approximated to the South African figure, whilst in others losses have been small. This is probably largely accounted for by the fact now becoming recognised that this disease is endemic in some parts of this Protectorate. In these areas some or all of the cattle are attacked as calves. Either by virtue of their age, or possibly owing to some inherited influence, a large proportion of these recover and resist infection when subsequently exposed. The experience in South Africa has been that the immunity following recovery from East Coast Fever is absolute, that is to say it cannot be broken down. One observation in German East Africa and one instance in this Protectorate lend colour to a view that the immunity may break down. There is yet, however, no evidence to indicate that the parasite remains in the body after recovery, or that a tick feeding thereon could acquire infection. Another point of distinction from Babesia bigemina and B. canis is that the parasite cannot be inoculated by means of blood. Eecently K. F. Meyer has been able to reproduce infection by the transference of portions of spleen from a recently dead animal into the peritoneal cavity of a susceptible ox, and we have succeeded in corroborating this experiment. It is con- ceivable that it is necessary for certain forms of Koch’s bodies to gain entrance before infection can be established, and since these bodies are only very exceptionally formed in the blood, non-transmission by inoculation of blood corpuscles, even though heavily invaded by Theileria, is explained. Genus, Anaplasma. Theiler, 1910. Species, Anaplasma marginale. Theiler. The exact zoological position of this parasite is still an open question, and must remain so until more knowledge of its life cycle is obtained. There is, however, small room PROTOZOA IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 89 for doubt that it will find a place in the order Haemosporidia. In anticipation of this it is discussed here. Hosts. Up to now cattle alone have been found to harbour the parasite. Distribution. Anaplasma apparently has a wide geo- graphical distribution — America, North and South, Trans- caucasia, and it has been detected in all parts of Africa where systematic examinations of blood were made. In East Africa we have noted it principally around Nairobi and Naivasha, possibly as these districts possess a good proportion of grade and pure bred cattle which are more susceptible than, native stock. Theiler found it present in slides from Uganda. Morphology occurs as rounded or ovoid bodies of about l/i in diameter ; no definite structure can be made out by Romanowsky staining, the whole body taking a deep modified chromatine tint. They are most frequently situated at the periphery of the red blood corpuscles — hence the specific name. Transmission. Theiler has shown that the common blue tick (Boophilus decoloratus) can carry the parasite. As is the case with B. bigemina and the same tick, the organism passes through the egg of a mother fed upon an infected animal. Pathogenesis. The early workers on Redwater in cattle — Smith and Kilborn, Lignieres, &c. — noted the occurrence of * peripheral coccus-like bodies ’ which were regarded as a form of B. bigemina associated with a relapse of the disease. To Theiler belongs the credit of proving that these parasites are distinct zoological entities. Anaplasma is connected with one of the many diseases commonly grouped by the lay mind as 4 Gall sickness ’ ; Babesia mutans is responsible for another form of this same condition. It can be conveyed by the inoculation of blood taken from a sick animal, and also, as is the case with Babesia and Nuttallia, with the blood drawn from a recovered animal. 40 SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS By C. W. Woodhouse At present there are three or four known species of pig in East Africa, excluding the Abyssinian type of Warthog (Phacochoerus johnstoni) which is said to occur in the Northern Territory. They are, firstly, the common Warthog ( Phacochoerus Aethiopicus massaicus), which is almost too well known to merit a long description ; some of whose habits, however, are of interest in comparison with those of other pigs. Secondly, the Giant pig, as it is popularly termed, which is classified as ‘ Sus ’ in Rowland Ward’s book, though from its appearance, teeth, and general characteristics it appears to be a species of Warthog. Thirdly, the white-striped Bush pig (Potamochoerus), a large pig resident in the bush and forest ; the general appearance blackish ; the crest (on the occiput, withers and back) white ; the long white hair extending down the back in old animals ; the sides more or less reddish, much more so in some animals than in others. Fourthly, the Red River hog, a well-known West African species, is said to occur in the Protectorate. This is a most striking animal, of a bright chestnut red colour, with long ears with a large tuft on each. The most noticeable points of it when observed are its compressed shape, long snout, and hairy ears, together with its colour. It is a strong swimmer and fond of living in swamps and reed beds, though it has been observed in very dense bush at a considerable distance from any large stream. The spoor appears to be ‘ longer ’ than that of either the Warthog or the Giant pig. The above observations were made in West Africa. There may be another species of Giant pig not yet deter- mined, as there appears to be a very large variation in specimens obtained. The common Warthog (Phacochoerus Aethio'picus ), Dorobo name Buteita, is very widely distributed, the same or allied species occurring in South Africa (P, pallosi) and Abyssinia. SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS 41 It is said to extend to the boundaries of the Semliki forest, but in forest regions it is usually replaced by the Bush pigs and River hogs. Its most noticeable features are the nearly naked skin with a crest of long hair on the withers and back, the large development of the canine teeth, the deciduous character of the other teeth excepting the last molar and lower incisors, and the development of large tubercles or warts on the skin of the face. The object of these last-mentioned tubercles seems to be protection against the tusks of rival pigs, as they are infinitely more developed in the boar than in the sow. The warts are six in number, three on each side of the face. The first pair are conical and situated near the lateral base of the nasal bones, a projection of bone (on the zygoma) supporting them. The second pair are below the orbit, also on its bone above the insertion of the lower jaw, evidently designed to protect the eye. The other pair, which are elongated horizontally, are on the skin of the lower jaw. These in the sow and young boar usually carry a tuft of whitish hair turned upwards like a whisker; this whitish hair also occurs in the Giant pig, especially in sows. With reference to the tusks the upper pair are used for excavation, enlarging the burrow, and to some extent as a shield ; while the lower are used for offence. The upper tusks, which are of a softer material than the lower, being composed of dentine (while the lower are covered with enamel), also serve as a hone to keep the lower tusks sharp. When delivering a slash the pig sets its lower jaw much to one side, the mouth being open, the characteristic right and left ‘ dig ’ of the pig being well known. With regard to the deciduous character of the adult teeth it has been observed that, while the young Warthog may have a nearly full complement of teeth — viz. upper jaw two to four in- cisors, two canines, seven or eight premolars, and four molars ; in the lower jaw, six incisors, two canines, four premolars, four molars ; or, in a dental formula, - — - incisors, 3—3 j j 4 g 2 2 - — - canines, premolar, molar — in the adult this 1—1 2-2 F 2—2 is changed. 42 SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS The variation in the premolars (when there may be more in some pigs) is that there is a ‘ wolf tooth/ which may or may not be present. In old fully developed Warthogs this is reduced to 0-0 2-2 incisors, 1-1 1-1 canines, 1-1 l^T premolars, 1-1 1-1 molars, and may continue till the premolars are entirely lost, until there is the one molar left in both jaws. This tooth, however, becomes very enlarged and complex. The above figures were taken from a young male (tusks B inches) and an adult male (tusks 15f inches). It is said that in the young perfect toothed Warthog there are thirty-four teeth. The cheek teeth have all flat grinding surfaces. Mention may be made of its curious habit in descending its burrow backwards, thus keeping its head to the front of the hole. The burrows are very often enlarged from the burrow of the Ant bear (< Orycteropus ) ; and while digging it clears the soil by rapid scratching with its fore feet, but when some distance down will shove the earth in front of it with its snout and tusks. Its food seems to consist of grass bulbs, such as gludrol and lily bulbs, and it apparently is sometimes fond of digging in the bare cleared nests of the ‘ harvester ’ ant. Many of the ‘ scrapes ’ observed on these bare patches are due to the Ant bear, but the footprints have been observed (after rain) just in front of turned-up earth in these places. They are generally observed in small family parties, but the boars are frequently met with alone. Hylochoerus meinertzhageni, or Giant pig, native name ‘ Tomda.’ The Giant pig was only discovered a few years ago, and little is known of its habits. Sir Harry Johnston, in his book on the Uganda Protec- torate, mentions that he had heard stories of a gigantic pig-like animal in the forests of the Mau, but suggests that this might be the Pigmy Hippopotamus which occurs in the West African forests. However, later the pig was discovered by Lieutenant Meinertzhagen and named after him. SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS 48 The general characteristics of the Giant pig inhabiting the Mau are as follows : — A very large, thickset pig, very short on the legs and long in the body. The general colour is black with long spare black hair covering the whole of the body and legs, longest and thickest on the edge of the back in the young animal, but worn off or absent in the old animals, doubtless through passing under boughs. There is usually a white tuft of hair in the sow and young on the horizontal tubercle of the face, and this remains in the boar as a few scattered white hairs. There are a few white bristles on the belly and rump. The skin is very thick and strong, indeed of such strength and toughness that the Dorobo and the Kakumega people prefer this hide to any other, even buffalo, for making their shields. The face carries two large tubercles or warts on each side, which, however, coalesce. The conical warts of the common Warthog are absent. Tubercles on the face of the Giant pig are situated below the eye on an enlargement of bone (zygoma), and are very large and massive. They are covered with short, bristly black and white hairs. The second pair, which are practically joined to the first pair, run from just below the ear forward about half-way along the jaw covering the masseter muscle. These warts, together with the great lateral development of the skull, are a very noticeable point in the Mau species. The skull of the Giant pig is large and massive. One specimen (ricnasal) measured 19 inches from the ‘ rooting bone ’ to the occipital crest and 18 inches between the pro- jections of bone below the eye (measured between uprights not following the curve). The orbit of the eye is set low, not high as in the Warthog, and is not closed. It is small in diameter (If inch vertical by 2 inches horizontal) though deep. On the roof of the skull there is a curious depression capable of holding nearly a cupful of water. This, however, is not present in the young animal, the skull being distinctly rounded. The lower jaw is massive and shows many ridges for the attachment of the masseter muscle. 44 SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS The tusks, as a rule, do not show the development of the Warthog, and the upper canines are set horizontally in the plane of the jaw, not at an angle with it as in the Warthog. They are massive and thick in perfect specimens, curving hack to a point (more often in sows), though generally worn and broken in old boars. They are rough and ridged, usually discoloured black, and have a large wearing surface for the lower tusks. These latter are thick and strong and of a fair length — four to six inches — projecting from the jaw. The teeth in the adult appear to be deciduous, as in the Warthog. The figures taken from an old boar were as follows : T . 1-1 . 1-1 , 1-2 , 2-2 Incisors - — r ; canines - — r ; premolar - — - ; molars 1-1 ’ 1-1 ' x 2-2 ' 2-2 In one specimen of an immature pig the incisors were 1-1 2^2 canines 1-1 r^r premolars 2-2 r^i molars 2-2 2-2* Though it is doubtful whether this latter specimen did not belong to another species of Giant pig. In the adult the grinding surfaces are nearly flat, only slightly tubercular, but in immature specimens they are strongly ridged. In regard to the habits of the Giant pig, it usually lives in dense forest or bamboos, making runs through the under- growth, though, according to several observers, it has been seen crossing from one patch of forest to another. It is a gregarious animal, going at times in large sounders, though sows with young and old boars separate out. It has been observed, or rather heard, and the tracks afterwards seen in very large mobs, though repeatedly a pair or a single adult have been met with. It moves about in the early morning and evening and usually sleeps during the heat of the day. When asleep its snores are very audible, though, owing to the thick undergrowth, it is seldom seen. The places chosen for rest are generally under a half-fallen tree which has become covered with creepers and forms a sort of vegetable cave. In these places the female has her young, which consist of from two to six. SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS 45 The Giant pig is fond of water and wallowing and will travel some distance to the brackish pools or mudholes which occur on the Mau escarpment. Its food consists of a plant with green glabrous leaves, a thin stem, and white flowers, which grows in great profusion all through the forest. These plants grow to a height of 3 to 3| feet and form a dense cover. The succulent tops seem to be preferred. (It is said that this plant also forms the chief food of the Bongo.) The Giant pig does not appear to ‘ root ’ at all like the Bush pig, Warthog and domestic pig. The tumed-up areas in forest clearings appear to be all made by Bush pigs. The spoor of the Giant pig may be followed up for many miles, but during that space no earth will be found turned up, or, if it is found, the spoor of the Bush pig will be much in evidence. In the country haunted by the Giant pig rubbing trees are much in evidence. When the pig comes up from his wallow it removes the superfluous mud by rubbing round some chosen tree. These trees get much worn to a height of some 3| feet. The spoor of the Giant pig is large and distinctive, being very rounded on the outside edges. The toes do not meet and are rather splayed, and in soft ground the posterior toes make a dent in the soil. The droppings are large and char- acteristic, much resembling those of the Hippopotamus on a smaller scale. When alarmed and running away the tail is hoisted vertically with the tip dropping forward in a similar manner to the Warthog. As stated above the female has from two to six young at a birth. According to the Dorobo the older sows have the larger litters. They (the Dorobo) state that young pigs may be met at all seasons. The colour of the young is a brownish brindle. The very young are brown, but black hairs appear to grow between the softer brown ones and the brown hairs are gradually shed. When the young pigs attain a length of some two and a half feet they are nearly all black. In smaller specimens the brown-coloured hair is very obvious. Both coloured hairs are very long and strong, being practically bristles. The tuft of whitish hair on the cheek tubercle is very noticeable in the 46 SOME EAST AFRICAN PIGS young and the front is whitish. The well-marked depression in the skull of the adult is absent, the cranium being rounded. Four incisors are present in the lower jaw and two above. In some specimens of Giant pig much variation is observed, the teeth differing very much. Certain Giant pigs have large and well-developed incisor teeth 1-1 2-2' In these pigs the premolars and molars are strongly tubercular, and on the skin, especially on the belly and rump, much more white hair is found, the ears being usually covered inside with long yellowish hair. The teeth in two specimens were as follows : — An adult boar — Incisors 2-2 very strongly developed ; ^ ][ 2 2 8 8 canines ; premolars much worn ; molars very 1 — 1 2 — 2 8 — 8 strongly tubercular ; length of fresh skin, 7 feet 5 inches. - — - strongly developed ; 2 — 2 An adult sow — Incisors canines ; premolars ; molars ; length of 1-1 F 2-2 2-2 6 fresh skin, 7 feet | inch. The Bush pig ( Potamochoerus choeropotamus ) is common throughout East Africa, but is seldom seen owing to its noc- turnal habits. Its general appearance has been described above. The skull is singularly compressed and narrow. The teeth very nearly approximate to the domestic pig with flat grinding surfaces. The tusks are small, and the upper are set horizon- tally with a broad wearing surface for the lower tusk. This pig has the habit of turning up large areas with its snout for feeding purposes. The land chosen for this is usually a marshy clearing in the forest. They are usually met with in small family parties or in pairs, but owing to the dense nature of the cover they inhabit are difficult to shoot. The Red River hog has been described above. LAKE RUDOLPH 47 LAKE RUDOLPH By A. C. Hoey It was about the end of January when we first sighted Lake Rudolph, and a fine sight it presented, reminding us very much of the sea. The south end of the lake lies in a volcanic basin surrounded by hills and extinct volcanoes, the most striking of all being the Teleki volcano on the southern shore of the lake. We then commenced our descent to the lake, which we hardly suspected we should have in sight for a whole month, as afterwards turned out to be the case. The country we now had to traverse was the most difficult imaginable, being one mass of volcanic boulders with sharp edges, added to which a severe gale was blowing, making it almost impossible for the porters to hold on to their loads. This wind, though it did not allow us to pitch a single tent on the southern side of the lake, was yet not unwelcome, as the heat otherwise would have been unbearable. The mean temperature as registered by our thermometers was ninety-three, the temperature of the water varying between eighty-two and eighty-four. Not a head of game or a vestige of grass was to be seen here. On reaching the lake everyone hurried down the tempting sandy beach and plunged into the water. This at first appeared to be quite fresh, but very shortly after drinking we felt our mouths dry up, and found that the after thirst was if anything worse than that before drinking. I have since heard that this water was analysed by Butter’s Expedition in 1902, and was found to contain magnesia and some other alkaline substances. Continuing our march along the eastern shore we noticed that the appearance of the country improved daily, and encoun- tered quite a number of oryx and Grevy’s zebra. About fifty miles up the lake we reached a very fine spring of fresh water flowing into the lake. Here it was that we came on game in considerable quantities, good grass being very plentiful. We stayed here for four days to give our animals a rest and a chance to pick up, and during that time we saw 48 LAKE RUDOLPH oryx, Bright’s variety of Grant’s gazelle, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, dik dik, &c. Bird life was also very plentiful, and we were able to secure an ample supply of francolin and guinea-fowl and had the best of sport with sand-grouse. Resuming our journey the next thing we saw of note were two or three small islands about three miles off the shore. Seeing that these were inhabited we fitted up our Berthon collapsible boat and two of us sailed over to one of them. On approaching the island we saw several men coming down to meet us each with a large bunch of grass in their hands. (We had evidently surprised them in the midst of thatching their huts and they were too surprised to lay the grass aside !) These people we afterwards learned called themselves the ‘ Elmolo ’ and very much resemble the Samburu in appearance, but by way of ornament wear fish-bones in their ears. Their reception of us was very friendly indeed, involving much handshaking all round, after which we were taken along to their huts. These Elmolo, we learned through the medium of our Masai interpreter, subsist entirely on a fish diet, the results of which are painfully evident in their leprous appear- ance, rawness of lips, very white hands, and the presence of some deformity or other in most of them. Poor as they seemed as a race, they were not, however, lacking in ingenuity, as evidenced by their cleverly made fishing lines — manufactured from the fibre of the wild banana growing on the shore — their very fine nets, and the rafts fashioned from the trunks of palm trees bound together with grass ropes. We had occasion to test the efficiency of these rafts, for the wind blew up too strong to allow of our sailing the Berthon boat back to the mainland, and we were paddled back by the Elmolo on one of their rafts. Their paddles were very strongly made and were used as punting poles in shallow water. The Elmolo seemed to live in terror of the Abyssinians, who occasionally raid down these shores of Rudolph. I understand that at one time these people collected quite a useful herd of goats and sheep together and had got so far as to leave their islands and settle on the mainland, but owing to the depreda- tions of the Abyssinians, who from what I could gather used to kidnap them and impress them as guides to the Randili and Samburu kraals, they had to return to their diminutive LAKE KUDOLPH 49 islands (averaging only between 5 and 10 acres) and fish- catching. At the best I should think these Elmolo were chiefly made up of former outcasts of the Samburu and Masai. These were the only natives we met with the whole way up the lake. All the grass on this shore is exceedingly brittle and as sharp as needles, but our caravan, consisting of 6 mules, 60 camels, and 300 sheep, seemed to thrive uncommonly well on it. The whole of Lake Rudolph seems to be full of croco- diles and hippopotamuses, and by way of a treat and change of diet we shot two hippo for the Elmolo. Having heard before I struck Rudolph that there was an idea that the lions went to the lake to eat cat-fish, I ques- tioned the Elmolo on this point. ‘No/ they said, 4 the lion does not come for the fish but to eat the crocodiles ! * I ridiculed this idea, but they were very decided, and somewhat annoyed at my doubting their word on the point, and I must confess that I afterwards found reason in what they said, for I came on at least four carcases of crocodiles lying in bushes about 300 yards from the lake shores. I am not sure how far 4 crocs ’ generally wander inland, but these carcases were found in ideal lion lairs, and had evidently been dismembered by some animal, their bones being scattered about the place. It was about here that we had some splendid fishing, always getting a really good haul every evening. The most common variety was a bream-like fish, though we had one good capture in the shape of a 45 -pounder, very much like a cod, but as I have no knowledge of fish I will not venture into details. This fish was speared by one of our boys. The majority of the fish we caught were of the 4 eel ’ species, with long suckers round the mouth ; they averaged about 3 feet in length by 8 inches in circumference.1 We were not sorry to find, as we journeyed farther and farther northward, that the lake appeared to get much less salt (we also noticed that it got shallower), which we attributed to such a large river as the Omo flowing into it from the north. For most of the journey we had to use a roughly contrived con- denser (made from a paraffin tin), and this we kept going from the time of arrival in camp until our early morning start, and 1 Probably Siluroids or Protopterus. Vol. II.— No. 3. 50 LAKE RUDOLPH this barely sufficed for our needs. Frequently we had to drink half lake and half condensed water. Our porters, curiously enough, flourished on this water and hardly seemed to notice its brackishness, while, as I think I have said, our stock thrived well on it. During the rainy season, which I should think is from June until October, the eastern side of Rudolph must be prac- tically impossible for any transport, owing to the huge rivers which come down from the Abyssinian border. Some of these must be 200 yards wide, and judging from the debris, carry at least 10 feet of water. They appear to rise and fall very rapidly, as in every river bed innumerable bones of fish were to be seen which had been suddenly left high and dry as the waters subsided. The whole of the eastern shores of Lake Rudolph abound with numbers of birds of brilliant and variegated plumage, and would furnish a most interesting study to any ornitho- logist. Numbers of these birds live on fish. I observed two or three kinds of duck, a very common type having a brown body with a white head. There were also two varieties of snipe, one very much larger than the other, and countless guinea-fowl. It was interesting to note that on getting as far north as Alia Bay we suddenly came on the Burchell zebra and lost the Grevy’s completely. Here also were enormous herds of game of all sorts, including hundreds and hundreds of topi. There were in consequence many lions about, whose roaring could be heard as late as ten in the morning. A little to the north of Alia Bay we came on a large patch of reeds which extended about two miles into the lake. We saw a very fine herd of buffalo here but could not get a shot. The elephant from the country near Lake Stephanie were reported to visit this swamp during the rains. This was about the only spot on Lake Rudolph that we were troubled with mosquitoes. From this point onwards we traversed some very nice- looking country, and the smoke of very distant grass fires gave us an idea that we should soon come on some human beings. In this we were not disappointed, for we shortly after espied traces of cattle and later fell in with some natives very much resembling the Turkana in many ways, having the LAKE RUDOLPH 51 little combination stool and head-rest and their hair in plaits. But they were not nearly of so fine a physique as the Turkana and Korsmojo peoples. They wore brass ornaments in their ears and all carried spears and shields ; we hardly saw a bow and arrow. These natives proved to be the Reshiat, a tribe very rich in cattle and goats, living right on the north side of the lake. We were evidently expected, for two Reshiat chiefs promptly appeared on the scene and salaamed to us with the most profound respect, practically kissing our boots, one of the many evident signs of how strong a discipline was maintained by the Abyssinians. Most of the people wore a kind of skull cap, which I found out to be the breast of a pelican. This, in addition to being snow-white, was generally adorned with some ostrich feathers and was most picturesque. Circumstances now necessitated our marching to the Abyssinian post, and here we had to sit tight for some time, eventually marching up the banks of the Omo river, one of the finest rivers we had yet met with, having an average width of 150 yards with a great volume of water. It swarmed with crocodiles, and while watering our sheep we had to constantly fire shots into the water, but even then in one day we lost eight sheep while watering. The River Omo has very steep banks, in some places being 60 feet high, from which many crocodiles can be seen fast asleep on the rocks with their mouths open ! It was not easy to imagine they were asleep, but the natives went one better and said that the birds hopped into their mouths and searched for food there ! The banks of the Omo were a comparative fairyland to the land we had previously travelled through. Here it was that we obtained our first plentiful supply of fresh water for many months. We also found some very fine wild dates, which the porters much enjoyed and we by no means despised. Timber, too, was plenti- ful and vast herds of topi were constantly in sight. Lions proved both numerous and troublesome round the camp at night. After following the Omo for five days we struck off in a north-easterly direction for Adis Abeba, marching thence to Jibouti, ultimately catching the French mail to Mombasa after a most interesting six months’ trip. 52 MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY By A. H. Marsh, M.D. In considering this subject I must first disclaim any in- tention of contributing anything more than a ‘ causerie ’ — thoughts of a serious student — with the object of arousing a general interest amongst local biologists and students of genetics, in the hope that it may be possible by collective investigation to work out results of real scientific value in the large and exceptionally fruitful field presented by our local livestock. Gregor Johann Mendel was born on July 22, 1822, in Austrian Silesia. His early education and home surroundings seem to have been calculated to develop an inherited taste for botanical research. He was admitted to the Augustinian home of St. Thomas of Brunn — an institution generally spoken of as the ‘ Konigskloster ’ — mainly with the view of taking part in the educational work of that institution. In 1847 he was ordained a priest, and was sent to Vienna by the cloister for a three years’ course of mathematics, physics, and natural science ; finally, in 1868 he was elected Abbot, or pralat, of the Konigskloster. His experiments were all carried out in the garden of the cloister (Bateson). One cannot help being struck by the evidence in all his work of careful, prolonged and exact investigation. His results were not arrived at by any brilliant Hash of genius, yet conforming to the best definition of true genius, ‘ An infinite capacity for taking pains.’ And then the sadness of it all ! He died in 1884, broken in mind, body, and estate, with his life’s work entirely un- recognised and unrewarded, still confident to the last that his time would come. Mendel’s published researches were all botanical, but it is known that he made extensive investigations into the heredity of bees, although his notes are not to be found. ‘ It is one of the greatest tragedies in science that Mendel’s “ Experiments with Plant Hybrids,” which was published by PLATE I. MAHARANEE. Cross between Indian and A. E. bull, has six active teats. (Seep. 57) MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY 58 the Natural History Society of Brunn in 1865, remained un- known to the present day. It is impossible to imagine where we should have been to-day in our knowledge of heredity had Darwin only known of Mendel’s work. . . . The point for us is that while there may be variation in the Darwinian sense there are also sudden changes where animals of different characters are bred together, and under certain circumstances these changes are inherited. Mendel’s theory explains both the changes and their inheritance ’ (Wilson). The scientific world had to wait until the dawn of the twentieth century before it heard of Mendel’s law. Since then much original confirmatory work has been recorded, but much remains to be done. In approaching the study of heredity it is absolutely neces- sary to have a preliminary knowledge of botany, especially of the physiology of plant life. I would suggest Percival’s * Agricultural Botany ’ as a work for the study of any intending student. The scheme of this book carries one on by means of a charming series of simple experiments, which impress each fact upon the memory. My motto is ‘ Take care of the facts, the names will take care of themselves,’ but sooner or later the terminology must be mastered, or one would be in the position of possessing a dispensary full of valuable drugs all without labels ! I would suggest, in all humility, that a definite system of reading be carried out. One should have an indexed note- book in which to enter up and define every unfamiliar word, and never to pass a word without looking up the meaning when in doubt. Also a note-book for each work studied in which to enter up short notes of every paragraph ; otherwise one is led away by the beauty of the style to read more than can be duly assimilated. Given a general knowledge of Darwin’s works, a preliminary study of Romanes’ ‘ Darwin and after Darwin ’ will be found of great utility. One is then in a position to study the whole question brought right up to date by Bateson’s monumental work. Mendel’s papers are well described by Bateson as * models of lucidity and expository skill. His success is due to the clearness with which he thought out the problem.’ Mendel laid it down as essential to start with pure-breeding 54 MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY homogeneous materials, to consider each character separately, and to record separately the progeny from distinct individuals. He first worked on the edible pea (Pisum sativum). In crossing the tall with the short variety he found that the first cross-bred generation were tall, to the exclusion of the short- form. He therefore called the tallness a dominant character because it prevailed, the excluded character he called recessive. On self-fertilisation of the first cross family, the next generation proved to be mixed in the proportion of 75 per cent, dominant to 25 per cent, recessive. On the whole of these being again propagated, by self-fertilisation, it was found that the recessives bred true, while the dominants gave a proportion of tails breeding true to ‘ tallness ’ and a mixed generation in the pro- portion of two impure to one pure. This is well expressed in the diagram reproduced from Thomson (see p. 59). But note Bateson — ‘ Dominance is no inseparable attribute of Mendelian inheritance 9 (p. 50). A dominant character is due to the presence of a definite factor, while ‘ the corresponding recessive owes its condition to the absence of the same factor ’ (pp. 58, 54). The fact of segregation (splitting) was the essential dis- covery of Mendel. Take the case of the Fx family in the diagram : — It is considered that here the germ cells divide into two kinds of egg cells and two kinds of pollen cells, one kind with the potential quality of tallness, one with the potential quality of shortness. The groups may be considered equal in size, and therefore on self-fertilisation the chances of any egg cell being fertilised by any pollen cell are equal. Take the case of four ‘ tall ’ egg cells, and four ‘ short 5 egg cells, impregnated by an equal number of similarly arranged pollen cells : the formula would express the result : — 2D + 4 D (R) + 2 R and since tallness is dominant there appears six tall and two short. This, shortly, is the theory of gametic segregation ; and explains the occurrence of pure and impure gametes. The Ds MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY 55 and Rs breeding true, while the D(R)s split up in the propor- tion of 3 and 1 ; the recessive unit appearing again and again in each generation, and always in the same numerical proportion. The same facts have been deduced in theory and proved by experiment, when we have to deal with several contrasting characteristics in the same organism. Mendel’s papers deal only with the Pisum family (edible peas), and with the Hieracium (hawkweeds) ; he also mentions Phaseolus (French bean) and Lathyrus (sweet pea). It is to be noted that the doubtful results in Hieracium were probably due to the more recently discovered fact that this family is frequently parthenogenetic or apogynous, that is to say, the egg cells may develop without union with the pollen cells. Thomson will not admit that Mendelian phenomena are known in cases other than hybrids, but here he differs from other workers, and a considerable amount of evidence has already been accumulated to prove the occurrence of Mendelian principles quite apart from hybridisation. 4 It will take many years before the far-reaching effects of Mendel’s law have been investigated, and it is more than likely that results of considerable importance may flow from its application in various novel directions (e.g. in the elucidation of the differentiation of sex, tentatively worked out by Berry Hart) ’ (Ency. Med.). * Mendel himself, indeed, admitted this possibility, and the work done since all tends to strengthen the view that sex inheritance follows lines very similar to those made familiar for other characters by experimental methods of breeding’ (C. J. Davies). Note again : ‘ The practical applications of Mendelian principles . . . will probably far exceed any limits we can yet perceive ; amongst them we can foresee not merely advances in the art of breeding animals and plants, but a control over the destiny of our own species ’ (Bateson). As to Sociology the same writer says : ‘ Genetic knowledge must certainly lead to new conceptions of justice, and it is by no means impossible that in the light of such, public 56 MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OE HEREDITY opinion will welcome measures likely to do more for the extinction of the criminal and degenerate than has been accomplished by ages of penal enactment.’ A word as to unfixable types : there are of course such which cannot be fixed at all, for the reason that their special character is not represented in the gametes, but is a special consequence of the meeting of dissimilar types. These extracts will illustrate the lines upon which modem thought is proceeding in the investigation of the extended application of Mendelian principles. As to our local conditions, we have indeed a rich field for research. I will indicate a few subjects which could be worked out by means of collective inquiry : — Cattle : Unimproved native breeds. Horn formation, shape, size, present, absent (polled). Colour of hair and skin. General shape and size. Milking qualities. Milk percentage of fats, size of fat globules. Improved cross breeds. Eastern crosses. Western crosses. Families to be traced through as many generations as possible, full details and photos to be obtained. In the first place, a series of typical photos and descriptions should be obtained of all the distinct types of native cattle from the coast to the boundaries of Uganda. I have reason to believe that a very remarkable local con- dition exists with reference to horn formation, but this requires careful confirmation. Shortly stated : — Kilimanjaro district, a polled breed. Wakamba, very short homed. Masai and Kikuyu, a medium horned race of cattle. Nandi and Sotik, medium horns but longer on average than last. MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY 57 Lumbwa, long thick spreading horns, apparently an Ankoli cross. Kavirondo, long, thin, lyre-shaped horns (Ayrshire type). Ankoli, very long heavy horns. Should this scheme from East to West be capable of proof, it discloses a highly interesting hypothesis. Any references to literature bearing on the history of local cattle would be of value. I know of none with the exception of a short note in a recent number of ‘ Country Life * extracted from Buffon. Perhaps some member could verify this in the original. With reference to quality of milk it is easy to compare samples by means of a drop on a coverslip examined micro- scopically in a fresh state. I hope to be able to record a series of photo-micrographs shortly. A blood smear (human) affords a ready test to compare the size of the fat globules. As to hybrids from imported stock, my son has taken a few photographs to illustrate two suggestive cases in my own herd of cattle. I hope to be able to trace the complete history of these cases at some future time. Plate I. ‘ Maharanee,’ an Indian x native E.A. cross. Some years ago an official imported an Indian cow, pure bred. This cow threw a heifer calf to an ordinary E.A. native bull. The mother died, but the calf was reared, and in process of time calved a heifer calf to an E.A. bull. Again the mother died, but the calf was reared and is ‘ Maharanee,’ the subject of the present illustration. She is, as far as I can ascertain, pure Indian in type, showing the characteristic colour (brown with black points), general shape, and carriage, drooping ears, and thickening at root of tail. She has six active teats, as her mother had, but I cannot ascertain at the moment of writing whether this condition was a ‘ mutation,’ or whether it is a common condition amongst Indian cattle, and therefore inherited. At any rate it is a very rare condition amongst local cattle, although one occasionally finds one or more supernumerary rudimentary teats. 58 MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY Maharanee has thrown four bull calves to different hulls, hut all the calves are dead. I have, however, one heifer calf out of a pure Sotik cow and sired by a young bull with parentage Maharanee x 1st cross-native-by-imported-Guernsey bull, and this heifer calf has six well-formed equal-sized teats. A short pedigree will make this clear Imported Indian cow x native E.A. bull 1st cross cow x native E.A. bull cow known to have v v ) had 6 teats. Maharanee x 1st cross Gu. bull ditto v v ; Bull x Sotik cow v. ) Heifer calf 6 teats, pure Guernsey- in type. The points of interest here are : — Pure dominance of Indian type over E.A. type. Inheritance of ‘ mutation ’ (?) to third generation. At the same time this calf is humpless and shows Gu. characteristics, therefore dominance of Gu. over Indian x E.A. cross, but with maternal type of udder. Plate II. Three heads of 1st cross cows with parentage Shorthorn-bull-on-E.A.-cows (not the same cow), showing a family type of horn deformity. These cows are all sired by an imported bull, ‘ Yale Royal Victor II,’ red roan (Coats’ Herd Book), but I cannot ascertain whether he had any horn deformity. I have eight adult cows sired by this bull, three show this deformity ; there are many more in the country which could be traced. Of 1st cross shorthorns a large majority show shorthorn characteristics, but a minority are of a pure maternal type. These cases would well repay careful analysis, and I hope on some future occasion to return to the subject with fuller knowledge. LV TYPE OF HORN DEFORMITY MENDEL’S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY 59 D? X R ok R ? XD- § s x Q Z ffl Z cj < \n CO 6 z SOME REMAKES ON HARVEY’S DUIKER 71 NOTES SOME REMARKS ON HARVEY’S DUIKER (Cephalophus Harveyi) By Martin P. Seth-Smith During the last few years sportsmen have occasionally obtained a specimen of this animal, but, although it is far from being a rare species, it is so skulking and nocturnal in its habits that it is quite the exception to see one in private collections. In size it is practically uniform with the Red or Natal Duiker (C. natalensis) with the exception of the markings on the legs and face, which in C. harveyi are black, while C . natalensis is all over of a chestnut colour with no dark markings. In the South African Museum at Cape Town I examined two specimens of C. natalensis, and others at the Durban Municipal Museum, and in each case the horns were identical with our East African variety, C. harveyi. The horns are thick at the base and roughly annulated, about 3| inches being the length in an adult male. The females invariably are horned, the horns being comparatively large-based and in adults sharp-pointed, although rarely exceed- ing 1| inch in length. The earliest specimen of this animal appears to have been shot by Sir Robert Harvey on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and since then several more have been killed in East Africa on the slopes of Kenia, in the Kikuyu forest country, and also in the forests of the Mau. It is quite a common species in the forests near Nairobi, although rarely seen except very occasionally in the forest glades in the evening and very early mornings. It appears to use regular runs or tracks in the forest, and, as far as I can see, is particular always to deposit its droppings in the track. Both at Tring Park and in the Natural History Museum at South Kensington are specimens of C. harveyi and C. isaaci, but, as an amateur, I quite fail to distinguish any difference between the two varieties. 72 SOME REMARKS ON HARVEY’S DUIKER It appears to be well known to the Nandi people (Hollis, ‘ The Nandi,’ pp. 124-5), and is named ‘ Minde.’ The most likely way to shoot this animal is to station one- self with a shot gun in the forest where two tracks meet, and then to get a few natives to make a detour and quietly to walk through the forest towards you. This I found to be much the most certain method of getting one, as one may visit the forest glades evening after evening and never see one, so nocturnal are they in their feeding. The flesh of the South African species ( C . naialensis) is said to be unpalatable to Europeans, but I have found our East African variety to be excellent eating. Note. — The simplest distinction between Harvey’s and Isaac’s Duiker is the difference in the colour of the head tuft. In Isaac’s Duiker the hair of the forehead is mixed rufous and black with the surmounting tuft tending to chestnut, in Harvey’s Duiker the forehead is black and there is no chestnut in the head tuft. In addition to the localities mentioned in the paper Harvey’s Duiker has been found at the Coast. The maximum recorded length of horns of this species is 3| inches. — Editor. MIGRATION OF BUTTERFLIES By C. W. Hobley More information is required with regard to the flights of the enormous number of butterflies of the Pieridae group which periodically occur in the uplands of British East Africa. It is of interest to inquire what species compose the crowds of migrants. Some say that Synchloe johnstoni is the commonest migrant, but the only large mob that I recollect having seen I believe mainly consisted of Belenois severina. The direction and distance of the flight are interesting to observe. Those I saw were flying from N. to S., and some say this is the usual direction. If so, why should it be ? It is also important to notice if the migrants were of both sexes or only males ; the THE DISTRIBUTION OF BRIGHT’S GAZELLE 73 date and duration of the flight should also be recorded. These flights occur in other parts of the world, for Spence the botanist, whose journals were recently edited by Alfred Russel Wallace, and published under the title of * Notes of a Botanist on the Amazon ’ (Macmillan, 1909), records that between Para and Santarem, near the mouth of the Xinga, he saw vast multitudes of butterflies flying across the Amazon from N.N.W. to S.S.E. They were evidently in the last stage of fatigue ; some attained the shore, but a large proportion fell exhausted into the water. They were all of the common white and orange yellow species. The very slight wind there was blew from between E. and N.E. ; therefore the butterflies steered their course at right angles to it, and this was the case in subsequent flights he saw across the Amazon. But the most notable cir- cumstance is that the movement is always southwards, like the human waves which from earliest times seem to have surged one after the other over the whole length of America. Mr. Bates also records a flight of butterflies across the Amazon from N. to S. which lasted for two whole days without intermission except during the dark. These were nearly all a species of Callidryas, and the migrating horde was only composed of males. THE DISTRIBUTION OF BRIGHT’S GAZELLE The parts of British East Africa near the railway line, roughly between the spot at which the highland prairies are first reached and the Mau escarpment, form the principal habitat of Grant’s gazelle. Passing northwards to the Laikipia plains, one meets with a slightly different type, generally referred to as the northern form of Grant’s gazelle. The most noticeable difference in this type is in the shape of the horns, which are shorter than those of the typical Gazella granti , and are more like those of Peter’s gazelle. Nor do they curve backwards and forwards so much. Both these forms, as also Roberts’s variety, are almost always found on high, upland, well-grassed prairies. 74 THE LOEIAN WHITE WATERBUCK Passing still further north, we descend to the low, arid, and stony deserts about the shores of Lake Rudolf. Here another variety is met with — namely, that known as Bright’s. The horns are shaped like those of the northern form, the lesser curves being noticeable from a side view, as shown in the photograph. The markings of this type, however, more resemble those of Soemmerring’s gazelle than they do those of the typical G. granti. The black face markings of Soem- merring’s gazelle, it is true, do not occur, or only to a much less extent, in certain individuals, but the unmistakable white rump patch is almost identical, with this difference, that while the white patch in the typical Gazella granti commences at the root of the tail or slightly below it, in Bright’s variety it extends several inches above the tail and up the back. This gazelle is thinly distributed over an area extending from about lat. 2° N. to nearly 6° N. along the shores of Lake Rudolf and north and south of that lake. Eastwards it extends into the lower Borana country, but on the Juba River Soemmerring’s gazelle is met with ; so the two must meet some- where between the Juba and the Golbo, or lower Borana. How far it extends westwards is, I believe, at present unknown, The country it inhabits consists of dusty or lava-strewn deserts, with thorn patches here and there, and is capable of support- ing but little animal life. The Rendile people, who inhabit the country to the south-east of Lake Rudolf, call this animal 4 haul,’ a name almost identical with the Somali name for Soemmerring’s gazelle, namely, 4 aoul.’ — G. H. Stigand (Extract from the ‘ Field ’). THE LORIAN WHITE WATERBUCK Sir, — May I point out that the white waterbuck from the Lorian swamp and the neighbouring part of the Guaso Nyiro river in British East Africa, of which an example was recently described and figured by Lord Gifford in the Field of August 6, are of much greater interest than the ordinary sporadic albinos, occasionally met with in various parts of Africa ? These, THE LORIAN WHITE WATERBUCK 75 which may belong, apparently, either to the typical waterbuck (Cobus ellipsiprymnus) or to Cobus defassa, always have red eyes, as is exemplified by an example from Portuguese East Africa exhibited in the north hall of the Natural History Museum. The Lorian waterbuck, on the other hand, as men- tioned by Col. W. H. Brown (‘ P.Z.S.’ 1905, p. 297), and also by Lord Gifford in his note above mentioned, have eyes of the normal colour, and thus are not true albinos. Col. Brown’s buck, which was in company with a white doe when shot, was obtained in July 1904, on the right or north bank of the Guaso Nyiro, about twenty miles to the westward of the Lorian swamp. Lord Gifford also obtained his two white bucks on the north bank of that river, where he saw four other examples, as well as a calf on the south bank. His lordship describes having seen a white male and female in company, but other- wise the white individuals were mingled with normally coloured animals. One white calf is recorded as having been seen with a dark dam, but it appeared to have grey patches on the head and back. These accounts indicate that white waterbuck are comparatively common in the Lorian district, although they do not herd by themselves ; and it would seem that we have a case somewhat analogous to that of the grey reed-bucks ( Cervicapra arundinum) of the Songi river, near its entrance into Lake Nyasa. These, it may be remembered, were de- scribed by Dr. Sclater (‘ P.Z.S.’ 1900, p. 429) as a new species, under the name of C. penricei ; but, as I have pointed out on page 224 of my ‘ Game Animals of Africa,’ it cannot be regarded as more than a local variety or possibly race. Eight speci- mens of these pale grey reed-bucks were known when Dr. Sclater wrote, but it does not appear to be ascertained whether they form a colony by themselves, or whether they mingle with normally coloured animals like the Lorian white water- bucks. In the case of both species it is difficult to understand how the pale variety is maintained, unless individuals of the aberrant type normally pair together.— R. L. (Extract from ‘ Field,' September 3, 1910). 76 MARABOU STORK— MUSEUM— NOTE ATTITUDES OF MARABOU STORK DURING FLIGHT A distinguished ornithologist, Mr. Pycraft, writes to inquire if any members of the Society can give information on the following point from actual observation in the field. Does the Marabou stork fly with its neck stretched out like a swan or drawn back like a heron ? It is a simple question, but most people when asked to state from memory which is the fact will own that they are not quite sure. Editor. RECENT DONATIONS TO MUSEUM Case of mineralogical specimens, Capt. O’Meara. Head of Congo buffalo, Q. Grogan. Vulture skins (two) with nest and egg, Capt. Slatter. Native skull dug up near Nyeri, J. W. T. McClellan. Snake in spirit, D. Fawcus. Reference collection E.A. butterflies, F. J. Jackson. Ammonites from Changamwe Shales, 0. Hyatt. Crested crane skin, Major A. E. Capell. Skin and skull of Ratel mellivora, A. M. Champion. Old Arabic documents, F. W. Isaac. Native curios, Various district officials. Skin of Jack Snipe, E. K. Boileau. NOTE BY THE HONORARY SECRETARY Donation to the Museum The Committee have great pleasure in announcing that they have received, on the eve of going to press, a most generous donation of £100 from Mr. W. N. McMillan towards the equipment and furnishing of the Museum. NOTE BY HONORARY SECRETARY— NOTICE 77 This liberal gift will place the Museum finances upon a sound basis, enabling the committee to order such further cases as are immediately necessary, and also to create a fund for the setting up and mounting of specimens. The Committee wish to place on record their deep gratitude to Mr. McMillan for his handsome gift which has arrived very opportunely, the cost of furnishing the Museum with its teak cases, together with the expense of publishing the Journal, being more than the funds of the Society could be expected to bear. The Committee are now relieved of any apprehension regarding funds for the equipment of the Museum, and it is hoped the Society will be able, with members’ co-operation, to make an interesting exhibit of the fauna of the country, to which Mr. McMillan’s public- spirited generosity will have contributed very largely. NOTICE The annual subscription to the Society is Rs. 15 or £1. Members desirous of joining should apply to the Honorary Secretary, Nairobi, and forward the amount of their sub- scription. The annual subscription entitles members to all publications of the Society for the current year. 78 o rH CP CO pq pq pq S pq o pq ft Sz? O Eh pq pq lx! C/2 pq o £; ◄ ft < pq O VP o o 00 CO # VP Cl O o T—» OP it>HO Hrt CO H Til tp OP o t-H T — 1 CO t-H r-i 02 . . o Ph • • • • t-H OP rH .. rH ... # CO w *-i P5 CD D P H H Q 55 £ : : • 1 S H P< G .2 ft H pq *§ &P : • a O 00 3 *2 r3 d CD O P El 2 * « pq • -8 13 fcJCUw &P © pq .S ° -3 tUD -+^ •g § § ce -4-3 m O G c3 Ph Ph ft o S S Ah pq CO o o o CO OP o © o OP eg t-H cb VP © OP Ph t-H rfi O VP o t-H t-H CO i — 1 rH 02 ■+=> • «+-) . . . Ph 02 . O c3 • • * 5-4 ^ © .2 Ph * s-= • C') • • • 02 ^ BMM 02 03 ^ H o ° Pk rH * • • * H O w Ph ^ £ 05 rP G °Q o ^ m /-H • * 1 1 § i I m o o o o CD © fl 03 13 pq r^l CD s CD © 3 o3 7-j o3 § ffl m pq Ph c3 ?H OD O -+■3 c6 a \ I 43 5 t -> % K