TLhc journal OF THE East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society November 1912 VOL. III. No. 5 CONTENTS 1. OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY 2 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1911. By the Honorary Secretary . 3 NOTES ON COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA. By R . J.Cuninghame 4. THE THOWA RIVER. By Arthur M. Champion 5 EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA. By C. W. Hobley 6. GAME OF N. KAVIRONDO, By C W. Woodhouse . . . ^ 7. JORES’ METHOD OF PRESERVING NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS By Dr. P. H. Ross and A. B. Percival . . . , . . • „ 8. PRESERVATION OF SEA FISH IN JORES’ SOLUTION. By R, J CUNINGHAME ......... 9. SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA. By C. W. Hobley. . 10. LIST OF PLANTS AND TREES IN, V, C. S, GARDEN, NAIROBI By E. Battiscombe and C. W. Hobley .... NOTES ON SPITTING COBRAS. By S. W. J. Scholefield DESTRUCTION OF MAIZE BY JACKALS. By C. M. Dobbs SOLITARY ELEPHANT IN KAVIRONDO. By C. W. Woodhouse NOTE BY COMMITTEE 37 EDITORIAL EVENING ME ETINGS ILLUSTRATIONS BARRACUDA JSPHYRAENA.OP^YNfroa y £§£Mp°aSa?£ W^a ON THE^MUD^PA?. RIVER BED AT ’ ’ | Frontispiece KASILUNI 3 KWA' _ PANS NEAR KILUMBI , _ . . THE TWO AKAMBA HUNTERS SOLO AND MUNUBI . SKETCH MAP OF THE THOWA RIVER • STONE IMPLEMENTS (OBSIDIAN) FROM BRITISH EAST FIGS. I & II Ill & IV STONE IMPLEMENTS FOUND BY DR.S FELIX [OSWALD, Champion , . ...... • AFRICA By A. M EDITORS C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G. T.r J. ANDERSON, B.Sc. LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, NEW YORK, BOMBAY AND CALCUTTA Jill rights reserved Ski Additional copies: to members, Bs. ,3 (4j‘) ; to non-mefoberSy 3.: 4 1 mmm ■ H l \Aa^2Ciw8 BARRACUDA (SPHYRAENA, OP:) Weight 45 lbs., length 4 ft. 10 in., girth 1 ft. 8J in. March, 1912. THE MOMBASA ‘ KOLI KOLI ’ (THYNNUS SP:) Weight 18 lbs. .Total length 3 feet 2 in. Mombasa, May 1912. THE JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY November, 1912. VOL. III. No. 5 Ipatr one 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 F. J. JACKSON, C.B., C.M.G., F.Z.S., F.L.S., M.B.O.U. Uicc=ipresiDent C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G., M.R.Anthrop.Inst. ^Executive Committee T. J. ANDERSON, B.A., B.Sc. A. G. ANDERSON E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNNI.NGHAME, F.Z.S. A. J. KLEIN A. BLAYNEY PERCIYAL, F.Z.S. R. J. STORDY, M.R.C.V.S., M.B.O.U. R. B. WOOSNAM, F.Z.S. IbonorarE {Treasurer W. McGREGOR ROSS, B.A., M.Sc., B.E. Ibonorarg Secretary JOHN SERGEANT Ibouorarg Curators E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNNINGHAME, F.Z.S. 1912 Vol. III.— No. 5. 2 LIST OF DONOES TO MUSEUM Black, M. A., Reptile specimen. Blanke, Reptile specimen. Bool, E. A., Skulls of Forest Hogs, &c. Champion, A., Reptile specimen. Cunninghame, R. J., 300 small Mammals. A Collection of 150 Sea Fish from Mombasa, and 30 Books of Reference for the Library. Dunman, H. B., a complete Elephant Skull. Elkington, Mbs., Snake specimen. Fairweather, F. A., White Ant specimens. Fawcus, D., Reptile specimen. Fischer, E. A., Birds and Reptiles. Frick, C., Alcoholic Tanks and Cases. Hampson, G., some Snakes and small Mammals specimens. Hobley, C. W., Snakes, Insects, and Human Crania. Hollis, A. C., Anthropological Measuring Instruments for Crania, &c., Books for Library. Holmes, Mrs., many Snakes and Reptiles. Hunter, A. C., Reptile specimens. Klein, A. J., Bird specimens. Lane, C. R. W., a collection of Kikuyu Curios. Luckman, Capt. A. 0., many Snakes and Reptiles. McLellan-Wilson, R., Snake specimens. McMillan, W. N., Specimen Cases and Reptiles. Muggeridge, Mrs., New Zealand Curios. Neave, S. A., a collection of Birds. Newland, V. M., Native Curios. Percival, A. B., a collection of some 900 identified Birds, 500 identified small Mammals, 250 identified ditto, many River Fish specimens, and some land Shells. Rainsford, R. F., Geological specimens. Scholefield, S. W. J., Snakes. Seth-Smith, M. P., Skins and Skulls of small Antelopes, Jackals, &c. Turner, H. J. A., many Mounted Bird specimens. Wilson, J., Bird specimens. Woodhouse, C. W., Giraffe and other Skulls. Woosnam, R. B., many Bird specimens, also Buffalo Skulls, Rhino Horns, and Reptiles. REPORT 3 REPORT, 1911 Through the absence of several Members of the Committee from the country, and pressure of business and official duties upon others, the affairs of the Society during the past year, the Com- mittee regret to record, have been more or less at a standstill, and there has been a considerable falling off in Membership. During the year the Society has been fortunate in receiving two handsome donations for the Museum, one of £100 from Mr. W. N. Macmillan and one of £25 from Mr. Gilbert Blaine. These generous donations will more than cover the cost of the cases which are now completed and installed in the Museum, and have also enabled the Committee to obtain from home setting-up material, mounting boards, preservatives, labels, bottles, botanical papers, &c. &c. A considerable amount of material is now in the possession of the Society, and steady efforts will be made to arrange and catalogue the specimens in such a way as to render them accessible to Members for purposes of reference. When this is done it is believed that further material will flow in at an increased rate. The work of arrangement is being divided up amongst various Members of the Committee and others, and will, it is believed, be completed at an early date. It is proposed to notify Members from time to time in the Journal as to what class of specimens is mostly needed to make our collection representative. At present anything and everything which can be obtained will be welcomed, if it is properly preserved and labelled with full data, &c. Ac. It is gratifying to be able to report that His Excellency Sir Percy Girouard has asked Members of the Administra- tion to obtain specimens of heads of the greater fauna for the Society’s collection, and that he takes an interest in the Society’s progress. Mr. McGregor Ross kindly gave a lecture in Garvie’s Hall on the evening of August 2, in aid of the funds of the Society, entitled ‘ Down the Tana River,’ illustrated by a series of lantern views, at which His Excellency the Governor and suite were present, and from which the funds of the Society received considerable benefit. 4 COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA The publication of the second number of the 1911 Journal, No. 4, has been greatly delayed owing to the causes already referred to, the MS. having only been sent off a few weeks ago. Journal No. 5, the first number for 1912, is nearly complete and should be ready for the publishers in a short time. It is not proposed at present to attempt to issue more than two numbers of the Journal per annum, as it is difficult to obtain articles or notes for more. Proposals relating to the alteration of Rule 6 providing for the creation of a new class of Members to be termed Associate Members, whose subscription would be only Rs.7*50 per annum, are about to be laid before the Members, who will be asked to vote upon the proposals simultaneously with the voting for the new Committee. The Society now exchanges publications with most of the principal Societies of a kindred nature in the world, and the Library is being continually augmented by their Reports and Periodicals. The British Museum Authorities have also presented the Society with Catalogues of their various sections, which should prove very helpful to our Members for reference. John Sergeant, Honorary Secretary. May 14, 1912. NOTES ON COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA1 By R. J. Cuninghame During the months of March and April 1912, 1 was at Mom- basa making a collection of sea fish for the British Museum, but on my arrival at the coast all the native fishing population formed a ring to frustrate my object and I found it impossible to obtain a native boat or any assistance. I had every sympathy with their dogged opposition, for how can one expect a hybrid native to grasp the unlimited possibilities of scientific achieve- 1 Re-written from an address delivered at the Museum, Nairobi, on May 30, 1912. COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA 5 ment or the ethics of sport? I had the active assistance of officials and residents at Mombasa, who endeavoured to explain to the fishermen my object in securing fish, but it was without avail. I was supposed to have arrived to inaugurate a white man’s sea-fishing commercial industry, and if that was founded they saw the extinction of their profession. For ten days I played the well-known political game of ‘ wait and see.’ I took a fish tank down to the market and placed some fish into a preservative solution after having taken many measurements, tying on leather labels, and asking endless questions. I also paid well for my specimens. Very soon this began to appeal to them, and I came to be well known to many of the fishers. They concluded I was peaceably inclined but mad, and therefore certain concessions might be made to me, and in this way I at last made a bargain for a sort of dug-out with a crew of four professional fishermen. Many of you may conclude that sea fishing in tropical seas is a very pleasant pastime, but I can assure you that, if you try, you will discover that the heat is most overpowering and the fierce glare from the shimmering water induces most violent headaches after being out, say, eight hours in a dug-out. Blue glasses give some relief, and should be worn constantly. The Mombasa fishermen are wonderfully skilled and in- genious in their devices for capturing fish. They make their own lines, and most serviceable material it is. Their ‘ owzeeo,’ or fish traps, are the same as those found amongst all fishing communities in Africa, and the owners make a good living out of them. Then they have huge lobster-pots or creels of some seven feet in length, four feet broad, and two feet high. These they sink inside and outside the reef in some four or five fathoms of water. To lift them, two men go out in a dug-out, and on reaching a creel one of them dives to the bottom and makes inspection. If there are fish caught, the creel is hauled up and dexterously placed athwart the dug-out and balanced there, a feat which no white man can perform. The fish are prodded out with a pointed stick, fresh bait is inserted, and over slides the fish-pot again, often accompanied by a fisherman who guides it to a good position. The bait used is a seaweed, gathered from the reef at low tide. COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA These creels are made of coco-nut and palm-leaf strips, and are very durable, but must be thoroughly dried twice a month. Then they have large drag-nets taking a dozen men to haul. These are made of the same material as the fish creels. They are put out from a boat in about five feet of water, in a semi- circle, and the total length of rope and net will be some eighty yards. During the process of dragging the net in, three men go out to the furthest end and remain under water as much as possible, clearing the net from the coral boulders. I noticed that the variety of fish taken was always very poor, but the men were well repaid by the quantity. I collected over 200 fish, each representing a different species, sub-species, or variety, but as I possess no particular ichthyological training my determinations in many cases may be wrong. I take it that pronounced and recurrent differences in markings, such as maculation, lines of colour, and angle of gill slit, constitute what are termed good characteristics, and on this assumption I base my 200 or more distinct varieties of fish. I do not propose to enter into any minute description, but simply to give my general ideas and observations on some of the species found in Mombasa waters. There are about twenty-two local or annual species which are always present in the vicinity of Mombasa. Then you have two great immigrations, one from the north with the north- east monsoon, and the other from the south with the south- west monsoon. During the short time (a little over two months) that I was actively engaged in collecting, I secured 112 specimens of fish, which I believe to be part of the northern lot, and some 68 specimens which most undoubtedly arrived from the south shortly after the south-west monsoon broke. The period of the north-east monsoon ranges from December to March, and that of the south-west monsoon from April to October, and it is during this period that the rainy season occurs. The direct cause of any wide movement of animal life is COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA 7 always of peculiar interest, and I took special notes regarding their maximum and minimum weights, for fish, I believe, migrate only for two reasons. Firstly, the fry of certain fish roam immense distances, seeking new feeding grounds and steadily increasing their size, and consequent ability of journey- ing greater distances in a reduced time ; and, secondly, when adult, they seek with their elders the suitable spawning grounds that may have been used for generations. The native fishermen are well acquainted with the seasonal changes of fish life, but always refer to the southern immigration as ‘ when the wind comes with the rain.’ The methods of capture that I employed were hand lines, trammel-net, seine-net, and trolling. But few species (compara- tively speaking) are caught by hand lining, and the best places are situated in deep water of fifty to eighty fathoms, which renders the capture rather laborious. The trammel is certainly a failure in these waters, as the tides are uniformly far too strong and the bottom too rocky to allow the net to fish properly. The seine-net often catches quantities, but for collecting a good variety of specimens it is hardly worth the labour after having tried it some half-dozen times. In the scores of fish-traps, both on the ocean front and in the lagoons around Mombasa Island, I procured many of my best specimens, and during suitable conditions of the tide I used to patrol the coast and look over eight or ten different catches in a few hours. Then the lobster-pots or creels gave me quite a few fish, which are not obtainable except by this method of capture. By the way I call them lobster-pots, but there are no lobsters on the African coast. The fish called lobsters are Cray-fish, of wThich there seems to be two species locally. Now I should like to say a little about the Game fish. Unfortunately I arrived rather late in the fishing season to study fish from a sporting standpoint, and by the time I had about completed my collection the south-west monsoon had broken and it was impossible to go away out upon the ocean. I, however, had a little experience, and I have collected a good deal of what I believe to be reliable information from native sources. When at sea I had often observed two quite different species 8 COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA leaping away some four miles out from land, and one day I took a friend with a tarpon rod, reel, and line. We got well outside, and trolled with a small two -inch pike spinning- bait called a ‘ clipper spinner.’ When about three miles out, and in the hundred fathom-line, something took bait and for half an hour we had great sport ; the fish never showed himself, but his rushes wTere really serious during the beginning of the struggle. On being brought alongside and gaffed, his vitality was such that he bent a new strong steel gaff. This fish I believe to be the Barracuda and it weighed forty-five pounds ; the weight is not great, but the power of the fish far exceeds that of any salmon of similar weight. The Barracuda is a cosmopolitan fish inhabiting the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans, and is often caught by the dhows when they are on passage from Muscat to Zanzibar. Provided the boat is going at a sufficient rate of speed, say, about eight miles an hour, the Barracuda will take a piece of white cloth with a bit of red material sewn on it. Any silver spinning-bait with a red tassel seems effective ; also as a natural bait, Squid, or a fish very similar to Holacanthus diacanthus may be used. Its jaws have most formidable teeth and a steel trace is essential to prevent many disappointments. In Mombasa waters they are fairly numerous, and at high tide I have seen large examples leaping ten feet out of the water opposite Kilindini pier. They come up the channel after the small sprats and remain in the inshore waters only about two hours, i.e. between the turning of the high tide. The native name is the ‘ Unguo ’ and three species are recognised. As a game fish he is well worth trying for, and he is literally found just off the pier head at Kilindini. The Frontispiece shows the Barracuda caught at Mom- basa, and you will observe the great breadth of the tail in comparison with that of the body. The Barracuda, I may mention, is a resident of Mombasa waters. Another sporting fish is the Dolphin fish or ‘ Faloosi ’ of the Swahilis, seen in the rough sketch. This is essen- tially a migrant and arrives from the north about December, and all have passed south by the end of March. They are COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA 9 caught in large numbers by the natives, who troll for them with a single hook, baited with a piece of squid. On a fish being hooked they haul him up to within a boat’s length and then throw out three more previously prepared baited hooks. The result is that as the school passes, a catch of five or six Dolphin fish are unceremoniously hauled aboard. If trolled by rod and line of light make, say, a thirteen-ounce rod, very fine sport will be had ; the average weight is about eight pounds, but for ten minutes they develop the energy of a fifteen pounder. While playing them, they are as much out of the sea as in it, but when landing them a gaff should not be used as they have a strong leathery skin which even a gaff skates about on, and Dolphin Fish or ‘ Faloosi ’ ( Cory'phaena , sp.) Weight 26 lb. Total length 3 ft. 10 in. Mombasa, March 1910. will not readily penetrate. A large-mouthed landing-net would meet the case. The Dolphin fish will take a ‘ spoon bait ’ or a ‘ clipper spinner,’ but the palate has a bony surface and the mouth is relatively small ; therefore a triangle hook is of not much use. It should be single and long in the shank. The largest of these fish I saw weighed twenty-six pounds. The natives recognise two varieties, but I very much doubt the correctness of this. The ‘ Faloosi ’ is always on migration when in the neigh- bourhood of Mombasa, and goes about in shoals of fifty or more. It is a surface feeder, and, as far as my knowledge goes, spawns in the Persian Gulf and travels down the coast of Africa to the vicinity of Mauritius. After that it is never seen again on its return north. It probably seeks deeper waters and 10 COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA returns whence it came after the manner of the common herring in the Atlantic. Now I come to speculate a little. I well know that specula- tion is very bad science ; still I am not writing a scientific article about these Game fish, but speaking more from a general point of view. My readers will be acquainted with the American Tuna of the Pacific coast, of which there are three varieties : Thurnus alalonga, with the very attenuated side-fins ; Thunnus thynus, which is the name of the giant Tuna; and Thunnus maculatus, or yellow-finned Tuna. In the Mediterranean we again find the Tuna under the name of Tunni. This fish is T. mediterraneus and known in the Mediterranean as Thon. It has never been known to take any sort of bait and is there captured in wire nets. Further East still, we find a fish apparently identical with T. alalonga , or long-finned Tuna, in the neighbourhood of Aden, where the Somalis fish for them and sun-dry them for commercial purposes. Then again at Malindi, on the moufch of the Athi or Sabaki River, reports have reached me of a fish that most closely resembles a Tuna in appearance, habits, and behaviour when hooked. Off Mombasa the same fish is known to be present from December to February. My informants have given me minute descriptions of the methods they employ for their capture, and have identified the fish from large illustrations I have shown them. Apparently there are two species of Tunas to be found off Mombasa, the long finned (T. alalonga) known as ‘ Djodari ’ at Mombasa, and the yellow-finned Tuna (T. viaculatus) known as Sayhaywa. At Mombasa they feed largely on flying fish, which is also their chief diet off the coast of California, where sportsmen resort in large numbers and use dead flying-fish as bait. Most unfortunately I was not fishing at Mombasa during the months these fish were passing through those waters, so that all I have to tell you about them is open to a certain amount of doubt ; but at the same time I feel convinced that a true Game sporting type of ocean-going fish awaits anyone who COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA 11 can afford the leisure to try various forms of bait with rod and line. The Sayhaywa, i.e. T. maculatus or yellow-finned Tuna, are present till the beginning of March and are always found in deep water, about three to five miles out at sea. They range in size from twelve to eighty pounds and their length runs from two to four feet, but they increase very disproportionately in girth as they develop. They are often seen jumping after flying fish, and they clear a height out of the water of some five to six feet. With regard to the native method of capture, the fishermen first catches about ten pounds’ weight of a Sardine-like fish called ‘ Seemu,’ with a hand seine -net. As they are released from the net they are transferred into a special basket covered with sacking, which is secured to the gunwale of the boat, and immersed in the sea. When the desired amount of fish have been caught they proceed to sea, and when far enough out lower sail and mast and drift with the tide. A few of the live Sardines are then let loose and a handful more are taken and mushed up in the hands under the water.1 This is done to create a smell of oil. The process is kept up at intervals of a quarter of an hour ; and, when Tuna shows up, one Sardine fish is quickly placed on a hook by passing the same through both eyes, and is cast out. A live bait, so secured, will remain alive for about half an hour, and as long as it is alive there is a chance of a Tuna taking it, but they never take a dead natural bait. When hooked, the Tuna never shows himself, but rushes straight away, though without any sound. There is about 240 fathoms of strong line coiled in the boat and about three-quarters of this is allowed to run out. Then pressure is applied by hand and the fish is checked, and, if possible, hauled in a bit. When a rush is made again the line is let go, and so it goes on for two or three hours with a big fish. Often they think the fish is lost, but it is only rushing towards the boat, and the surprise is very sudden to him who is handling the line. 1 I believe this is also practised in California and termed ‘ Chumming.’ 12 COLLECTING SEA FISH AT MOMBASA Sometimes the men, by putting on a careful strain, manage to get the Tuna to tow the boat about. To get a Tuna aboard, a harpoon is used to spear him when alongside ; he is then roughly hauled up to the boat’s side and struck on the head till quiet. Another way of catching Tuna is to troll for them, with a good breeze at, say, six miles an hour. The same hook and line are used, and the bait may be a triangular piece of squid or a bit of white cloth. Both the Mombasa Tuna are greedy for flying fish, but it is next to impossible to secure that bait ; but if when a Tuna is caught it is cut open there is always the chance of finding a freshly swallowed flying-fish. If so, use it. The natives recognise three species of Tuna, two of which they call 4 Say hay wa,’ and the other 4 Djodari ’ ; the latter is the largest and scarcest, and all seem to have traces of yellow on the fins and tail, but this colouration varies according to species. I could not determine exactly the individual distinc- tion of colour, as the native mind cares but little for the exact areas of pigmentation found on the fish he catches. Two more Game fish deserve notice, which are named the 4 Tangessi,’ and the 4 Koli Koli ’ ( see Frontispiece). The Tangessi are a pike-like fish and are present throughout the year. They apparently spawn in these waters, but do not take a bait until they are about fifteen pounds in weight, while a large fish will scale forty pounds. They may be caught both inside and outside the reef. For bait employ squid or a silver spoon, and sail at a good rate. When hooked they jump vigorously, but are not strong fighters. The 4 Koli Koli ’ at first sight reminds one of Tuna alalonga , the long- finned variety, but though belonging to the same genus they are vastly inferior from a sportsman’s point of view. These fish are present in Mombasa waters during nine months of the year, being absent in August, September, and October. In size they run from two pounds to fifty pounds, which indicates that they spawn in these waters. For bait a live Perch, resembling a sea Perch and called ‘ Tawa ’ by the Swahilis, is the best ; the hook is passed THE THOWA RIVER 13 through the dorsal fin, allowing the bait to swim alive for nearly an hour. They can be caught with a piece of squid by trolling, and on taking the bait they rush straight away at a great speed, but apparently do not make a good fight. They are never seen leaping at sea, and during May they are very plentiful and can be caught inside the reef. When the north-east monsoon blows they are always found out in the ocean. Considering that indications of the presence of big Game fishes are to be found off Mombasa, I can only hope that some- one with sufficient leisure may soon undertake to give the capture of them by means of rod and line a fair and exhaustive trial. To do this successfully the use of a motor-boat is, in my opinion, essential. The local craft of all shapes and sizes are quite un- suited for the attempt, except in the inshore waters. The tides are comparatively strong, and during the best fishing months, December to March, the wind is very fitful and moderate, and causes hours of delay in reaching the outside fishing grounds where the big fish may be found. As regards the question of the preservative I employed, and the results in my hands, I refer the reader to page 39 of this Journal, where a short article I have written on the subject will be found. In a later issue I hope to chronicle a list of the fish in my collection, coupled with a few individual notes. THE THOWA RIVER By Arthur M. Champion The course of this river had for some years been a subject of much dispute, at any rate among those who have had any connection with the Kitui district. Opinions varied so widely that by some it was held to be in the Tana basin, whilst others maintained that it joined the Tiva and eventually flowed into the Sabaki. 14 THE THOWA RIVER Some years ago Captain Aylmer led an expedition down the Tiva, and, though he was unable to get as far as he intended, obtained quite conclusive evidence that the river was absorbed in the sands of the Nyka. He also ascertained from the natives that the Thowa pursued an easterly course and was terminated by a lake of some size. During a residence of more than two years in Kitui the natives had given me such conflicting information with regard to this river, that I naturally became more and more anxious to find out for myself, and so make an end to these disputes and conjectures. My work had frequently taken me to regions traversed by this river in its upper course, where it flows through a well-populated and not unfertile valley. During the rains I had found it to contain a great volume of water which not infrequently overflowed the channel. The muddy waters swept past me with no uncertain current, bearing along huge logs of dead wood and other debris. It seemed hardly credible that such a quantity of water could be absorbed before reaching the sea. Some years ago Mr. Lane, when District Commissioner at Kitui, followed the river some thirty miles east of Mutha, and quite recently Mr. Scholefield has done the same. Both reported a well-defined broad channel running due east. Judging from reports some difficulty with the water-supply might be expected, and so it was considered best to set out as soon after the cessation of rains as possible. The November- December rain in the Kitui district had not been good, so that arrangements were made for carrying two days’ water if neces- sary. In spite, however, of a rather late start, this provision was found unnecessary. Mutha was reached by January 14 and here I found that the Chief Ngovi had already picked me out thirty of his strongest men, besides eight reserve men who, in addition to their bows and arrows, were armed with large knives for cutting the bush, which report said was very dense. Two old elephant hunters were also enlisted : Solo, an intrepid pursuer of all game, with a reputation of two hundred elephants to his poisoned shafts ; and Munubi, who had retired from the profession years past, and who was a man of extreme caution. After leaving Mutha THE THOWA RIVER 15 we could hope for no supplies, as the country was reported to be quite uninhabited as far as the banks of the Tana, except for hunting parties of Galla and Ariungula. We did not, however, meet a human being from the day we left Mutha to the day we got back. At sunrise on the following day we set out, a safari of fifty men in all, and reached Tulima, where a small pool of surface water was found. Tulima, as its name infers, is a little hill composed of granite-gneiss and is the most easterly of the great north and south dykes that constitute the hills of the Kitui district. Eastward the country was quite flat, with a straight and uninterrupted horizon of brown scrub. At Lane’s Camp we first struck the Thowa, which was found to be about eighty yards broad, with a dry and sandy bed. Water of an excellent quality was, however, found at a depth of one foot. Up to this point the bush had been very thick, and, though we had followed an old track, considerable cutting was necessary before porters with loads could pass. The river banks were low and fringed with gigantic acacias known to the Akamba as * Mimina.’ In places a few rocks were exposed, and these consisted of banded gneisses and other Archaean rocks, all very hard and compact. Owing to the existence of so much bush and the entire flatness of the country, exposures of rock were quite insufficient for anything like a geological survey of the country. Judging from the sand and soil I think one may safely say that all the rocks belong to the Archaean Age, and that they lie for the most part in a practically horizontal position. Nowhere did we come across sedimentary rocks of any kind, except a few very recent river and lake deposits. A few loose fragments of phonolite were found lying about, but not seen in situ. These rocks I have also found north-east of Endau. The third day after the Thowa had been crossed and left on our right, we encountered more open country and had no difficulty in following a track which had been kept more or less open by the passage of elephants. This led us into quite a hospitable-looking country, well provided with pools of water. It was by the side of one of these, known to the hunters as Eyani Mutumbi, that the camp was pitched. This pool was 16 THE THOWA RIVER about eighty yards across and about two or three feet deep, and should provide water for, certainly, two months after the cessation of rains. Up to this point we had seen no game, though Spoor of elephant, giraffe, oryx, and buffalo had been plentiful. A herd of five giraffes, delightfully unconscious of the camp, came down in the evening to drink at this pool. From this day onwards we were continually amongst game, though the fact was not so obvious in the bush country as on the open plain. On leaving this camp we soon emerged from the well-watered region and struck into a scrub — thick, thorny, and fearfully dry. Twelve miles of this were traversed before we could reach the river Thowa. We crossed it immediately, the breadth here being fifty yards, and encamped. This camp I have called the Thowa River Camp, as I could find no name for the locality. To the south lay an open alluvial plain, on which were to be seen eland, oryx, zebra, and Peter’s gazelle. Beyond this point the general aspect of the country under- went a considerable change. The bush became more open, except for the forest fringe on either side of the river. These gigantic acacias and dom palms (Hyphcene thebaica) still held sway, protecting an entangled undergrowth, the home of count- less elephants. These beasts, it appears, shelter here in the heat of the day, browsing off the green vegetation, and only at night come out to wander afield. On one occasion only did I see an elephant in the open scrub country, but all day long they were to be heard within the fringe of forest. From the sounds themselves and the devastated condition of these same forests, I should say there must have been hundreds. Grass became very scanty giving place to large open spaces (vide photo) or mud-pans. In some places this mud was smooth and firm with a surface like asphalt, in others sun- cracked. Oryx, eland, lesser kudu, and gerenuk became quite numerous, and in the early morning were to be seen standing about on these open places. Henceforward we followed the river for three days, at times pushing our way through the forest belt, at others making good pace over the mud-pans. At Watolo, where there is a large pool, the river divides, one arm running northwards and DOM PALM IN THE KATHUA RIVER BED AT KASILUNI KWA MAHUNDU ON THE MUD PANS NEAR KILUMBI. THE THOWA RIVER 17 losing itself in an extensive swamp known as the Kamaka forest, a spot beloved by the old elephant-hunters. The southern arm, which is the main river, is very difficult to follow ; but on being joined by the Ngutu river reasserts itself in a remarkable manner, and runs in a broad and well-defined channel as far as Mutila. Beyond this point I am told it again divides, but at Kauti I found only one channel and that com- paratively narrow. From Kilumbi to Mutila the forest belt is much wider and abounds with elephants, but I did not see any very big tuskers. The largest that I saw might have scaled 70 lb., but the owner had but one. From Kauti onwards the river became steadily narrower, but the heavy quartz sand, met with above, had for the most part given place to a fine mud, which set fairly hard and made walking much less arduous. On January 25 we reached Muthungui, where the river loses itself in sand and mud. This spot is covered with trees of some size, thick undergrowth and rank grass, and during the rains must be very swampy. This was the farthest point reached, and, according to my fixing, measures eighteen miles from the Tana at a point called Marumbini ; there I climbed a tree, one of the highest, but could see no signs of the Tana River. Eastwards the Thowa was no more, and the country presented an unbroken horizon of brown scrub. Turning west I could see the course of the Thowa, well-defined by the green belt of trees fringing either bank. The aneroid recorded an elevation of 360 feet above sea-level. The guides said that there was no water between Muthungui and the Tana, but that there existed a waterhole dug by the Galla people. It was doubtful if we should find water there. Moreover it appeared to be out of the direct line, so that two days would be required to reach the river. Shortage of supplies compelled us to relinquish the attempt to reach the Tana. From Kauti, by way of varying the return route, we struck north-west till we met with the Kathua.1 This river we intended to follow up to its source, which the guides said was in the Endau range. A five-hour march brought us to a very small and dry 1 Ka is a Kikumba diminutive, Kathua therefore means small Thua. Thowa should, I think, be spelt Thua, but I have adhered to the old spelling. Vol. III.— No. 5 0 18 THE THOWA EIYEE watercourse, up which we worked our way. The width gradually increased, and we were soon astonished to find our- selves in a bed as broad as that of the Thowa, and fringed with large trees and dom palms. Water was found at a depth of about four or five feet in the sand. The next day we continued up the river to a spot called Kasiluni Kwa Mahundu. In times past the guides told me Mahundu had been a mighty hunter and this was his favourite haunt. In fact, I was shown a gnarled old tree much disfigured by Mahundu in his efforts to make a suitable platform from which to shoot down at the elephants as they came to drink. Solo also seemed well up in the geography of the neighbourhood, and volunteered to go on up to another waterhole and see if water was obtainable. He returned early next morning, but his news was not encouraging, so we struck back on to the Thowa again and pursued our old track back to Mutha. Though we failed to reach the Tana, the main object of the trip had been performed, namely, the determination of the course of the Thowa. Furthermore, I am convinced that Captain Aylmer’s information was, in the main, correct. From the general appearance of the country between the Thowa Eiver Camp and Kauti, and especially from the existence of these mud-pans, I am of the opinion that during the rains that region is for the most part under water : in this I am also supported by the evidence of the natives I had with me. From the appearance of the higher ground it would seem that the rainfall in these parts is very small. The flood must be entirely derived from the rains that fall on the hills which compose the centre and inhabited parts of the Kitui district. At Muthungui there was a marked tree which, I was in- formed, stood at the termination of the river, but owing to exceptionally heavy rains, which occurred some years ago, this seems to have been extended so that the waters have now been pushed on several hundred yards. The whole country, with the exception perhaps of a few hundred yards on either side of the river, is, I should say, entirely worthless. If the flood could be controlled, a limited cultivation might be possible, but at present I understand that the entire lack of water, even in the river bed during THE TWO AKAMBA HUNTERS SOLO AND MUNUBI. Note. — According to Kikamba custom the end of the trunk was cut off before life was entirely extinct. THE THOWA EIVEE 19 the drought, precludes the possibility of European or even native occupation. The Akamba consider the Thowa Eiver Camp as the extreme eastern limit of their territory, and the guides became quite anxious beyond this point, lest we should be attacked at night by hunting parties of the Galla. From what they said it would seem that the locality had been the scene of many fights between rival hunting parties of Galla and Akamba for possession of each other’s ivory. As far as the Thowa Eiver Camp we had followed along an old track which at times became quite lost, but the guides, never losing their bearings, took direction from one marked tree to another. These seemed to be well-known landmarks to a number of the men. Beyond, no path existed ; but so skilfully did these men march from one landmark to another that the absence of the path caused no anxiety or delay. In the inhabited parts of Kitui the Baobab trees frequently serve as convenient landmarks, but here they were entirely absent. The scrub presents an infinite variety of bushes, some dry and thorny, others with a soft green foliage, and a few bearing eatable berries. Three kinds of fibre were met with, but in small quantities only. No tsetse flies were seen, though some other species of biting flies were secured. Butterflies were conspicuous by their absence. The game encountered were such as have been mentioned above, with the addition of rhinoceros and a gazelle, which I took at first sight to be an immature gerenuk owing to absence of horns, but which, on closer inspection, I believe to be of another species. Greater kudu was reported, but I was only shown the spoor, with which I was not familiar. The horns of a waterbuck were picked up near Mutila. Judging from spoor, the game must be very plentiful. But in a bush of this sort, one’s field of vision is so limited that one might be led to suppose that game were very scarce. A pair of lions were heard one morning, but that was all we heard or saw of lions or leopards. Game birds are not plentiful and become scarcer as one goes east. They include guinea-fowl (vulturine with blue 20 EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA breast), francolin, sand-grouse, snipe, and lesser bustard. Other birds are comparatively scarce. Throughout the trip, which extended over twenty-eight days, I enjoyed the companionship of Mr. Lindblom, to whom I am indebted for one of the photographs here reproduced. Attached also is a sketch map, on much reduced scale, of the route taken and the course of the river. EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA By C. W. Hobley. One would expect to find relics of prehistoric man in Africa, perhaps more than anywhere on the globe, because it is the general opinion of geologists that the heart of the Continent has been continuously above the sea for a very long period, geologically speaking. This hope has not been altogether disappointed, for stone weapons and implements have been discovered in different parts of the Continent, widely apart. The two areas in which most finds have been made are South Africa and the Nile Valley. Artificial stone implements from Africa were probably first noticed in Egypt, being first accidentally found in the course of excavations for Egyptian antiquities, and owing to the extraordinary preservative qualities of the desert sand many bones, and other more or less perishable things, have come to light. In South Africa the first recorded implements were discovered about 1866, and since then many thousands have been picked up from Cape Colony to Rhodesia ; other evidences of culture, such as pottery, have been found, but they are rare. A few human remains have been found, but not to any great extent. Stone implements have also been recorded from Somaliland, Darfur, the Congo, and other places. In Europe and other parts of the world we owe a great deal to the wide occurrence of limestone deposits in preserving relics of early man, for two reasons. Limestone rocks easily weather into caves or large cavities, formed in it by the solvent action of Lee scrub ETCH M A Sc l J ! 1 L I , 5 O -r Trl J t A ( A J @ l 9 J EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 21 rain water charged with carbonic acid gas. Early man in- habited these caves and often died there. In course of time layers of stalagmite were deposited over his remains, his imple- ments, and the bones of the animals he ate, and we often have preserved for us a fairly complete record of his life. Taking Africa as a whole, limestone is rare and the convenient limestone cave does not often exist, and there- fore the chances of the preservation of natural museums are remote. The central portion of Africa was probably much thinner populated in early times than South Africa, for where thousands of implements have been found there, only dozens have been found here. Of course. South Africa has been occupied by Europeans much longer than East Africa, and much more development has been done, excavation and such like; but for all that, one would think that more should have been found. It is, however, too early to come to definite conclusions on this point. Possibly the intense volcanic action which took place in the heart of British East Africa, and which continued up to a very recent geological period, so terrified early man that he rather avoided the area and preferred countries less liable to violent eruptions and their attendant discomforts, or again it may be possible that the more savage fauna were too numerous for him to cope with : little, however, is to be gained by mere theorising. The first stone implements in British East Africa were discovered by Professor J. W. Gregory in 1892 at Gilgil, and were described by him in his delightful work ‘ The Great Rift Valley ’ (Murray). The writer found a well-worked obsidian arrowT-head some years ago a few miles north of Kisumu, many miles from any obsidian in situ ; another one of white chalcedony was obtained from among the magic stones of a Kikuyu medicine- man, and it was said to have come from the Tana Valley. Dr. F. Oswald reports having found a number of rude scrapers near Karungu, close to the shore of Lake Victoria. One of those curious perforated stones, known in South Africa as Kwe, was found a few years ago at Mwatate by Mr. Skene. 22 EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA A similar one, but broken in half, was found on a Fibre Estate at Voi.. A rude stone bowl (or mortar) was dug up a few miles south of Naivasha Station. This and the Kwe from Mwatate were figured in the writer’s book on the 4 A-Kamba,’ p. 160. Recently, beautifully worked arrow-heads were discovered in Kyambu district, on Kinangop Plateau and at Njoro, by Messrs. Montagu, Chesnaye, and Tunstall. Njoro appears to be a very promising place, for Mr. W. Tunstall has sent in a small collection of worked obsidian stones, all of which he found in the vicinity. Two very perfectly rounded quartz spheres have been found, one on the top of a kopje in the Tsavo Valley and one in a cutting on the Magadi Railway. These were probably originally reduced, roughly, to their present shape by water action in pot-holes, but were picked up by early man and used as mullers for grinding and crushing roots, &c., and thus gradually assumed a more perfectly spherical shape. The specimen from Magadi was found some distance below the surface in a recent volcanic area, and there are no pot-holes within many miles. It is said that similar round stones are used to this day by the Masai to polish their new spears, and also to sharpen or put a gritty edge on the stones on which native meal is ground. As far as is known no early pottery has yet come to light, no bone tools, and no cave drawings. More unfortunate still, no early skulls have yet been found ; but as before explained unless there is lime about, human bones very soon disintegrate and disappear. No ancient middens or rubbish heaps have yet been discovered. The materials used for the implements discovered up to date are usually obsidian, but the scrapers found by Dr. Oswald were made of basalt. As above mentioned, one arrow-head of chalcedony or agate has been recorded. The perforated stone Kwes and the Naivasha mortar were of basalt and phonolite respectively. The collections found in British East Africa are not yet large enough, and collateral evidence is too scanty, to enable any real attempt to be made at systematic classification, as Fig. I. STONE IMPLEMENTS (OBSIDIAN) FROM B.E.A. 1. From Kinsbofi ( Chesnaye). 2. From Kyambu (Montagu). 3. From Njoro (Tunstall). Fig. II. STONE IM PLEMENTS (OBSI DIAN) FROM B.E.A. All from Njoro ( Tunstall) EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 23 has been done in Europe, and, to some extent, in South Africa. In Europe the works of Stone Age man have been divided into some seven periods, commencing with the Chellean as the oldest and ending with the Azilian. Anthropologists have, however, only been able to do this on the grounds of differences in the associated faunal remains, which differences were partly due to changes of climate and partly due to the natural progress of development. In South Africa up to now the experts have not been able to correlate these European divisions with the various deposits found in that area, although they have found the remains of Mastodon, extinct form of bubaline antelope or hartebeest ; Bubalus baini, an extinct buffalo whose horns are much larger than anything now in existence, e.g. fourteen feet on the curve ; an extinct horse called Equus capensis, and traces of hyaena. In East Africa the only animal remains found in associa- tion with stone implements were found in the Morendat Valley, near Naivasha, and consisted of a fragment of the jaw of an extinct horse named Equus hollisi, by Professor Ridgeway (‘ Proceedings Zoological Society,’ October 1909) ; it was found in beds of volcanic ash deposited in late Tertiary times under the waters of Naivasha Lake, which during that period covered a much greater extent than at present. Any attempt to correlate the periods of a Stone Age in Africa with those of Europe is undesirable, for to do so one would have to work on false premises. As one well-known authority says : ‘ There never can be universal contemporaneity of an industry, and any attempt to make similar “ cultures ” of the same age over widely separated areas will receive but little support from facts in the field.’ Taking the Stone Age in Africa generally, there is little doubt that it continued on into fairly recent times and lived side by side with the use of iron. Many good authorities maintain that the art of working in iron had its birthplace in Africa, and if we accept this belief we can legitimately argue that when it appeared, or where it early obtained a firm root, it conflicted with the development of the stone-working industry, crushed it out of existence, and thus prevented its ever reaching its 24 EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA higher stages such as are represented by the beautiful polished celts, &c., of later Neolithic times in Europe. It must also be remembered that in Europe a Bronze Age intervened between the last stone implement period and the coming of iron. There is no record of such a period in Africa, but it is believed that the natives of the South Congo worked the great copper deposits of the Katanga region longer than we are apt to think. Another factor which had a profound influence in Europe was the occurrence of the Ice Age, wdiich could not have appreciably affected the human inhabitants of Central Africa. The South African implements have been divided by Dr. Peringuey into three groups which may be termed : Type 1. — Palaeolithic. Type 2. — South African Neolithic. Type 3. — Later Neolithic — which corresponds to what has generally become known as the true Neolithic in Europe. Type 1 will probably be found in East Africa and Uganda, and possibly the basalt scrapers recently discovered by Dr. Oswald near Karungu will be found to belong to this period. The majority of the implements discovered in East Africa, howrever, appear to belong to Type 2, and consist of arrow-heads and scrapers. It is curious that no bouchers or primitive stone axes have been found, as they are well known in South Africa ; but they will doubtless turn up as more people turn attention to the quest for these relics. With regard to Type 3, it is represented in Europe by beautifully worked arrow-heads, with tangs and stone axes, or celts ground or rubbed down until a smoothly worked edge was obtained, and also sometimes perforated for the handle. The only articles found in British East Africa which con- form to this type are the two perforated stones called Kwe in South Africa, and which have been previously mentioned, and the stone bowl (or mortar) found at Naivasha. Certain old steatite pipe bowls still occasionally seen, the possession of chiefs in Kavirondo, may be survivals of this class of industry ; Fig. III. STONE IMPLEMENTS (OBSIDIAN) FROM B.E.A. All from near Kikuyu Sta. The stone marked A is a core from which flakes have been struck. Fig. IV. STONE ARROWHEAD (OBSIDIAN). Found near Kyambu by Mr. Montagu. Enlarged znew of No. 2 0/ Fig. /. EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 25 also the stone weights still worn in the ears of the Masai, the stone-headed clubs used by the tribes on the south and east of Kenya, stone anvils and the primitive grinding-stones still used everywhere for making meal from maize or millet. It is quite natural to find that the use of these implements has sur- vived up to the present day in the remoter parts of the country. In the caves and middens of South Africa many flat beads have been found, made of fragments of the shell of an ostrich egg, bored and rubbed down to a roughly circular shape. As far as is known no such ornaments have been found in East Africa in association with stone implements, but among the Turkana these beads are found in use at the present day, and this may be quoted as rather an interesting example of the survival of a prehistoric industry. The perforated stones, previously referred to, deserve some notice ; they are very well known in South Africa, and are there called Kwe or Tikoe. Their range is enormous, for they are of common occurrence in Cape Colony, Orange River Colony, but rarely found in the Transvaal ; some 800 of them have been found in South Africa. They are recorded from the Tanganyika Plateau, from Kiliman- jaro, and also from near Khartum and from South Kordofan. As previously mentioned, two have been found in this country and, doubtless, more will be discovered. Similar implements are found in Europe, and they have even been recorded from Chili. In Europe they are associated with polished stone axes, and are of true and rather late Neolithic type. They are usually five or six inches in diameter with a perforation about one inch to one and a quarter inches in diameter. It has been proved in South Africa from the evidence of early travellers and bushman drawings that they were used both as weights for digging-sticks, and were fastened on sticks and used for clubs. It is probable that the stone-headed clubs, still used by some of the tribes around Mount Kenya, are survivals of the Kwe. Most of the obsidian arrow-heads and scrapers which have been discovered are evidently made from natural splinters or flakes of the rock, because numerous natural flakes are found 26 EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA in the Rift Valiev and other places alongside worked pieces ; but a core from which flakes have been artificially removed has been recently discovered. The implements are usually wrorked on one side only, and are classed as monohedral ; occasion- ally one finds one which is holokedral, or worked on all sides. These were almost certainly contemporaneous, but fashioned by workers wrho were specially adroit at the industry. The better specimens are usually found singly, and are probably the heads of arrows lost in the chase. If a quantity of worked stones are found in association, they are probably a collection of the wasters or failures ; no stone arrow-head with a tang has yet come to light. The Kikuyu people have a legend of a former race called the Gumba, of pigmy stature, and they say that the sites of their old villages can be traced ; two localities are mentioned, one near Kikuyu Station and the other in Kenya Province, near the Tana Valley, and it is said that fragments of their pottery are sometimes found when cultivation is going on. Now near Kikuyu Station numerous worked flakes are to be found ; no pottery has yet come to hand, but it is possible that the Gumba legend is a traditional record of the existence of the Stone Age men. In Kavirondo, and a few other places, certain jasper beads have, been found, and one might jump to the conclusion that these were relics of the Stone Age. So they are, in the sense that all stone beads are examples of early industries ; but the beads in question have, it is believed, wandered down from ancient Egypt and were made by skilled workmen of a com- paratively high plane of culture, for it is inconceivable that a Stone Age savage, who had only discovered how to chip rude obsidian implements, could accurately bore a truly circular hole of small diameter through an extremely hard material such as jasper. There is another very interesting point about these beads, and that is that they were made from pebbles, and besides being bored are frequently roughly ground or rubbed down into either six-sided prisms or a double six- sided pyramid, and this is believed to be mimetic of a com- mon natural crystalline form, the six-sided quartz prism or pyramid. STONE IMPLEMENTS FOUND BY DR. FELIX OSWALD. EARLY MAN IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 27 It is unfortunate that the evidence is as yet so scanty, but this sketch may perhaps induce residents to look out for, and collect relics of, the handicraft of early man. It is hoped that some of the many caves in the country will be systema- tically explored. In the event of a discovery, great care should be taken to collect the bones of any mammals found in caves in association with stone implements, as by this means we may be able to reconstruct the early history of man in this part of the African Continent and correlate his progress with that of his congeners living at that time in the Northern Hemi- sphere and in South Africa, to the record of which such careful study has been devoted by many brilliant students in Europe. A great deal of valuable information on the South African Stone Age will be found in a paper by Dr. Peringuey, Director, South African Museum, in Vol. VIII. of the Annals of the South African Museum, published 1911. Description op Plate The stone implements figured in the plate (two-thirds of the actual size) were found by me on the surface of the Lower Miocene deposits which are exposed in the terraced gullies of Nira and Kachuku, about five miles south-east of Karungu, on the east coast of the Victoria Nyanza. They are arranged on the plate in the same relative position, the apex pointing downward in each case ; the photograph shows the flaked side of the implements, the reverse displaying the bulb of percussion. In Nos. 5, 9 and 10 the tip is broken off, but the fracture is very old, for the brown patina extends equally across it. The greater number, viz. Nos. 1 to 9 and 12, consist of a black flint with brown patina, Nos. 10 and 11 are of sandstone, No 18 is of quartzite with veins of quartz, No. 14 is of quartz- porphyry, and No. 15 is of quartzite with crimson stains of hematite. The flint-implements must have been brought from a considerable distance, perhaps from the southward, for I did not find any similar rock or pebbles during my march eastwards to Kisii and thence to Homa Bay and Kendu. 28 THE GAME OF THE NORTH KAVIRONDO The quartzite of Nos. 18 and 15 doubtless comes from the quartzite of the Kisii Highlands, probably from pebbles brought down by the Kuja river. In No. 15 this is cer- tainly the case, for the reverse side shows the natural rounded surface of the pebble with only secondary chipping round the edge. No. 14 is a quartz-porphyry, rather similar to the quartz- porphyry of Najanja at the south-east angle of Homa Bay. Nos. 11 and 12 were found at Nira ; all the remainder come from Kachuku. Felix Oswald, D.Sc., F.G.S. THE GAME OF THE NORTH KAVIRONDO DISTRICT, NYANZA PROVINCE By C. W. Woodhouse The North Kavirondo district is not noted for the abun- dance of game it contains, but many interesting mammals inhabit it. The boundaries of the district are, roughly, the Yala River to the Lake ; the Lake shore to the mouth of the Sio River ; thence for about twenty miles up the Sio River, and from there to the Malaba River which it follows to Elgon ; about half of Elgon ; and the Nandi Escarpment down to the Yala River. This large area differs considerably in the character of the country, and from a zoological point of view may be conveniently divided into three divisions. Division 1. — The greater portion of the district consists of rolling grass-clad downs, with scattered bushes and small trees. Here and there are outcrops of rock and occasional copses, or woods of thorn bush and timber trees. Nearly every valley is swampy during the rains. The grass, which mainly consists of spear-grass and red top, grows to a length of about five feet. This land is fairly thickly populated and does not hold much game, an occasional duiker or reedbuck (Ward’s Bohor) being seen. Game birds are DISTRICT, NYANZA PROVINCE 29 fairly plentiful, such as snipe, quail, guinea-fowl, pigeon and an occasional francolin. Division 2. — The swamps surrounding the Lake and the mouths of the various rivers such as the Yala and Nzoia, includ- ing the larger rivers themselves — these hold a variety of animals, such as hippopotami, situtunga, otter, crocodile, and such birds as egret, duck and geese. Division 3. — The hills along the Nandi Escarpment, the valley of the Lusumu between these hills, the Nandi Escarp- ment, and the country from the Nandi Plateau to Elgon, all along the eastern boundary of the North Kavirondo district. Included in this division is Mount Elgon and its slopes. There are two large forests partly in this division, the fauna of which is fairly distinctive, viz. Kakamega and Elgon. The hills are all covered with small trees, and the grass is three to four feet long. The greater majority of the game inhabit this third division of the district towards Mount Elgon and north of the Nzoia ; on the eastern side it becomes plentiful. The head of game is doubtless maintained by migration and stragglers from the uninhabited country to the north-east of the Nyanza Province and north of the Uasin Gishu. The natives inhabiting the northern and eastern portion of the North Kavirondo district consist of the Nyarusi and cave- dwellers — Kitosh people (Bantu who circumcise), Tatzoni, and Uasin Gishu, Masai, who appear to have a good many Nandi living with them. All these tribes possess and use bows and arrows and spears for hunting game, and are often assisted by their pariah dogs. They dig an extensive and elaborate system of pit-falls, often extending for over a mile in a curve, with a pit every few feet. Eor some reason these pits are now falling into disuse, but formerly they must have accounted for many beasts. They are very cunningly situated in the exact place where an animal would turn aside to avoid a bush — in fact so well situated are they even now, when the covering has disappeared, that on riding across country without following a native path the traveller’s mule or one of his boys will suddenly vanish, and, in the case of an animal, be extricated only with difficulty. The Bantu natives, inhabiting the first division of these 30 THE GAME OF THE NORTH KAVIRONDO notes, are very skilful in trapping birds such as quail, snipe, and even guinea-fowl. In the case of quail, a most familiar sight on the country side are the poles on which are hung the decoy quails (in baskets) to attract their kindred to the snares. The quail and snipe are migratory. They are said to arrive when the wimbi is harvested. A few residents stay throughout the year. The flocks of guinea-fowl break up and pair about the beginning of April, and nest during that and the following months. Poults have been observed at the beginning of June and end of May. They are trapped by the natives with running nooses of string (sinew) set above or among grain placed to attract the birds. The noose is supported on a grass blade some inches from the ground, and attached to a piece of a small branch or pegged into the ground. The game animals observed in this district are as follows : Monkeys Colobus. — The ordinary Colobus monkey of East Africa is common in the Kakamega and Elgon forests. In the latter, the Dorobo and forest- dwelling Nyarusi state that it is migra- tory. It is said to come in large numbers, when the bamboo shoots are growing, to feed on them. The Grey Monkey (Cerco'pithecus griseoviridis (?) ) occurs in the forests and along the rivers, and is also found in the small copses. Blue Monkey ( Cerco'pithecus sykesi var. (?) ) — There are two or three varieties of the blue monkey in the district. They are all confined to the Kakamega and Elgon forests. The three varieties are : — 1. The blue monkey, showing a dirty white patch on the side of the face and on the side of the buttocks. A more or less reddish triangular patch, apex upwards, on the loins. The fur of this variety is rather short. Habitat, Kakamega forest. 2. The blue monkey from the lower slopes of Elgon. Both sexes have dark blue fur. No reddish patch. The face and ‘ whiskers ’ black. 8. The blue monkey from the higher slopes of Elgon, with long DISTRICT, NYANZA PROVINCE 31 blue fur, slightly yellowish in the male, face black, whiskers dark blue ; found up to about 11,000 feet. This animal grows to a considerable size. Kaross, sewn of the skins of this animal, appear to form part of the insignia of a headman. Many sub-chiefs and headmen may be seen wearing these robes, both Masai and Kavirondo. They do not appear to be worn by inferiors, but this may be due to the price requested by the seller, viz. an ox is given by the purchaser to the Nyarusi or Dorobo who sell the skin. A goat is stated to be returned by the vendor by way of change. At least two species of Hyrax are found on Elgon : the ordinary 4 Rock Rabbit ’ and a tree Hyrax farther up the mountain. The fur of this Hyrax is not so full or thick as the specimens found on the Mau. It is not very common. Ungulates Bhinoceros. — A single rhinoceros is stated to be living in Ngonga’s country (Yala River). Originally there were two, but one was destroyed. They are stated to have strayed there. The natives state that a very occasional rhinoceros is seen in Division 3, obviously stragglers who have lost their way or are following some forgotten migratory route. Rhinoceros horn rungus are not uncommon among the Masai and Nyarusi, but are stated to have been brought from a distance. Hippopotamus is common in the larger rivers and ascends up them to near the Nandi Escarpment. They ascend the rivers during the rains, in flood water. Many stay during the dry season in the pools — in fact, nearly every large reach con- tains one or two hippo. They do an enormous amount of damage to the crops of the natives, who constantly cultivate a strip along the rivers. Except where they have been molested, they show little fear of man and may occasionally be seen feeding as late as 10 a.m. This may be due to the fact that many of them appear to be blind either in one or both eyes. In un- disturbed pools (except for the odd poisoned arrow of the hunter), they will rise and sink in the water all day or lie up in the reedbeds. If, however, they are driven out of these they usually show great curiosity as to what has disturbed them. 82 THE GAME OF THE NORTH KAVIRONDO This curiosity appears to be a well-marked trait ; if an animal which is known to inhabit a pool is not visible, a succession of whistles will usually make it 4 show up.’ This fact may he tested any day in the Nzoia, in undisturbed places. On the other hand, where the hippo has been fired at, or molested in any way, the beast will show marvellous ingenuity in concealing itself from dawn till about 5.80 p.m. Breathing is performed under cover of an overhanging branch, an overlapping shelf of bank, or in the cover of the reeds ; and were it not for the occasional slight sound of an expiration, the observer would state that the pool was entirely uninhabited by animal life. The native name (Iffufo) is imitative of this sound. In the lake and at the mouths of the rivers, hippopotami are very numerous, living in large schools. The Elephant occurs in the Elgon forests to the east of the mountain, and they migrate to and from the country north of the Uasin Gishu. Formerly they had a much greater range of country. A single elephant is resident in Ngonga’s country near the Sarnia Hills. He has been seen by Europeans, and is stated to be the survivor of three who crossed the lake at the mouth of the Kavirondo gulf. This is, of course, a straggler. Buffalo ( Bos caffer) occur on the lower slopes of Elgon. As rinderpest has broken out in villages in the vicinity of which they graze, a mortality among these animals may be expected. Hartebeest (Bubalis Jacksonii) occur over the whole of Division No. 8, in herds of five or six. North of and near the Nzoia they are common in this division. Their colouring appears to be of a deeper red and they appear to show more black on the skin at the fetlock than specimens in the Rift Valley and Mau slopes. Waterbuck (Kobus defassa ) are fairly common in the same neighbourhood. Some of the males carry very large horns. They appear to be very tame. Thomas' Kob ( Kobus Thomasi) occur in the same division from near the Kakamega forest to the foot of Elgon, usually in herds of ten or twelve does and a buck. Solitary bucks are often encountered. In the parts stated above, it is common. DISTRICT, NYANZA PROVINCE 38 According to native report, a similar animal, only darker and with white ears, occurs on the western boundary of the district. This may be Kobus Leucotis , but the natives may mean in Uganda. Oribi are common in division No. 3. They may be observed with young at foot in May. Duiker ( Cephalophus grimmi (?)) occur throughout the whole district, even near villages whose inhabitants will consume any form of meat (excepting crocodiles and marabout). This buck will probably be the last survivor among wild African ungulates, centuries hence. The blue duiker (Ce'phalo'phus (?)), or Uganda blue buck, occurs in large numbers in the Kakamega forest where it is regularly hunted by the natives (with bows and arrows) for its meat. No use appears to be made of its skin. It is rare to see clothes made of it. The reedbuck (Cervicapra redunca wardii) occurs throughout the whole district in limited numbers. Its habits here are shy and retiring. It appears not to move before dark and to return before the dawn. The bushbuck ( Tragelaphus scriptus var. (?)) occurs in the Kakamega and Elgon forests. It does not appear to be very common. A tendency to increase the white markings on the head and body appears to be shown. This may possibly be a transitional stage towards the West Coast type. The situtunga ( Tragelaphus spekii) probably occurs over a large area in scattered bands. It is well known to the natives living near the Vala swamps. It occurs (on the evidence of its spoor1) in the Nzoia Valley (North Kavirondo district), and there it is said by the natives to have been more plentiful formerly. Many of the larger papyrus swamps, if they could be properly driven, might give evidence of its presence. The pig family are represented by the giant pig (Hochoerus) and the bush pig ( Potamochoerus ). An occasional wart-hog (Phacochoerus) may stray over the eastern boundary, but is very rare, although the tusks of this animal are greatly prized as ornaments by the Kavirondo. 1 The spoor was well known to a native hunter (Dorobo). Vol. III.— No. 5. d 84 THE GAME OF THE NOETH KAVIRONDO The giant pig occurs in considerable numbers in the Elgon forests. The skins are valued for shields, but both this and the bush pig are treated with considerable respect by the inhabitants. The bush pig occurs both in Kakamega and Elgon forests. Carnivores include among their representatives otter, lion, leopard, serval cat, gennet and hyaena ( crocuta and striata). Otter are common on the rivers and in the lake. Their spoor is frequently seen, but the animal itself but rarely. The skins are valued by the Kavirondo who capture them in their fish traps. Its diet appears to include the fresh-water crabs common in all streams, but the claws are usually left intact and rejected. The lion is scarce but occurs along the eastern boundary and in division No. 8 of the district. They are much feared by the Kavirondo. The leopard is scantily distributed over the whole district, occurring occasionally in very unexpected places. Probably these occurrences are due to a travelling animal. In the Elgon forest the leopard appear to be common, those on the higher slopes developing magnificent fur. They have practically finished the goats of the forest- dwelling Nyarusi. They may be heard any night when the traveller is camped in the vicinity of the mountain. The serval cat appears at intervals whenever there is suffi- cient bush for cover. It draws a great part of its food from the hens of the natives. It is easily killed with the aid of dogs, as it will ascend a tree on being attacked. The common gennet ( Genetta vivena) likewise is widely distributed. The most plentiful carnivore is undoubtedly the spotted hyaena (. H . crocuta), who is ubiquitous. They do not confine their attentions solely to carrion, but will attack and destroy a lost calf or sheep. Recently, while cattle have been dying of rinderpest, their call is very much in evidence near infected villages. They are greatly disliked by the natives. In the Tatzoni country, near the Nzoia, the striped hycena (. Hyaena striata) occurs. DISTRICT, NYANZA PROVINCE 85 The peculiar cry has been heard and the animal seen, though by moonlight. The Tatsoni themselves have a special name for it, viz. Sirgoin, the common hyaena being called Iffisi. They state the animal comes down from the Nandi hills. The crocodile is common in all large rivers and in the lake. Those in the Lusumu river bear a specially bad reputation, probably as more accidents have occurred there. Individual crocodiles appear to favour certain rocks, which are known to the natives, for the purpose of sunning themselves. The traveller is constantly being told of certain crocodiles who have been known for long periods to frequent the same pool or reach of the river. The natives’ stories seem to have some foundation. The district contains many game birds as stated above, such as guinea fowls, quail, snipe, francolin, pigeon and parrot. The 'pigeon comprise : (1) The large blue pigeon, common in forests in East Africa, with a yellow bill and cere, and white ‘ chequers ’ on the scapulars ; (2) the large blue pigeon (Columba guinea) with red cere and wattles ; red scapular with white ‘ chequers.’ These occur near the Elgon and Kakamega forests ; and the green pigeon, Kakamega. The African turtle-doves are distributed over the whole province. The rosy breasted turtle and the laughing turtle (?) both occur. Parrots are represented by the grey parrot ( Psittacus erythicus) and a small green Pococephalus, similar, but smaller, to the Jar dine parrot of the West Coast. Marabout storks occur in twos or threes near any carrion and are widely distributed. The lesser egret is fairly common. The Nzoia, Yala, and Lusumu rivers contain a most sporting cyprinoid fish who will freely rise to the natural fly (and probably to an imitation dressed to suit the local conditions). The first rushes of this fish, on being hooked, are within comparing distance of a trout. A list of the Kavirondo and Tatzoni names of animals is appended. 36 THE GAME OF NORTH KAVIRONDO English Name Colobus monkey Blue monkey Hyrax Rhino Hippo Elephant „ tusks Buffalo Hartebeest Kobus Thomasi Waterbuck Oribi Duiker Reedbuck Situtunga Bushbuck Pig (wart-hog) Giant Pig Bush Pig Otter Marabout Stork Lion Leopard Serval Cat Ferret (Mongoose (?)) Hyaena, spotted ,, striped Crocodile Bantu Kavirond6 Tatsoni Name Name Ndivisi Ndivisi Eshima Esobole (monkey (?)) — Kenewa kel goynyi. Translation (?) : The runner into rocks on Elgon Kiveo Kiveo Iffufo (monkey (?)) Iffufo (said explo- sively) Nsofu Nsofu Luika Msanga Mbogo Mbogo Esuma Konguna Esululume Esunu Eholu Eholu Hatsusu Ehissi Eweh Eweh Epore Injia Mbongo Mbongo Sembereri Sembereri Mbitzi Mbitz Injiri — Mbiri — Endoholu — Ololoi Chemonoi Talaing Talaing Ingwe Ingwe Imbwe Imbwe Disimba Disimba Iffiss Iffisi — Sirgoin Ekwena Ekwena JOKES’ METHOD OF PRESERVING TISSUES 87 THE APPLICATION OF JOKES’ METHOD OF PRESERV- ING TISSUES IN THEIR NATURAL COLOURS TO NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS By Dr. P. H. Ross and Mr. A. Blaney Percival Jores’ method of preserving tissues in their natural colours consists in placing the specimen in the following fixing solution : Sodium chloride Magnesium sulphate Sodium sulphate Distilled water Formalin 1*0 2*0 2-0 100-0 *5 to 10 parts In this solution the specimens are left for a time, depending on their size, the larger the specimen the longer being the time. In this solution the colour gradually becomes grayish, but on transferring the specimen to methylated spirit for from one to six hours the original colour returns, and the specimens are then put into a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and water, in which they are preserved. At no time during the course of the preparation are the specimens washed in water. Plenty of the fixing solution should be used. Some seven or eight years ago it occurred to one of us (P. H. R.) to try whether the ordinary methods of preserving pathological specimens in their natural colours could not be applied to natural history specimens. A large brilliantly coloured praying mantis was prepared according to the method of Jores (‘ Centralblatt f. path. Anat.’ Bd. VII. 1896, S. 184), and sent to the British Museum. Judging by the description of the colours on arrival at the British Museum, the method was entirely successful, so far as concerned the preservation of the colour. Objections are raised against the use of formalin for natural history specimens, on the grounds (1) that the specimens become too stiff for examination ; (2) that though the colour may be retained, the markings are lost ; (8) that the specimens finally perish in formalin. 88 JOKES’ METHOD OF PRESERVING TISSUES This may be true for specimens that are kept altogether in formalin, but does not appear to apply to specimens pre- served by Jores’ method. Some months ago specimens of Tilayia mozanibica, brought by Mr. Graham from Lake Magadi, were preserved, some by this method and some in alcohol. At the present time the Jores’ specimens are as fresh as when received, their markings and colour being as clear as ever, while the alcohol specimens have lost all their freshness and most of their colour. More recently one of us (A. B. P.) collected a large number of specimens from the Northern Uaso Nyiro and district, some in alcohol, some in a mixture of salt solution and 5% formalin, the proper mixture of salts not being obtainable at the time. In these solutions the specimens remained for up to four months, and, on return to Nairobi, the formalin specimens were put through the spirit into glycerin and water (equal parts). All specimens appear as fresh as when caught, and such specimens, as fish, are no stiffer than when landed. The spirit specimens, on the other hand, have most obviously deteriorated in colour, even in these few months. The final value of the method can only be told when suffi- cient time has elapsed for us to see the degree of permanence of the colour, but the marked superiority of the formalin over the spirit specimens after a few months is most marked, and the convenience of the Jores’ method can only he appreciated by one who has tried carrying round quantities of spirit in a hot country, where transport is a constant difficulty and every pound has to be considered. The salts can be carried dry, the formalin in its usual form as 40% formaldehyde. Distilled water does not appear to be essential since the last specimens collected do not appear to have suffered from the salts and formalin having been mixed with whatever happened to be the drinking water of the place where the specimens were collected. Naturalists, who intend making collections of fish, are strongly recommended to give this method of preservation a trial, as the results are most satisfactory. THE PRESERVATION OF SEA FISH 89 CONCERNING THE PRESERVATION OF SEA FISH BY A FORMALIN AND SODA SOLUTION, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS 4 JORES’ SOLUTION ’ By R. J. Cuninghame I believe I am correct in stating that what is known as 4 Jores’ ’ preservative solution has been but seldom employed for the preservation of sea fish weighing upwards of half a pound to ten or fifteen pounds, and as I am at present com- pleting the preparation of a large collection of sea fishes made at Mombasa, British East Africa, the following remarks and observations may be found useful to others contemplating the employment of this chemical solution. The formula for 4 Jores’ ’ solution, and comments thereon, may be found in 4 The Principles of Pathological Histology,’ by H. R. Gaylord, M.D., and Ludwig Aschoff, M.D., and I quote the more essential information concerning the action of the formula. On page 45 will be found Section VIII, on methods for the preservation of the natural colours of the tissues, and the following extract has been made : 4 It is occasionally desirable to preserve the colour in micro- scopic specimens for future reference. . . . The tissue is hardened in Formaline to which are added various salts, and in this it takes on a grayish appearance. After being suffi- ciently hardened, the necessary time depending on the size of the preparation and its consistence, the specimen is trans- ferred to weak alcohol, in which it recovers its original colour, when it is transferred to a preserving fluid in which it is kept. Preparations which have been kept in the preserving fluid for a period of time, and have lost their colour, may be restored by returning them to alcohol. . . . 4 Plenty of fixing solution should be employed and the preparation must be placed in the position it should occupy after hardening. . . . 4 The length of time required for fixation in the case of small 40 THE PRESERVATION OF SEA FISH specimens is about twenty-four hours, larger organs requiring from two to eight days, the length of time during which the preparation should be exposed to the action of the alcohol varies from one to six hours. At no time during the steps of the process is the specimen washed in water. Both the Forma- line salt-fixing solution and the alcohol may be used repeatedly. 4 2. Jores 1 (A) Fixing solution : Sodium chloride Magnesium sulphate Sodium sulphate . Aqua dest. .... (B) Alcohol. 1-0 2*0 2-0 5 to 10 parts (C) Preserving fluid, Glycerine and water (equal parts).’ It will be seen from the above that this process was primarily designed and intended for the fixation of the original colours of such delicate substances as tissues, membranes, and com- paratively thin sections of the organs of animals, and for such it seems to be eminently successful ; but when we come to employ it for the treatment of such large masses as a five-pound fish, the question of handling becomes somewhat altered. For the collection and preservation of fishes in any con- siderable numbers, three or five gallon tanks and one large tank up to forty gallons capacity should be utilised. When a large quantity of sea fish are placed in one tank the formalin soda solution will become greasy, opaque, greenish in colour, and a very considerable amount of debris remains in suspension. If the specimens are allowed to remain undisturbed for a week or ten days in such a solution, many of them will become discoloured permanently ; while in others (especially the more scaleless fishes) the skin becomes impreg- nated with minute green particles. These particles are deposited on the fish on placing a newly collected specimen into an old solution, the action of the formalin hardens up the skin en- closing the green particles, and so far I have been unable to dislodge those particles without serious injury to the specimen. Freshly caught fish must be placed in new or fairly newly 1 Ibidem, Bd. VII, 1896, S. 134. THE PRESERVATION OF SEA FISH 41 made solution. After they have been well acted on, they may be transferred to the old or stock tank, but I consider it most important to remove all specimens from the stock tank once a week, take out the solution, and return same through four layers of thick house flannel. The process is most laborious, but it renders the old stock solution practically free from debris, and materially diminishes the chances of staining or discolouring the specimens. As regards the preparation of fish over half a pound, before they are placed in the solution certain details must never be omitted. The main object is to allow the introduction of the solution (and this applies not only to the formalin and soda, but to any liquid preservative agent) into the entire mass of animal matter which is being preserved as speedily, liberally, and uniformly as possible, and this is of much importance in tropical climates. There are three methods of effecting this, which I will describe. For instruments you require only two knives ; one of these should have a blade of about two inches and the other four inches, fitted into a thin handle like a scalpel. The blade of the two-inch knife should not exceed three-eighths of an inch in breadth, and that of the other about half an inch, but they must be sharpened on both sides, thereby forming a sort of spear without a high median ridge. With fish from half a pound to, say, three pounds, being of normal fish proportions, and not semicircular or round as a plate as many tropical fish are, you simply insert the knife through the ventral orifice upwards to the dorsal line. Draw the blade tailwards about one inch, and then manipulate it so as to free all flesh from the backbone and the spinal processes. Having thoroughly done this, perform the same operation all round the shoulders. When doing this, great care should be exercised not to damage the internal organs : but at the same time, after all the flesh has been separated on one side, a small incision should be made from the ventral orifice forwards for not more than half an inch, to allow free ingress of the solu- tion. Now turn the specimen over, and with the small knife treat the side that has not been separated from the bone. 42 THE PRESERVATION OF SEA FISH Begin near the gills, and insert the blade carefully under a scale and plunge it in till it meets the backbone or a rib. Do not move it laterally nor raise or depress the blade, as this will break up the edges of the scales ; simply raise the scale with the point, plunge in the blade and then withdraw it. Do this at, say, the four corners of every square inch of skin surface, being careful not to puncture the intestinal area. Then rinse this specimen in water and immerse in the formalin solution. The second method is used when treating fish of deep girth or round-shaped tropical fish weighing from four to ten pounds. Make a line of three or more incisions two and a half inches long, and the same distance apart, right along the middle of the fish between the gill cover and the tail on the top of the back- bone; then insert the knife and free all the flesh as before explained ; make a one-inch opening in the vent, turn the fish over, and puncture it under the scales deeply as mentioned above. The third method is simply to puncture the fish under the scales on both sides and make the ventral incision. This practice is quite reliable for fish up to five pounds and produces unblemished specimens, but when it comes to handling heavy fish I much prefer the second method of free incisions. Many fish show a decided tendency to float in the solution and some refuse to sink at all. With all fish the air should be expressed by hand-pressure on their being placed in the solution. If after that they do not remain below the surface, place a small flat piece of stone in one of the incisions, never employ any metal or coins. It is essential that the specimens remain completely submerged, as the portion remaining out of the solution will inevitably lose all its colour very shortly, though complete preservation will most probably take place. If the fish are overcrowded in a tank and freshly caught specimens are introduced, there is also a danger of partial and local loss of colour, through some portion of the fresh specimen being kept in close contact with an old specimen in the tank I have seen specimens ruined, as regards colouration, in twenty- four hours by overcrowding. THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA 48 When transportation takes place every individual specimen must be wrapped in butter muslin, otherwise the fins and tails will be frayed and often broken. Every specimen should be labelled by a leather tag, numbered, and noted up in the collector’s catalogue. As regards the preservation of the colours of the sea fish, I have not been very successful if the specimens are left over two months in the formalin soda solution. The best results seem to be obtained by leaving the specimens in the formalin for about two weeks and then transferring to alcohol for about half an hour, and then place them permanently in glycerine and water, equal parts of each. Like many other good things this ‘ Jores’ ’ method is very expensive, and properly to handle and preserve a large collection of, say, 250 fish ranging in size up to ten pound specimens, the cost for solution alone may come to £25. Warning. — It should be remembered by those who work with ‘ lores’ ’ solution, when using it in bulk, that the continual daily submersion of the hands and arms in the tanks, sometimes for over an hour at a time, renders the collector very liable to toxaemia. The skin absorbs a large quantity of the salt contained in the solution, and after some weeks of work a severe rash breaks out not only on the hands and arms but on many parts of the body and legs. This form of drug poisoning is most disagreeable, and I strongly advise all who employ ‘ Jores’ * solution in large quantities to provide themselves with long india-rubber gloves reaching well above the elbow. THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA By C. W. Hobley If one thinks of the matter it will be generally admitted that a knowledge of the snakes of this country is a matter of importance to all who are resident in it. From an economic point of view snakes have a value, for they kill and eat large numbers of rodents which damage gardens and crops, some 44 THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA even feed on termites or white ants. Unfortunately some snakes are poisonous and occasionally bite man or domestic animals, and it is desirable that all should be able to distinguish the poisonous from the non-poisonous. Most people wage war on all snakes on the principle that there is no good snake but a dead one ; but it is admittedly stupid to kill non-poisonous snakes and much better policy to allow them to live and prey on rats, mice, moles, &c., which damage our economic products or our gardens. The object of this article is to assist members to differentiate between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and to induce a proportion to study this order and to assist in making a complete reference collection for the Society’s Museum. Quite a number have already come in, and it is hoped will shortly be classified and named. The list of snakes now given is a precis of the description of the snakes recorded as having been collected in East Africa, and is taken from the ‘ Catalogue of Snakes,’ by Mr. G. A. Boulen- ger, which was kindly presented to the Library of the Society by the Trustees of the British Museum. For a further and more technical description the volumes should be consulted. The' figures in this article will give an idea of a few typical classes of well-known snakes, and one is what may be termed an index diagram, as it gives the technical names of the various scales in a snake’s body, the accurate description of which is the main means of scientific identification. Some of these illustra- tions are reproduced from the ‘ British Museum Catalogue ’ and others from Vol. iii. of the ‘ Report of the Wellcome Laboratory,’ Khartum, who have kindly given permission to reprint them. Some forty-one species of snakes have been described from British East Africa and only ten of these are dangerous to man. This percentage gives, however, no index of the numerical proportions of the poisonous and non-poisonous species, and certain powerful members of the cobra group are, moreover, said to be of an aggressive nature. The snakes of East Africa have never been systematically collected all over the country, and it is highly probable that if this is done a number of new species may be brought to light. THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA 45 Ophidia or Snakes recorded from British East Africa and Uganda Provisional List Family I .—TYPHLOPIDAE. Genus Tyyhlops. — Mucruso. — Total length 1 foot 7 inches. Yellow, or pale olive above. Snout very prominent, scales with dark borders, tail as broad as long ending in spine. Unitaeniatus. — Total length 1 foot 2£ inches. Snout very prominent, hooked, tail very short. Black, with yellow verte- Typhlops Comorensis x 5. From B. M. Cat. of Snakes. bral stripe three scales wide, a stripe on the rostral, lower surface of snout and lips brownish-yellow. Found at Mombasa and Kibwezi. Pundatus. — Total length 2 feet. Specimen from Mkno- umbi. Dark brown above, each scale with a small yellowish spot ; each ventral scale yellowish in the centre and brown on the borders. Specimen from Laikipia — dark brown above, each scale with a small yellowish spot ; ventral scales uniform yellowish. Schlegelii. — Total length 1 foot 8 inches, reaches a length of 2 feet 8£ inches. Uniform olive brown above, or parti- coloured yellow and olive brown, the latter colour forming irregular blotches ; lower parts uniform yellow. Found at Laikipia. 46 THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA Family II. — GLA U CON1DAE. Genus Glauconia — Conjuncta. — Total length 6 inches blackish above, whitish Glauconia Emini x 8. From B. M. Cat. of SnaJces. below. Snout rounded. Five small teeth lower jaw. Four- teen scales round body. Found at Kilimanjaro. Family III. — BOIDAE. Genus Python — Sebae. — Said to attain 28 feet. Pale brown above with dark-brown, black-edged, more or less sinuous cross-bars, continuous or interrupted sinuous dark stripe running along each side of the back, side with large spots, and finely dotted with black ; a large triangular dark-brown blotch occupies the top of the head, bordered on each side by a light stripe beginning at the end of the snout, above the nostril, and passing above the eye, a dark stripe on each side of the head and a dark sub -triangular blotch below the eye ; upon surface of tail with a light stripe between two black ones ; belly spotted and dotted with dark brown. THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA 47 Genus Eryx — Thebaicus. — Total length 2 feet 2\ inches. Tail 2 inches, pointed. Yellowish or greyish above, with large, irregular, dark-brown or blackish spots separated by narrow interspaces ; lower parts uniform white. Found at Taita, East Africa. Family VII .—COLUBRIDAE. Series A. — Aglyyha. Sub-Family II. — Colubrinae. Genus Tro'pidonotus — Olivaceus. — Total length 1 foot 11 inches. Tail 5f inches. Olive or brown above, with a more or less distinct darker vertebral band, four or five scales wide, bordered on each side by Tropidonotus asperrimus From B. M. Cat. of Snakes. a series of whitish dots ; flanks and ends of ventrals olive ; upper lips yellowish, the sutures between the shields black ; ventrals yellowish, sometimes edged with olive. Found at Ngatana. Genus Boodon — Lineatus. — Total length 2 feet 10| inches. Tail 4J inches. Brown above, uniform or variegated with yellow, with or without a yellow lateral streak ; side of head light, the brown of the upper surface ending in a point on the snout, with a dark brown lateral streak passing through the eye, and brown 48 THE SNAKES OE BRITISH EAST AFRICA spots on the labials, or head dark brown with two more or less distinct light lines on each side ; lower parts yellowish. Found at Kilimanjaro, Mombasa and Ngatana. Genus Lycophidium — Jacksoni— Total length 1 foot 9| inches. Tail 2| inches. Olive grey above and beneath, the scales with or without whitish dots. Found at Kilimanjaro, Lamu. Capense . — Total length 1 foot 5| inches. Tail If inches. Brown, purplish, or olive above ; sides of head speckled or vermiculate with whitish. Found at Mkonumbi and North Giriama. Genus Chlorophis — Neglectus. — Total length 2 feet 7| inches. Tail 9 inches. Green above, yellowish-green beneath ; some purplish-brown blotches may be present on the anterior part of the body. Lycophidium Abyssinicum. From B. M. Cat. of Snakes. Chlorophis Emesti. From B. M. Cat. of Snakes. THE SNAKES OE BRITISH EAST AFRICA 49 Irregularis. — Total length 2 feet 8| inches. Tail 9J inches. Green or olive above, scales often with a white spot at the base, with or without a black upper border ; interstitial skin black ; sometimes with black spots or irregular cross bands on the anterior part of the body ; greenish-yellow inferiorly. Found at Taita, Lamu, Witu, Nairobi, and Meru. Genus Philothamnus — Semivariegatus. — Total length 8 feet 11 J inches. Tail 1 foot 5f inches. Green or olive above, with or without black spots or cross-bars ; greenish-yellow inferiorly. Found at Kilimanjaro, Milindi. Genus Bhamnophis — Jacksonii. — Total length 5 feet 6 inches. Tail 1 foot 8 inches. Uniform black above and underneath. Found at Kavirondo. Genus Coronella — Semiornata. — Total length 2 feet. Tail 6 inches. Olive- brown above, with black transverse lines on the anterior portion of the body ; these lines indistinct or broken up in the adult ; upper lip prae- and postoculars yellowish ; ventrals yellowish, uniform or edged with black. Found at Mombasa. Genus Zamensis — Florulentus. — General colour is greyish-yellow, sand colour, with transverse markings on the back, two alternating series of roundish spots on either side, and a third series of less defined spots at the lateral ends of the ventrals. All these markings are pale reddish-brown, but across the hind neck is a transverse semilunar spot of quite dark-brown or blackish, and a band of similar colour extends across the head over the middle of the parietals from one comer of the mouth to the other. The greater part of the tail is unspotted. Lower parts yellowish-white. Found north of Guaso-Nyeri. Genus Thrasops — Bothschildi. — Described by Mocquard. Bull, d’hist. nat. Paris, 1905, p. 287. Found at Meru. Vol. III.— No. 5. E 50 THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA Sub-Family III. — Bhachiodontinae. Genus Dasypeltis — Scabra. — Total length 2 feet 6 inches. Tail 4| inches. Generally pale olive or pale brown above, uniform or with dark- brown spots, usually disposed in three longitudinal series ; an A-shaped dark marking on the nape preceded by one or two on the head ; the latter may be broken up into spots ; upper labials with brown vertical bars ; belly yellowish uniform or dotted or spotted with brown or blackish. Specimens found at Kilimanjaro and East Kikuyu. — A dorsal series of large squarish or rhomboidal dark spots, separated by light intervals, alternating with a lateral series of spots or cross-bars ; belly spotted or dotted only at the sides. Another specimen found at Kilimanjaro no spots or markings of any kind. Sub-Family V. — Dipsadomorphinae. Genus Tarbophis — Semiannulatus. — Total length 2 feet 3| inches. Tail 4| inches. Yellowish or pale brown above with twenty-four to thirty-four dark-brown and blackish transverse rhombial spots or cross-bars on the body ; head without any spots or markings, yellowish- white underneath. Found at Mombasa. Guentheri. — Total length 8 feet 5J inches. Tail 6| inches. Pale bluff or sandy grey above, uniform or with ill-defined brown variegations or cross-bars ; lower parts white. Found at Ngatana, East Africa. Genus Leptodira — Hotamboeia. — Total length 2 feet. Tail 8J inches. Scales smooth or faintly keeled, in nineteen (exceptionally seventeen) rows. Brown, olive or blackish above, uniform or with whitish dots which may form cross-bars, a black band on the temple, usually connected with its fellow across the occiput ; belly whitish. Found at Kilimanjaro and Meru. Genus Hemirhagerrhis — Kelleri. — Total length lOf inches. Tail 3J inches. Greyish or yellowish-brown above, with a dark-grey or olive, black- THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA 51 edged vertebral band and another on each side, passing through the eye ; head lineolated with blackish ; upper lip blackish ; lower parts with brown longitudinal lines disposed in pairs. Found at Mombasa and East Kikuyu. Genus Trimerorhinus — Tritaeniatus. — Total length 2 feet 5| inches. Tail 5J inches. Greyish or pale brown above, with two or three dark-brown, black-edged bands originating on the head and extending to the end of the tail, the outer passing through the eye, the vertebral sometimes rather indistinct or absent ; a fine yellowish line sometimes divides the vertebral band ; the sides below the bands white, with a pale brown or red streak running along the outer row of scales ; upper lip and lower parts white. Found in Kibibi basin, East Africa. Genus Bhamjphio'phis — Bubro'punctatus. — Total length 3 feet 3| inches. Tail 1 foot 1J inches. Brown or reddish-brown above, uniform or dotted with red ; head reddish, without dark markings ; upper lip and lower parts yellowish. Found at Kilimanjaro. Genus Psammo'phis — Punctulatus. — Total length 5 feet 5 inches. Tail 1 foot 10§ inches. Yellow or brownish-white above, greenish or greyish on the sides, and beneath head and nape olive grey or reddish speckled with black ; then black stripes along the body, the median broadest and bifurcating on the neck, its branches extending, as brown streaks to the end of the snout after passing through the eyes ; the stripes on the body may be reduced to vertebral. Sibilans. — Total length 3 feet 11 J inches. Tail 1 foot 4 inches. Coloration very variable. Specimen found at Kilimanjaro. — Brown above, with lateral streaks and head markings ; vertebral line absent or reduced to a serial of yellow dots, one on each scale ; upper lip with brown or black dots ; lower parts, including lower half of outer row of scales, white, with a continuous or inter- rupted black longitudinal line on each side of the belly. Specimen found at Kilifi. — Uniform brown above, with 52 THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA more or less distinct traces of the markings on the head ; upper lip yellowish, with brown dots ; lower parts, including lower third or lower half of outer row of scales yellowish, with a brownish line on each side of the belly. Specimen found also at Juja, near Nairobi, and at Njoro and north of Guaso Nyiro. Biseriatus. — Total length 4 feet 7J inches. Tail 1 foot 3| inches. Greyish or pale brown above, with a darker verte- bral band and two series of reddish-brown or black spots ; head with dark-brown or reddish-brown black-edged spots, and usually a dark cross-band on the occiput ; a dark streak on each side of the head, passing through the eye ; lips with black or brown spots, belly greyish, speckled with black and spotted with white, sometimes with a rusty median stripe. Found at Kurawa, Njoro, and north of Guaso Nyiro. Genus Thelotornis — Kirtlandii. — Total length 8 feet 10 inches. Tail 1 foot 3| inches. Greyish or pinkish-brown above, uniform or with PSAMMOPHIS SIBILANS. From Report of Wellcome Lab., Khartum, Vol. III. THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA 58 more or less distinct darker and lighter spots and cross-bands ; head green above, with or without some patches of pinkish speckled with black and a pinkish-black dotted streak on each side of the head, passing through the eye. Sometimes head uniform green above and on the sides, and black blotches usually forming cross-bands on the neck. Upper lip cream colour, or pink, uniform or spotted with black ; one or several black blotches on each side of the neck ; greyish or pinkish beneath, speckled or striated with brown. Genus Ajparallactus. Jacksonii. — Total length 5 feet 10 J inches. Tail Ilf inches. Pale reddish-brown above, with a black vertebral line ; upper surface of head and nape black, the nuchal blotch edged Aparallactus werneri. with yellow and extending to the sides of the neck. A pair of yellow spots behind the parietal shields ; sides of head yellow, the shields bordering the eye black ; lower parts uniform yellowish. One specimen only found at foot of Kilimanjaro. Concolor. — Total length 1 foot 6| inches. Tail 4f inches. Uniform dark brown or black, somewhat lighter underneath. Found in the Boran country. Series C. — Proteroglyrpha. (Poisonous.) Sub-Family VIII. — Elayinae. Genus Naia — Nigricollis. — Total length 6 feet 6 inches. Tail Ilf inches. Coloration very variable. Specimen from Lake Rudolf. Uniform brown above, yellowish beneath ; lower surface of neck brown in the adult ; young with a broad black ring round the neck. 54 THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA Melanoleuca. — Total length 7 feet 9f inches. Tail 1 foot 3f inches. Coloration very variable. Sides of head yellowish or whitish, some or all of the labials with posterior black edge. Naia or Naja nigricollis. From Report of Wellcome Lab., Khartum, Vol. III. Haiae. — Olive grey above with a broad brownish-black patch, not extending to the lower side, behind the neck, and somewhat further back another broad blackish band which extends all round the body ; between these there is a lighter space with a few black spots. Found at Thika River. Genus Dendras'pis — Jamesonii. — Total length 6 feet 10 inches. Tail 1 foot 10 inches. Olive green above, uniform on each scale, brown at the end ; head-shields finely edged with blackish ; lips yellowish, the shields edged with black ; belly yellowish, the shields finely edged with brown or black ; tail yellow, scales and shields edged with black. Young with chevron- shaped black cross-bars. Found at Kavirondo. Angusticeps. — Total length 6 feet 6 inches. Tail 1 foot 5 inches. Green, olive or blackish, uniform, or some of the scales edged with black ; yellowish or pale green underneath ; caudal scales and shields not black- edged. Found at Kilifi, Taveta, south of Kiboko and Mombasa. THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA 55 Family IX, — VIPEBIDAE. (Poisonous.) Sub-Family I. — Vi'perinae. Genus Causus — Bhombeatus. — Total length 2 feet 8§ inches. Tail 8 inches. Olive or pale brown above, rarely uniform, usually with a dorsal series of large rhomboidal or V-shaped dark-brown spots which may be edged with whitish ; usually a large dark A-shaped marking on the back of the head, the point on the frontal, and an oblique dark-edged streak behind the eye ; labials usually dark-edged ; lower parts yellowish- white or grey, uniform or the shields edged with black Found in Kavirondo, also in Limoru Road, near Nairobi. Besimus. Total length 1 foot 6J inches. Tail 1 foot 8f inches. Greyish olive above, uniform or with curved Causus resimus. From Report of Wellcome Lab., Khartum, Vol. III. or chevron-shaped cross-bars pointing backwards ; uniform white underneath. Found at Ngetana, Mkonumbi, and Lamu. Defili'p'pii. Total length 1 foot 8f inches. Tail § inches. Grey or pale-brown above, vertebral region darker, with a series of large rhomboidal or V-shaped dark-brown markings on the occiput, the point on the frontal ; an oblique dark streak behind the eye ; upper labials black-edged ; yellowish- white beneath, uniform or with small greyish-brown spots. Found in Rabai. Genus Bitis. ( Puff Adder) — Arietans. — Total length 5 feet 5 inches. Tail 6J inches. 56 THE SNAKES OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA Yellowish pale brown, or orange above marked with regular chevron-shaped dark-brown or black bars pointing backwards or black with yellow or orange markings ; a large dark blotch covering the crown, separated from a smaller interorbital blotch by a transverse yellow line ; an oblique dark band below and another behind the eye ; yellowish-white beneath, uniform or with small dark spots. Found at Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, and Guaso Nyiro. Genus Atradaspis — Hildebrandtii. — Total length 1 foot 5f inches. Tail 2 inches. Uniform dark brown. Found at Mombasa. Atradaspis Microlepidota. — Total length 21 J inches. Tail If inches. Snout very short, prominent, subcuneiform. Atkactaspis microlepidota. From Report of Wellcome Lab., Khartum, Vol. HI. Portion of rostral visible from above nearly as long as its distance from the frontal ; suture between the internasals as long as that between the praefrontals ; frontal a little longer than broad, much longer than its distance from the end of the snout, longer than the parietals. Scales in twenty-nine to thirty-seven rows. Uniform dark brown. Found in East Africa. LIST OF PLANTS 57 LIST OF PLANTS AND TREES GROWING IN THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER’S GARDEN, NAIROBI By E. Battiscombe and C. W. Hobley The following is a list of plants and trees in the garden of the Provincial Commissioner, Nairobi. Some few of the specimens are indigenous, but the great majority are exotics. The garden may be visited by any member of the Society upon application to the occupier. Botanical Name Natural Order Common Name, if any Description ♦ Acacia Cunninghamii Leguminosae Golden Wattle Small tree G. A. dealbata Silver ,, 99 9 9 G. A. decurrens var. normalis Black „ 99 99 G. A. resinifera 99 99 9 9 G. A. retinodes Mimosa 9 9 99 G. Acalypha macrophylla Euphorbiaceae Fol. shrub G. A. marginata 99 99 99 G. A. microphylla 99 9 9 9 9 G. Adansonia digitata Bombaceae Baobab Tree B. Adenium coetaneum Apocynaceae Fol. shrub M. Agapanthus umbellatus Liliaceae 99 99 G. Agave Americana Amaryllideae Century Plant 99 99 G. A. sisalana 99 Sisal Hemp 99 99 G. A. vivipara 99 Striped leaved Aloe 99 9 9 G. Ailanthus glandulosa Simarubae Tree of Heaven Tree G. Albizzia fastigiata Leguminosae Mukurue 99 I. Allamanda nerifolia Apocynaceae Climber Pre. con. Aloe sp. Liliaceae Fol. plant I. Alstroemeria sp. Amaryllideae „ my G. Alternanthera versicolor Amarantaceae Variegated edging pi. G. A. rubra 9 9 G. Althea rosea Malvaceae Hollyhock Fol. plant G. Anacardium occidentale Anacardiaceae Cashew nut Tree Pre. con. Ananas sativa garden varieties Bromeliaceae Pine apple Fruit G. Anona muricata Anonaceae Sour sop Fruit tree G. Antirrhinum major Scrophulariaceae Snap dragon Fol. plant G. Aquilegia sp. garden variety Ranunculaceae Columbine 99 99 G. Asparagus officinale Liliaceae Vegetable G. A. plumosus Climber I. A. sp. ” ” I. * G. — Good. B. — Bad. M. — Indifferent. I. — Indigenous. Pre. con. — Early to judge. E 3 58 LIST OF PLANTS Botanical Name Natural Order Common Name, if any Description Bauhinia purpurea Leguminosae Orchid tree Fol. tree Begonia sp. garden var. Begoniaceae ,, plant Bixa orellana Bixaceae Annatto Shrub Boehmeria nivea Bombax or Eriodendron Urticaceae Ramie Fibre plant anfractuosum Malvaceae Silk cotton tree Tree Bougainvillea glabra Nyctaginaceae Climber Brachylaena Hutchinsii Compositae Muhugu (kik.) Tree Convolvulus sp. Convolvulaceae Yellow convol- vulus Climber Cyphomandra betacea Solanaceae Tree tomato Fruit tree Dahlia sp. Compositae Fol. plant Dalbergia sissoo Leguminosae Sishim of India Tree Datura Knightii Solanaceae Fol. shrub Delphinium sp. Banunculaceae Larkspur „ plant Dianthus sp. Caryophyllaceae Carnation 99 9 9 Digitalis purpurea Scrophulariaceae Foxglove 99 9 9 Dolichandrone Hildebrandtii Bignoniaceae Muho (kik.) Tree Dombeya nairobensis Sterculiaceae Mukao (kik.) Shrub Dracaena reflexa Liliaceae Dracaena Tree Eriodendron anfractuosum Bombaceae Silk cotton tree 9 9 Eucalyptus citriodora Myrtaceae Lemon scented Gum Blue Gum E. globulus 99 99 99 E. robusta 99 Ficus nr. capensis Urticaceae Mukuyu (kik.) „ F. carica 99 Edible Fig ,, F. elastica India-rubber F. exasperata 99 Msasa (swa.) Shrub F. nr. natalensis | „ Mugumu (kik. ) Tree Freesia refracta alba Iridaceae Fol. plant Fuchsia sp. garden var. Onagraceae Fol. „ Furcraea gigantea Liliaceae Maur. Hemp Fibre ,, Gerbera Jamesonii Compositae Barberton Daisy Gladiolus sp. garden var. Iridaceae „ ,, Godetia sp. garden var. Malvaceae 9 9 99 Grevillea robusta Proteaceae Silky Oak Tree Grewia pilosa Tiliaceae Shrub Haemanthus multiflorus Amaryllidaceae Fol. plant Hakea laurina Myrtaceae Hedge „ Helianthus sp. garden vars. Compositae Sunflower Fol. „ „ shrub Hibiscus sinensis Malvaceae Impatiens Oliverii Geraniaceae Balsam Fol. plant I. sultani 99 99 99 I. Holstii 99 99 99 Iris sp. garden var. Iridaceae Fleur de lis G. M. G. G. M. G. I. G. G. G. G. I. I. G. G. G. G. G. G. M. Gk— Good. B. — Bad. M. — Indifferent. I. — Indigenous. Pre. con. — Early to judge. do g ddd ►nddd^gdd LIST OF PLANTS 59 Botanical Name Natural Order Common Name, if any Description * Jacaranda mimosifolia Leguminosae Palixander Tree G. Juncus Fontanesia Juncaceae Ndago (kik.) Rush G. Juniperus procera Coniferae Cedar Tree I. Lantana salvifolia Verbenaceae Shrub I. Lathyrus odorata Leguminosae Sweet Pea Climber M. i Lavendula vera Labiateae Lavender Fol. plant M. Leonotis Elliottii 99 99 99 I. Liliastrum sp. Liliaceae 99 99 I. Lobelia Stuhlmannii Lobeliaceae Giant Lobelia 99 99 G. Lophospermum erubescens Scrophulariaceae Climber G. Mandevillea suaveolens Apocynaceae 99 G. Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Mango Tree Pre. con. Manihot dichotoma Euphorbiaceae Jequie’sRubber 99 G. M. glaziovii ,, Ceara Rubber ,, M. M. sp. 99 Coral Tree Shrub m. i Marsdenia sp. Asclepiadaceae G. i Mathiola sp. garden vars. Cruciferae Stock Fol. plant M. 1 Melia azedarach Meliaceae Persian Lilac Tree G. Mirablis jalapa Nyctaginaceae Marvel of Peru Fol. plant G. Morus alba Urticaeae Japanese Mulberry Small tree G. Musa Livingstonia Scitaminaceae Wild Banana Tree I. M. sapientium vars. Nyctaginaceae Edible Banana Fol. plant G. Nerium oleander Apocynaceae Oleander Shrub G. Olea crysophylla Oleaceae Wild Olive Tree I. Papaver sp. Papaveraceae Poppy Fol. plant M. Parkinsonia aculeata Leguminosae Tree M. Passiflora edulis Passiflorae Passion Flower Climber G. Pelargonium multibrac- Geraniaceae Geranium 99 99 I. teatum P. sp. garden vars. ,, 99 99 99 G. Pentas parviflora Rubiaceae Fol. plant I. Petunia sp. garden vars. Solanaceae Petunia ,, ,, G. Phoenix dactylifera Palmae Bate Palm Tree B. P. reclinata ,, Wild „ 99 I. Physalis Peruviana Solanaceae Cape Goose- berry Fol. plant G. Plumeria acutifolia Apocynaceae Frangipani Shrub G. Poinciana regia Leguminosae Flamboyant Tree B. Poinsettia pulcherrima Euphorbiaceae Poinsettia Fol. plant G. Psidium cattleyanum Myrtaceae Guava Tree M. Punica granatum Lythraceae Pomegranate Shrub G. Pygeum africanum Rosaceae Mueri (kik.) Tree M. Pyrethrum sp. Compositae Pyrethrum Fol. plant G. Quercus robur var. pedun- culata Cupuliferae Oak Tree B. * G. — Good. B. — Bad. M. — Indifferent. I. — Indigenous. Pre. con. — Early to judge. 60 LIST OF PLANTS Botanical Name Natural Order Common Name, if any Description * Raphia raffia Palmae Mwali (Swa.) Tree M. Reseda odorata Resedaceae Mignonette Fol. plant G. Rhus villosa Anacardiaceae Shrub i. Robinia pseudoacacia Leguminosae False Acacia Tree B. Rosa canina garden vars. Rosaceae Briar Shrub G. R. sp. garden vars. 99 Rose ,, G. Russellia juncea Scrophulariaceae Antigua Heath Fol. plant G. Salvia splendens Labiateae Salvia 99 99 G. S. patens Blue Salvia M. Sanchesia nobilis Acanthaceae ,, Shrub G. Sanseviera Ehrenbergii Liliaceae Sanseviera Fibre plant M. S. guineensis 99 99 99 99 M. S. cylindrica „ 99 99 99 M. Schinus molle Anacardiaceae Pepper Tree Tree G. Smilax kaussiana Liliaceae Smilax Climber I. Solanum campylanthum Solanaceae Ndulele (kik.) Fol. plant I. S. Melongena 99 Egg Plant Vegetable G. S. robustum 99 Small tree G. Spathodea nilotica Bignoniaceae Tree G. Strychnos Elliottii Loganiaceae Muteta (kik.) „ I. Syringa vulgaris Oleaceae Lilac Small tree Pre. con. Tagetes erecta Compositae African Mari- gold Fol. plant G. Tecoma stans Bignoniaceae Shrub G. Thunbergia erecta Acanthaceae Small shrub I. Toddalia lanceolata Rutaceae Munderendu (kik.) Tree I. T. unifoliata 99 99 99 Fol. plant I. Tradescantia discolor Commelinaceae G. Tristania conferta Myrtaceae Brush Box Tree G. Tropaeolum majus Cruciferae Nasturtium Climber G. Vanguiera edulis Rubiaceae Mubiru (kik.) Small tree I. Verbena sp. Verbenaceae Verbena Fol. plant G. Vinca minor Apocynaceae 99 9 9 G. Viola odorata sp. Violaceae Violet 9 9 9 9 G. V. tricolor garden vars. 99 Pansy 99 99 M. Warburgia ugandensis Rutaceae Muziga (kik.) Tree I. Widdringtonia Whyteii Coniferae Mlanji Cedar 99 M. Wistaria sinensis Leguminosae Wistaria Climber Pre. con. Zinnia garden vars. Compositae Fire Ball Fol. plant G. * G. — Good. B. — Bad. M. — Indifferent. I. — Indigenous. Pre. con. — Early to judge. SPITTING COBRAS 61 NOTES ON SPITTING COBRAS By S. W. J. Scholefield The blackish-grey cobra snake is well known to the Akamba as a spitting snake. It is called Kiko by them. They have three snakes all called Kiko, all of which are hooded and all of which spit. Another ‘ Kiko 5 is a shiny black one with, as far as I remember, a yellowish throat. One of these I killed in the boys’ quarters of the ‘ Paper House ’ at Nairobi after it had put two boys hors de combat with its saliva. I did not see it extend its hood, as I was looking for no trouble in the rather dark boys’ room where the snake had taken up its quarters underneath a bed. It was coiled up when I fired and it was picked up in three pieces. All the natives present told me it was a cobra, i.e. that it was a hooded snake. It was about five feet long and fairly thick. The olive-brown cobra (I think it is the same as the South African Ringhals) I have myself seen spit. When I was in occupation of Mr. Fletcher’s House just beyond the Polo Ground, Nairobi, my boy told me there was a snake at the annexe. I took a revolver, and as it wriggled along the verandah I fired, breaking its back and sending it off the verandah. On approaching, it deliberately spat at me, but being a young snake and with its back broken, the saliva only reached about two feet. The Ringhals of South Africa attains a much greater length than the five feet mentioned by Mr. Hobley as being the length of Niger nigricollis. If I recollect rightly, two shot in the Kalahari measured 7 feet 10 inches and 8 feet 2 inches respectively. The brown mamba attains a length of much more than 10 feet. One killed in an ant-heap which had been scooped out to make an oven at Old Palla Camp on the Crocodile (Limpopo) River was, if I recollect rightly, over 14 feet. The pace at which they travel is, or seems to be, tremendous. The Akamba name for the olive-brown or copper-coloured 62 DESTRUCTION OF MAIZE BY JACKALS cobra is Kinga. Can any reader of the Journal give any information as to the means by which some natives make themselves immune to snake bites ? I have seen one or two natives handling cobras and puff- adders without the slightest fear, and I allude to wild, not captive snakes. It is true I have never seen one bitten, but they are bitten if report speaks correctly. Unfortunately my own particular snake-boy, to whom we were looking forward for a collection of native snakes, has been smitten by local female charms and has eloped with another man’s wife and the contents of the husband’s cash box. It may be of use to note that a weak solution of perman- ganate of potash in warm water considerably alleviates the pain, should a snake unfortunately spit in one’s eye. At least I found this was the case with the two boys at the Paper House. I can only recollect one case of snake-bite in this country. I treated the boy with a hypodermic injection of strychnine, applied ligatures, lanced the bite, jammed in permanganate of potash and gave him two or three stiff pegs. He was bad for two or three days but recovered and is still living. The snake which bit him was the snake described as the earthy-grey cobra, Naja haiae (?). DESTRUCTION OF MAIZE BY JACKALS By C. M. Dobbs To one who has spent all his time in the Nyanza Province it comes as a great surprise to find that the destruction of maize by jackals is anything out of the ordinary. As, however, it appears to be peculiar to this part of the Protectorate and to be unknown in South Africa, perhaps the following notes on the subject may be of interest : The natives in Kisii District used frequently to complain about the amount of damage done to the maize by an animal that lived in the bush and barked like a dog, but it was not till I came to Kericho District that I had personal experience of DESTRUCTION OF MAIZE BY JACKALS 63 what these animals could do. Whole shambas have this year been practically ruined by their devastations, and even a thick thorn fence round the prison maize shamba has failed to prevent them doing a very considerable amount of damage. They have pushed their way through the fence in several places, and in other parts where it was not very high they have jumped over. They seem to like the maize just before it begins to ripen and while it is still soft, and as far as I can see they first break down the stalk and when it is lying on the ground eat the cob. At first I tried trapping them but the trap I used was not strong enough and they escaped. I then placed small pieces of meat among the maize poisoned with strychnine, and up to date have killed ten of these animals in the prison shamba alone. A post-mortem examination of one showed the presence of partially digested maize in the stomach. It is also quite easy to recognise the presence of the maize in the excrement of the jackals which is frequently found along native tracks. It seems this is the first year that they have seriously taken to maize in this particular district, and whether the reason is that they have only just discovered that it is good to eat or whether they find that their regular means of subsistence is running short I cannot say. At any rate unless they can be killed off or kept out of the shambas they will be a very serious menace to the maize crop here in the future. It is, I believe, often not good policy to exterminate one particular kind of animal, harmful though it may be, as it may lead to a large increase in the number of some other vermin originally preyed on by the first. I do not know whether there is any danger of this happening should jackals be exterminated, but it would be as well to find out first. I am not sure to what particular species these jackals belong. The colour seems to vary to a certain extent. I have before me a skin measuring thirty-five inches from the tip of nose to the base of the tail. The tail is about 15 inches long. The animal stands about 16 inches high. The colour is grey on the back of neck and dark brown along the back. It is dirty yellow underneath. The legs are fawn-coloured. The tail has a black tip with a few white hairs at the end. The back of the ears are dark brown. 64 THE SOLITARY ELEPHANT THE SOLITARY ELEPHANT in ngonga’s country near the yala swamp, nyanza PROVINCE By C. W. Woodhouse The history of this beast, a cow, is as follows : — Some time ago three elephants (and according to some stories a calf as well) having been harried in Kisii or South Kavirondo, crossed the lake at the mouth of the Kavirondo gulf. One turned back, one was exhausted on arrival and was slaughtered by the natives on landing, and the third went up to the Yala swamp. Some accounts say the calf was drowned in the lake. The elephant has taken up its permanent residence in some thick scrub on the Otodwa Stream, close to the Yala. This retreat it leaves to raid the numerous native shambas, but is said never to be away for more than five days at a time. It also feeds on the bush near the Yala at the mouth of the Otodwa. It has lost all fear of man, and the natives say if it meets any of them it chases them. It has terrorised all the neighbouring villages and done a very great deal of damage. The natives state that the surest way of finding it is to go into the bush, when it will charge. Needless to say they evince little or no curiosity to see it. The place where the natives state is its permanent home fully bears out their statements. The quantity of dung, trampled grass and broken trees might have been caused by a large herd of elephants. The day the writer inspected the site, the elephant was raiding some villagers’ crops on the south bank of the Yala. The beast’s tusks are said to only project some two feet from the lip, and are thin. There is no doubt this animal is a most dangerous ‘ rogue,’ and if not destroyed or removed will probably in the near future commit culpable homicide. There are no other elephants in the Nyanza Province north of the Kavirondo gulf nearer than Elgon, and possibly the same distance away in Uganda. NOTE BY COMMITTEE 65 NOTE BY COMMITTEE The Society, through the medium of the Journal, wishes to express its indebtedness to Mr. H. J. Allen Turner, taxidermist, for the many bird and small mammal specimens which he has mounted and presented to the Museum, and also for the valuable assistance he has rendered the Museum in the preparation and arrangement of its specimens. The committee also desires to express its gratitude to Mr. R. J. Cunninghame for the work he has done in cataloguing, labelling, and arranging the exhibits in the Society’s Museum. EDITORIAL It is necessary to remind members that the supply of material for the Journal is still not as ample as could be wished. Advice will be freely given to intending contributors if desired. First-hand notes of personal observations are especially sought. As the Society has no clerical staff, it is hoped that when- ever possible, all communications will be typewritten and in duplicate. Articles and notes should be illustrated if possible. MEETINGS A series of evening meetings of Members has been held in the Museum building, Nairobi, as follows : — May 80. — Two papers were given, the first being * An Introduction to the Study of Butterflies ’ by the Vice-President, the Hon. Mr. C. W. Hobley, C.M.G. ; and the second,1 4 Sea Fishes ’ by R. J. Cunninghame, Esq. The interest in these papers was considerably enhanced by specimens which were 1 This paper will appear in a later number of the Journal. 66 MEETINGS handed round, those of curious forms of Sea Fishes being extremely interesting. July 5. — A lecture was given on ‘ Insects and Disease ’ by Mr. T. J. Anderson, B.A., having special reference to the disease-carrying propensities of the common house-fly. August 8. — Some practical demonstrations in Taxidermy were given by Mr. A. J. Klein, comprising the skinning of a bird and the preparation of the skin for a study skin, and the skinning and temporary preparation of the head skin of a Thompsoni Gazelle. All these meetings have been satisfactorily attended, an average of fifty members and friends being present at each meeting. The short discussions which have followed each paper, lecture, or demonstration, have added considerable interest to the proceedings. It is hoped that it will be possible to continue these meetings, if not monthly, certainly at reasonable intervals. Ube journal OF THE East Africa and Ugand Natural History Society July 1913 Vol. III. No. 6 CONTENTS ^ PAGE 1. OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY ; . 1 2. THE MIOCENE BEDS OF THE VICTORIA NYANZA. By F. Oswald, D.So. . , . . . . > . ' > • 2 3. THE ORGANIC CELL (PART I), By Dr. E. Wynstone-Waters . , 9 4. PEOPLE OF S.E. SLOPES OF MT. ELGON, By 0. W. Woodhouse , 16 5. THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT. By R. B, Woosnam, F.Z.S. 25 6. THE EVOLUTION OF THE ARROW. By 0, W. Hobley . , , 31 7. KIKUYU CIRCUMCISION CEREMONIES. By A. R. Barlow , . 41 8. NESTING HABITS OF SOME EAST AFRICAN BIRDS, By W. M, Congreve, M.B.O.U. . . . . . • • . , 44 9. SOME UNIDENTIFIED BEASTS. By 0. W. Hobley . . , ,48 NOTES AN UNKNOWN BEAST SEEN ON MAGADI RAILWAY, By G, W, Hiokes , , . . . - . , . . . . .53 RETICULATA GIRAFFE. By A. B. Percival , 55 LIONS KILLING GIRAFFE. By 0. W. Woodhouse . . . . ,55 NESTING OF SOME BIRDS. From Journal, British Ornithologists’ Club 56 A NEW SPECIES OF OLIGONEURIA. By Rev. A. E. Eaton . . , 58 AFRICAN FISH AND ARTIFICIAL FLIES. By C. M. Dobbs . . .59 A BONGO KILLED AT KERICHO, By C. M, Dobbs ... 59 A STONE AXE. By C. W. Hobley , . , . . . - 60 THE TREE - OR GREEN MAMBA. By C. W, Hobley . . . . .61 MEMBERS* NOTE BOOK. By Editor . ..... 62 EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE BOOK, By Various Members , , 62 NOTE. By Hon, Secretary . . , , , , . ,69 LIST OF MEMBERS .70 ILLUSTRATIONS RETICULATA GIRAFFE Frontispiece THE MIOCENE BEDS OF NIRA & KACHUKU , . . . 4&G TYPES OF ARROW ( Woodcuts ) . 32-40 FOOTPRINT OF MAGADI BEAST (Woodcut) . . . . . . 49 OLIGONEURIA DOBBSI ( Woodcut ) . 58 BONGO SKIN AND HEAD ...... ... 59 STONE AXE .......... , 60 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, Bs. 3 (4/-) ; to non-members , Bs, 4 (5j4)< GIRAFFE var : reticulata. From a, photograph by A. Blayney Per civ ah THE JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY July, 1913. VOL III. No. 6 patrons H. C. BELFIELD, Esq., C.M.G. SIR Es 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. Ifrresfoent SIR F. J. JACKSON, K.C.M.G., C.B., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U, t)ice=f>restoent C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G., M.R.Anthrop.Inst. Bjecutive Committee T. J. ANDERSON, B.A., B.Sc. A. G. ANDERSON E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNINGHAME, F.Z.S. S. L. HINDE A. J. KLEIN A. BLAYNEY PERCIVAL, F.Z.S. R. J. STORDY, M.R.C.V.S., M.B.O.U. R, B. WOOSNAM, F.Z.S. 1bonoran> {Treasurer W. McGREGOR ROSS, B.A., M.Sc., B.E. IfoonorarE Secretary JOHN SERGEANT Ifoonorarp Curators E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNINGHAME, F.Z.S. 1918 Vol. III.— No. 6. 2 THE MIOCENE BEDS OF THE MIOCENE BEDS OF THE VICTORIA NYANZA. By Felix Oswald, D.Sc. In 1909 Mr. G. R. Chesnaye, at the close of a prospecting expedition down the Kuja valley, came across some bones of fossil turtles and crocodiles in the low cliffs of Karungu Bay below Nira Hill. On his return to Nairobi he showed the fossils to Mr. C. W. Hobley, who induced the late Mr. D. B. Pigott to undertake a search for further specimens. His interesting discovery of part of the lower jaw of a Dinotherium in these beds near Karungu has already been referred to in this Journal (Vol. II, No. 4, July 1912, p. 109 and text-figure) by Dr. C. W. Andrews, F.R.S., who appropriately named the specimen Dinotherium Hobleyi, and ascribed a Lower Miocene (Burdigalian) age to the strata. Owing to the unfortunate demise of Mr. Pigott little or nothing was known of the circumstances of his discovery ; accordingly I offered to utilise my leave in making a geological investigation of the locality and in collecting fossils for the British Museum, and I arrived at Karungu at the end of November 1911. In the meantime Dr. A. D. Milne had visited Nira Hill, and just before my arrival Mr. R. J. Cuninghame, in conjunction with Mr. G. R. Chesnaye, had procured several specimens of chelonian and crocodilian remains. To some extent a disappointment awaited me, for, contrary to my over-sanguine expectations, there was no bone-bed, nor was there any chance of obtaining complete skeletons, for the bones only occurred isolated at wide and uncertain intervals and usually in a shattered condition. Moreover, the outcrop of the Miocene beds is unfortunately extremely restricted, for they appear to view only in a few places along the southern margin of a large volcanic plateau, of which Gwasi is the central point, rising nearly 8,000 feet above the Nyanza. Their outcrop is still further diminished by a thick mantle of black ‘ cotton-soil ’ or regur, derived from the decom- position of the nepheline-basalt. They are exposed to view at the base of Nira Hill and to the eastward in the gullies of THE VICTORIA NYANZA 3 Kachuku and at the base of the basalt cliffs of East Kachuku and Kikongo. Broadly speaking, these Miocene sediments, brought down by a large river and deposited in the lake, may be classified into three groups, which I divided into 37 beds : — 1. An Upper Series (Beds 1-12), about 70 feet thick, of grey and brown clays and shales, with occasional beds of grey sandstone and thin seams of travertine. 2. A Middle Series (Beds 13-25), about 30 feet thick, of variable red and grey clays with white sandstones in the lower half. 3. A Lower Series (Beds 26-37), about 35 feet thick, of buff sandstones, calcareous conglomerates, and torrential gravels (containing the Dinotherium zone), passing down into clays and marlstones. Travertinous beds occur at frequent intervals throughout the whole succession of strata, which do not exhibit any unconformity. At Nira the Miocene beds rest on an uneven floor of a fine-grained amphibolite (hornblende-rock) belonging to the ancient gneisses and schists which are so widely distributed on the eastern and southern coasts of the Victoria Nyanza. At Kachuku, however, the lowest beds lie on a quartz-ironstone breccia which faces the Kuja plain in a low cliff. Probably this breccia of angular fragments of quartz embedded in limonite represents the weathered detritus of old amphibolites or hornblende-schists composing the original land-surface which was invaded by the advancing waters of the lake in Lower Miocene times. The initial depression of the land must have taken place with relative rapidity, for the lowest bed (No. 37) is not a gravel or a sandstone but a fine clay, indicating that it was deposited in fairly deep water at a considerable distance from land. This mottled crimson and yellow clay becomes wholly red in colour in the proximity of a quartz- vein, which has not only traversed the underlying platform of hornblende-rock, but has even forced its way into this red clay ; and the red colour, penetrating every crack and joint of the clay, is probably 4 THE MIOCENE BEDS OP due to hot ferruginous water connected with the injection of the quartz-veins. The earth movements which gave rise to the deepening of the lake were doubtless responsible for the great activity of calcareous springs depositing frequent beds of travertine above the red clay (e.g. at Kachuku). Whenever the travertine became mingled with clay deposited at the same time, bands of hard, brown marlstone (Nos. 32 and 34) were the result, alter- nating with brown clay and enclosing shells of Ampullaria ovata , Lanistes carinatus and Cleopatra bulimoides.1 Whilst these beds are very clayey at Nira they are represented at Kachuku by pebbly sandstones, showing that the river which brought down the sediments must have flowed from east to west, and in all probability it followed a very similar course to the present Kuja River. The most important beds of the whole series are the torrential and current-bedded sandstones and gravels of No. 31, which are particularly well displayed in the gullies of Kachuku (Fig. 4), for they comprise the zone in which I found bones of Dinotherium Hobleyi (mandible, tusk, &c.), and of Anthracotheres of different sizes, some allied to Hyopotamus (humerus, tibia, rib, and tusk) and probably leading a very similar existence to the present hippopotamus, and a small mandible of a form similar to Ancodus, a tooth of the hornless rhinoceros (Aceratherium) , the mandible of a small cat-like carnivore closely allied to Pseudaelurus, the astragalus of a Creodont, part of the carapace of a giant tortoise, scutes of Trionyx , teeth of crocodile, &c., and a very few landshells (Cerastus cf. Moellendorffi and Limicolaria), as well as the lacustrine Ampullaria ovata and Cleopatra bulimoides. The upper limit of these bone-bearing beds is readily recognisable, for it is formed by a thick conglomerate (No. 30) of white calcareous nodules (with concentric coats) from an inch or two up to 2 feet in diameter. The currents must have been particularly strong at this time to keep such large nodules in active motion, so as to permit the formation of this exceptionally coarse oolite in 1 The vertebrate remains which I collected have been named by Dr. C. W. Andrews, and the mollusca by Mr. R. Bullen Newton. Fig. 1. HEAD OF GULLY AT NIRA, LOOKING N.E. BY E. B, basalt of Nira Hill. — 16 Fig. 2. HEAD OF GULLY AT KACHUKU, LOOKING N.E. The basalt peak of Nundowat in the distance, b, black earth. THE VICTORIA NYANZA 5 the lime-laden waters of the lagoon or shallow gulf of the Victoria Nyanza. It was succeeded by another well-marked torrential period, during which the river deposited coarse gravels (Nos. 26-29), with a calcareous cement, deriving their constituents from gneiss, andesite, jasper, and quartz, occurring in situ in the country 20 to 80 miles to the eastward, and especially derived from the volcanic agglomerate of Metamala. During the period represented by the Middle Series (Beds 18-25) the river-system was becoming mature, so that torrential beds were exceptional and temporary, and are confined to the lower half, whilst in the upper half red clays predominate, interrupted by occasional seams of travertine, often mixed with clay. A thin, orange gravel (No. 24) near the base of the series (Fig. 2) is of special importance on account of the number of teeth it contains, comprising those of Dino- therium, rodents (probably ancestral to the cane-rats), crocodiles, and of the lungfish Proto'pterus (hitherto unknown in a fossil condition). One of the white sandstones (No. 22) is so hard that the fossils it contains are exceptionally well preserved, in particular a Proboscidean tibia, perhaps of Dinotherium or Tetrabelodon, and a complete carapace of Trionyx. Intercalated among the upper red clays (Fig. 8) is a thin grey sandstone (No. 16), containing a few small jawbones which Dr. C. W. Andrews has determined to belong to a remark- able form, related to Hyrax, with some rat-like characteristics doubtless due to convergence. Still higher in the series a hard red marlstone (No. 14), often travertinous, contains abundant casts of the shells of Ampullaria ovata (with opercula) and Lanistes carinatus with fragmentary crocodilian and chelonian remains. This bed forms a remarkably persistent horizon and is readily recognisable from its tendency to form a wide terrace (as at Nira) and the edge of a cliff (Fig. 2). The red colour of this marlstone and of its associated clays (Nos. 13 and 15) diminishes towards the east and has become greenish-grey at Kikongo, five miles east of Nira. Their red- ness may perhaps indicate the activity of ferruginous springs at the time of deposition. Discontinuous layers of calcareous concretions occur in the clays and probably owe their irregular 6 THE MIOCENE BEDS OF and sometimes fantastic shapes to the action of gentle currents disturbing the uniform deposition of the travertine. Finally the Upper Series (Nos. 1-12), although equal to the combined thickness of the Middle and Lower Series, consists mainly of grey and brown clays and shales with scarcely a trace of fossils. It is only in the lowest bed (No. 12) that fossils are still present to any extent, e.g. a river-crab (Thel'phusa), bones and scutes of crocodile, &c. At Kachuku I found crocodiles’ teeth with Ampullaria ovata in the grey clay of No. 5, but this was the highest level at which vertebrate remains occurred. These clays were evidently deposited at a time when the rivers had nearly reached their base-level, and were normally only able to deposit fine mud which was probably derived mainly from the much-weathered and decomposed gneiss of the Kamagambo peneplain. Thin seams of travertine are frequently intercalated with the clays. It needed some exceptionally wet season to bring down coarse sandy material in order to form the grey, current-bedded sandstones, which occur at rare intervals and often pass laterally into grey clay. The only one of these bands (No. 8) that persists throughout the area is about 6 feet thick ; it forms a noticeable ledge in the upper part of the main gully at Nira (Fig. 1) and is composed of quartz-grains with plates of biotite and small crystals of augite. At Kikongo I found it to contain a few land-shells ( Tro,pido/p}iora nyasana, Limi- colaria, and Cerastus). In the topmost bed of grey clay (No. 1) the petrified stems of extinct species of trees occur, allied to Bornbax, laurels, &c., and are particularly well preserved at Kikongo. They were the result of quite unusual circumstances by which water- logged trunks were calcified by the agency of calcareous springs, the wood being replaced by lime, particle by particle, so that when thin slices of the fossil stems are prepared and placed under the microscope the most delicate cell- structures are revealed as clearly as if the sections had been made from living plants. It is somewhat surprising that the fossil shells consist entirely of gasteropods to the complete exclusion of bivalves. This would seem to indicate that the strata were laid down so 16 — 17- x8 — Fig. 4. LOWER PART OF GULLY AT KACHUKU, LOOKING N.E. The basalt peak of Nundowat in the distance. D, Dinotherium zone. EASTERN PART OF GULLY AT KACHUKU, LOOKING S.E. The basalt cliff of East Kachuku in the distance. THE VICTORIA NYANZA 7 far away from the land as only to permit of the inclusion of chambered shells capable of floating and drifting for a con- siderable distance before becoming waterlogged and sinking to the bottom. Whilst sailing on the Victoria Nyanza gasteropod shells may be frequently observed floating at a considerable distance from the land, and they may be driven by winds and currents for many miles before they finally sink. As Dr. Andrews has pointed out, the vertebrate fauna of these Miocene beds is closely similar to that occurring at Mogara in the Libyan Desert and presents affinities to the fauna of beds of similar age in Beluchistan. At all the outcrops, from Nira to Kikongo, the dip of the Miocene beds is constant, viz. 8° N. by W. This up tilting may be due to the sagging down of the earth’s crust in this region by the enormous weight of the thousands of feet of lava which have been poured out and piled up by the volcanic vents of Gwasi. It is true that Captain H. G. Lyons has come to the conclusion that the northern coast of the Victoria Nyanza is gradually sinking — to the extent of 80 cm. in nine years at Entebbe — but this depression can hardly be connected with the uptilting of the Miocene beds near Karungu, or else we should expect to find the Kavirondo Gulf increasing in depth. It is, however, well known to be steadily becoming shallower. Owing to this northerly dip the Miocene beds soon disappear completely beneath the basalt plateau of Gwasi. No trace of them was visible even in the deep and wide meridional valleys of Kitama and Kikongo, which must have been excavated in the soft deposits prior to the outflow of the nepheline-basalt. To the south the uptilted beds are thinning out rapidly, and, moreover, in this direction they would naturally occur at a higher and higher level, but they have been completely denuded away when the lake stood higher than at present, and there was not the smallest trace of them in the hills of granitic gneiss to the south of the wide Kuja valley. The only chance of finding any further outcrops lay in my searching along their line of strike, viz. to E. by N., but to the east of Kikongo the basalt no longer rested on the Miocene deposits, but on an ancient augite-andesite, from which the Miocene strata had previously been denuded away excepting for a small 8 MIOCENE BEDS OF VICTORIA NYANZA patch of the upper series on the left bank of the Kuja, near the Ogo ford, 15 miles inland from the lake. Here the grey shales and clays are identical in character with the typically unfossili- ferous upper beds ; they occur on the same line of strike as Kachuku and approximately at the same level and they exhibit the same dip, viz. 8° N. by W. It is a remarkable instance of the persistence of freshwater forms that although the vertebrate remains clearly indicate the Lower Miocene age of these deposits the fossil shells without exception belong to species which are still living in Equatorial Africa. Ampullaria ovata, however, is the only one of these Miocene shells that occurs in the Victoria Nyanza at the present day. Lanistes carinatus is not found nearer than the Tana River, whilst the nearest recorded localities for Cleopatra bulimoides are at Mombasa and in the Lake Rudolf region. Every year a greater area of the fossiliferous beds will be exposed, for the heavy rains not only wash away the soft black cotton-soil overlying the beds, but the gullies are tem- porarily filled with swollen torrents, which scour away the soft clays so as to undercut the sandstone ledges, which break away into slabs when unsupported. Thus fresh specimens of fossils will continually become exposed to view. Dr. Andrews has already indicated in his article in this Journal the importance of these isolated and scattered bones, and how they can throw light upon the early distribution of animals in Africa as well as upon the origin of the present fauna. Very valuable results may be attained if any visitor to Karungu will turn aside to inspect the gullies of Nira and Kachuku and to secure for the British Museum any fossil bones or teeth which he may discover, noting carefully and photographing the exact bed in which they occur. THE ORGANIC CELL 9 THE ORGANIC CELL Part I. — Its Methods of Division and Status in the Process of Heredity By E. Wynstone-Waters, E.R.S.Edin., &c., Late Senior Demonstrator of Anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons , Edinburgh The term * cell ’ is a biological misnomer, which, however, shows little sign of dying a natural death. Literally speaking a cell means a hollow chamber, bounded by distinct walls. It is only rarely we come across such hollow cells in organic life, the cell as found in Nature consisting essentially of a mass of protoplasm, a substance well described by Huxley as ‘ the physical basis of life ’ and admitted by all competent thinkers to be the field in which all vital phenomena are exhibited. However much cells may differ in appearance according to the particular tissue or organ they may go to form, they still possess features common to them all. In the higher organisms we have a composite structure built up of millions of units (cells). There is, however, at the very bottom of the organic ladder a whole series of lowly forms, both plant and animal, consisting of a single cell, the type of which is the same as in the cells which go to build up the complex higher multicellular forms. Examples of these one-celled organisms will be found in the infusoria, diatoms, and bacteria. In these lower forms all the phenomena of life are exhibited by the single cell, while in the higher forms certain groups of cells perform certain definite functions, giving rise to the ‘ physiological division of labour ’ by which alone can be attained the most perfect exhibition of vital phenomena. To understand the complexity of cells forming the multicellular organism, one must go back to the single cell. 4 It is to the cell that the study of every bodily function sooner or later drives us. In the muscle-cell lies the problem of the heart-beat, and that of muscular contraction; in the gland-cell reside the causes of secretion ; and the secrets of 10 THE ORGANIC CELL the mind are hidden in the ganglion-cell. ... If then Physiology is not to rest content with the mere extension of our knowledge regarding the gross activities of the human body, if it would seek a real explanation of the fundamental phenomena of life, it can only attain its end through the study of cell-physiology.’ 1 It seems strange that the above conceptions of the cell, originated by Schwann and elaborated by Kolliker, Virchow, and Hackel, did not for many years affect the speculative aspect of biology. In that great work ‘ The Origin of Species,’ published in 1859, Darwin does not mention it except in regard to his provisional theory of pangenesis, about which I shall have more to say later. The factor which brought the cell theory into line with the evolution theory was the series of researches (made twenty years later) on the early history of the germ cells, and the result of the union of the germ and sperm cells. Through the agency of these researches it became for the first time apparent that phenomena associated with embryology, heredity, and evolution are closely connected with cell structure ; and that a full understanding of them can only be attained by the closest and most careful cytological research. Shortly after this it was clearly demonstrated that the nucleus of the cell contained the substance of inheritance, and at very nearly the same time the classical researches of van Beneden on the early changes taking place in the animal egg opened up a wide field for original work on the various details of cell phenomena. To form an estimate of the full value of the discoveries made during this brilliant period it will be useful to very briefly examine the earlier opinions on embryology and inheritance. The modern thinker looks upon the germ as 4 simply a detached portion of the substance of a pre-existing living body ’ carrying with it a definite structural organisation characteristic of the species. By the earlier embryologists, however, the matter was very differently regarded ; for their views in regard to inheritance were vitiated by their acceptance of the Greek doctrine of the spontaneous generation of life. The great Harvey himself did not escape from this error. His 1 Verworn, Allgemeine Physiologie (1895), p. 53. THE ORGANIC CELL 11 mind was obscured by the fallacy of spontaneous generation. Neither could he have had any true idea of the nature of the egg, for the cellular structure of living things was not under- stood until two centuries later. For a century after Harvey’s time desperate efforts were made to solve the mystery of the origin of the individual life. The extremists evolved what is known as the Preformation theory, which taught that the germ, whether ovum or sperm, contained a miniature organism, already preformed though invisible, which, on becoming unfolded, revealed the perfectly developed animal. The egg was thus supposed to contain a minute model of the chick, which in its turn contained still minuter models ad infinitum. One enterprising fanatic calculated that Mother Eve must have contained at least 200,000 million homunculi. The ‘ Ovists,’ believing that the ovum contained the miniature, held fierce discussions with the ‘ animalculists ’ who championed the claims of the sperm. This long-lived theory of Preformation received its death- blow when Caspar Wolff in 1759 demonstrated his theory of ‘ epigenesis ’ by which he sought to show that there was a gradual development from a simple rudiment to a form of greater complexity. Wolff clearly showed in the chick the process of development from a simple rudiment, but having no idea of the uniqueness of the germ cells, was forced to fall back on the postulate of a vis corporis essentialis. Thus the external nature of development was determined, but the structure of the egg and the process of inheritance remained in the dark for yet another century. Schwann and his followers, in 1889, established the fact beyond the possibility of doubt that the egg is a cell, having the same fundamental structure as other cells of the body. Then dawned the striking truth that a single cell may contain within itself the sum-total of the heritage of the species. It was in regard to the female sex that this conclusion was first arrived at ; but the doctrine was soon extended to the male as well. Leeuwenhoek in 1677 showed that the fertilising fluid contained numberless minute motile bodies, possessing as a rule very active move- ment, and for this reason described by the early observers as parasites or infusoria, an idea which caused the origin of the 12 THE ORGANIC CELL term ‘spermatozoa’ by which they are even now generally spoken of. An Italian naturalist (Spallanzani) showed that the fertilis- ing power existed in the spermatozoa, and not in the medium in which they move, because, on filtering, the spermatic fluid loses its power. The next step was the demonstration of the fact that the spermatozoa take their origin directly from the cells of the testis, that they therefore are not parasitic, but, like the ovum, are directly derived from the parent. A little later it was shown that the spermatozoon consisted not only of a nucleus, but also contained cytoplasm. Its purely cellular nature was thus clearly shown, that though of extreme minuteness, and possessing a long tail and con- siderable motive power, still morphologically it was as true a cell as the ovum. Ten years later (1875) Hertwig showed that when fertilisation of the egg occurred this phenomenon was the result of its union with one spermatozoon, and only one. Thus in the process of sexual reproduction each parent supplies a single cell of its own body, which on uniting produce the offspring — a practical corroboration of the conclusions drawn by Galton and Darwin, that the sexes perform equal though not identical parts in the process of hereditary trans- mission. It is therefore evident that the questions of fertilisation and inheritance are cell problems. The question now arises : How do the cells of the body originate ? As early as 1885 it was known that cells arose by the division of pre-existing cells. There were two different methods by which cells were supposed to come into existence : (1) by division of a pre-existing cell ; and (2) by what was known as 4 free cell formation,’ which supposed that cells could crystallise out from a nutritive substance called the 4 cyto- blastema,’ and, strange to say, this latter method was supposed to be the more typical. After some years it was proved that 4 free cell formation ’ was a fallacy and that such a method did not exist in Nature. In 1855 Virchow upheld the universal nature of cell division, stating clearly that every cell is the result of a pre-existing cell, concluding his statement with the now famous biological aphorism 4 omnis cellula e cellula.’ THE ORGANIC CELL 18 The most recent research has placed this conclusion on an immovable foundation, and its absolute truth can be accepted unreservedly. The first stage in development is the division of the egg into two portions, each of which is a perfect cell in every respect. The two divide to form four, these again to form eight, sixteen, and so on, until at last the original cell or egg comes to be divided up into a host of cells, each one of which is as perfect as the original egg from which they all arose. It is from this mass of cells that the embryonic rudiment is built and, finally, the foetus, and then the full-grown individual. This splitting of the egg is called cleavage or segmentation. It must be remembered that cell-division does not begin with cleavage, but can be traced back into the foregoing generation, for it has been shown that the germ of the female and the sperm of the male arise by the division of cells pre-existing in the parent body. The germ and the sperm are therefore ‘ derived by direct descent from an egg-cell ’ or testis cell of the foregoing generation, and so on ad infinitum. Thus we arrive at the conception of an endless series of cell divisions extending far back to the very commencement of all life. The body must be looked upon as an excrescence growing out from this ‘ endless chain, whose end is but to die,’ the germ- cells, however, living on and on, ‘ carrying with them the tra- ditions of the race from which they sprang, and handing them on to their descendants.’ This is the modern standpoint of the problems of heredity and development. The whole teaching of evolution rests on two factors, viz. variation and heredity. Variation causes the appearance of new characters, and by heredity these are carried on to future generations. In the ‘ Origin of Species ’ Darwin accepted two modes of variation in formulating his doctrine : (1) Inborn variations, which appear at birth, without having in any way been affected by environment ; (2) Variations resulting from environment and produced during the individual life, e.g. the effects of use, disuse, &c. This second class of variation was accepted without hesitation by Lamarck, fifty years before Darwin, and is often spoken of as the Lamarckian factors. Around the question of the inheritance of the Lamarckian 14 THE OEGANIC CELL factors has raged a severe straggle. Darwin accepted the theory of their being inherited ; and, as an explanation of howT it was possible for the effects of use and disuse, &c., to be in- herited, he formulated his ingenious provisional hypothesis of pangenesis. This theory suggests that the germ-cells receive minute gemmules from every part of the body, and on this assumption explained the transmission of both inborn and acquired characters. This theory was the most speculative of all Darwin’s writings, and, though discarded, it must always remain of interest from the wonderful skill used in its construction. Brooks, in 1888, attempted to rejuvenate the theory of pangenesis. In the above year Professor A. Weismann startled the scientific world by issuing a sweeping challenge of the whole of the Lamarckian factors.1 ‘ In my opinion this [the hereditary substance] can only be the substance of the germ-cells ; and this substance transfers its hereditary tendencies from genera- tion to generation, at first unchanged, and always uninfluenced in any corresponding manner by that which happens during the life of the individual which bears it. If these views be correct, all our ideas upon the transformation of species require thorough modification, for the whole principle of evolution by means of exercise (use and disuse) as professed by Lamarck, and accepted in some cases by Darwin, entirely collapses.’ Professor Weismann continues by stating the impossibility of the transmission of acquired traits, for it seems impossible to understand that changes in the body should affect the plasm of the germ cells so as to bring about corresponding changes in the offspring. Weismann asserts that not a single case of transmission of acquired characters will stand a rigid scrutiny. Inheritance does not take place from the body of the parent to that of the child. ‘ The child inherits from the parent germ cell, not from the parent-body which bears it,’ and the germ cell owes its characteristics not to the body which bears it, but to its descent from a pre-existing germ cell of the same kind. Thus the body is, as it were, an offshoot from the germ cell (see diagram). 1 See Essays upon Heredity, vol. i., by A. Weismann (Clarendon Press, Oxford: 1891). THE ORGANIC CELL 15 4 As far as inheritance is concerned, the body is merely the carrier of the germ cells, which are held in trust for coming generations.’ 1 As an axiom in Weismannism let it be remembered that germ-plasm may be, and is, converted into body-plasm ; but body-plasm can never become germ-plasm. In this simple statement lies the explanation of what is gradually becoming an accepted fact, viz. that any change affecting the body cells, Diagram illustrating Weismann’s theory of inheritance. G, the germ cell which by division gives rise to the body or soma (S) and to new germ cells (G) which separate from the soma, and repeat the process in each successive generation. but not the germ cells, cannot be transmitted to future generations. Thus acquired characters (the Lamarckian fac- tors) cannot be inherited. ‘ The germ-plasm of one generation being passed on to the next, and so on and on,’ influences from without cannot reach them, they being far too deeply buried to be reached by such superficial influences ; and thus acquired characters which cannot impress their influence on the germ cells cannot be inherited. We must therefore look upon the body as a new formation, which soon ceases to exist, but which passes on to its offspring a portion of the original germ-plasm, the germ-plasm itself having existed far back through the ages that have been to the very commencement of all life.’ 2 In the next article in this series I propose dealing with the cell from its microscopical aspect. March 2, 1913. 1 The Cell in Inheritance and Development, by E. B. Wilson. 2 Mendelism in Theory and Practice, by E. Wynstone-Waters. 16 THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH-EASTEEN THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH-EASTEEN SLOPES OF ELGON (From the Kwiwa to the Muberi) By C. W. Woodhouse As is common near large isolated mountains which offer a certain amount of shelter and protection to fugitives, the volcanic mass known as Elgon presents a considerable variety of race and language among the residents on its slopes. On the south-eastern portion of the mountain and its lower foothills, which are being considered in these notes, the population may be conveniently placed into five divisions which comprise : — 1. (a) The 4 El-geborit ’ dwelling at the foot of Elgon from the Kwiwa to the Kumelil. (b) The El-kabeywa, Dorobo-like people who are closely allied to the 4 El-geborit,’ many of this tribe being among them. 2. The Kipsatok or Elakassissi’s people. 8. The Kitosh settlers living among the El-geborit. 4. A few Uasin-Gishu Masai settlers. 5. The Esomek, comprising the cave-dwellers at the foot of Elgon. These, as far as their history and the settlements of the other tribes, were there as far back as tradition relates. On taking the other histories of these tribes in the above- mentioned order they appear to be as follows : — El-geborit The history of this tribe appears to go back for some 150 years, but this may be overestimated. The number 150 was arrived at by allowing twenty-five years for each person in the genealogy of the tribe down to Tendet, who is now about twenty-five years old and has children of his own. The founder of the tribe (as stated by the present chief) was a man named Sangut, who fled from the Kamasia country somewhere within touch of the large river running into the lake near the El-keyo, probably the Kerio river. The cause of his SLOPES OF ELGON 17 departure was that his people had been raided and severely- beaten by a tribe from the north vaguely called Koromoja people. Sangut fled to Elgon to somewhere near the Kipkolkol river, and apparently lived the life of a hunter. He was very successful with elephants and selling the tusks, obtained a wife from the Esomek (cave-dwellers), and at the time of his death possessed a certain amount of stock, cattle, goats, &c. He was succeeded by his son Kipsambo who was succeeded by his son Kitariah Kapsangut. By this time the tribe was growing in wealth and importance and were strong enough to beat off most of their invaders. They had, of course, been joined by various refugees. They were said to have lived an entirely pastoral life, subsisting on blood, meat, and milk. Their country was among the lower slopes on the east of Elgon, above the Omasa Keliondet, a very fine grazing country. They were not great hunters but obtained their ivory and honey from the Dorobo. Kitaria was succeeded by Kipitek, who appears to have been the most prominent man of war the race had produced. His central village was on the Rongai river, a tributary of the Keliondet. He successfully raided the Sabei, the Kitosh, and the Lago (or Lako), capturing much booty. This period appears to have been the zenith of the tribe. In his old age he suffered a very severe reverse at the hands of the Koromoja, most of the warriors being absent raiding. A great many cattle, women, and children were captured, many of the latter being slain. The reverse was so severe that the tribe was driven from the neighbourhood of the Rongai to their present location. He was succeeded by the present chief Kiptolulia (Arap Kipitek), who is now an elderly man. Kiptolulia’s half-brother Arap Sangalu is considered chief of the El-kabeywa and Chebogo’s people, forest -dwellers and hunters on Elgon. Kiptolulia’s sons include Tendet, the eldest, Arap Kembe, and others. Both of these men have children. During the outbreak of rinderpest of some years ago their cattle were largely destroyed, and at this period they were VOL. III.— No. 6. c 18 THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH-EASTERN forced to adopt the practice of the Bantu natives and cultivate shambas , which they still do, although they have a fair number of cattle, sheep, and goats. The fields in which they cultivate eleusine, matema, and maize are carefully fenced in with branches of trees to protect them in some measure against the attacks of game, &c. Elephants occasionally visit the shambas and do a con- siderable amount of damage. Their habits at the present day are very similar to other members of the Masai-Nandi stock. The huts are made in the Masai fashion, plastered with cowdung and inclosed within a fence composed of interlaced branches. The grain stores are after the Kavirondo (Bantu) pattern, being supported on posts and having the usual conical removable lid. They are often placed outside the protecting fence. If an ox is captured by the warriors it is taken to a tem- porary hut built away from the village and there slaughtered and eaten (recalling a Masai custom). There appears, however, to be no restriction made about other people eating meat in the village, except that the animal must be slaughtered away from the boma. Milk, porridge, blood, and the flesh of game are also con- sumed. The El-geborit are clever cattle-men and appear to understand cattle, in contra-distinction to the Bantu native. The young calves, goats, and the sheep are herded separately from the adult animals, usually by a very small boy. They keep fowls but do not appear to have any dogs. All adults are circumcised. They state that in former years they held circumcision feasts every five years after harvesting the crops (August).1 For a considerable time before the actual circumcision the boys and girls about to be operated on assemble at the chosen spot, and spend most of the day (and night, too, if it is not raining) in dancing and singing. The operation itself is said to be performed by a Dorobo. The arms of the tribe include both the Masai form of spear and the small, leaf-headed, ‘ long-necked ’ spear. The edge of 1 Before they cultivated crops they used to buy grain for beer each year. SLOPES OF ELGON 19 the latter is protected by a narrow rawhide covering similar to the Suk. Their shields are of the Nandi and also Kitosh patterns. They have bows and arrows, the latter tipped with the keliot poison. The usual type of Dorobo elephant spear, weighted at both ends, is found among them. The enemy they consider most to be reckoned with are the Koromoja, small parties of whom have been seen south-east of Elgon within the year. At the present time they are very anxious to return to their old country on the Rongai and Keliondet rivers, as they are getting uncomfortably crowded by the Kitosh settlers and the grass is getting eaten down. Up till now, by the exercise of a rigorous quarantine, they have entirely escaped the present outbreak of rinderpest. This may have been due to the expressed intention of Kiptolulia of slaughtering any animals brought near his own. A very noticeable feature of the tribe, although they are hardly touched with civilisation, is their courtesy and politeness. Their speech appears to be Nandi or very closely allied to it. Masai and Bantu Kavirondo are also spoken and understood by nearly all the tribe. A genealogy of the chiefs is appended : Sangufc Kipsambo I Kitariah Kapsangut Kipitek Kiptolulia (Arap Kipitek) present chief Arap Sangalu j (by another wife) Tendet Arap Kembe others bas sons has issue (young) The El-kabeywa and Chebogos These people, of whom Arap Sangalu is the recognised head, comprise a rather heterogeneous lot of tribes. They are all forest-dwellers with the habits and speech of Dorobo. 20 THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH-EASTERN Included among them probably are aboriginal Dorobo, but many are, or their fathers or grandfathers were, refugees and stragglers from other tribes, i.e. El-geborit, Nandi, El-keyo, El-kony, Sengwerr, Kasmania, Uasin-Gishu Masai, Kisartok, Sabei, and possibly even Suk. They have been forced to adopt a Dorobo’s life from either poverty caused by famine, disease, or war, or have fled from their tribes for some other reason. Their speech appears to be a Nandi dialect similar to that spoken on the Mau, though some words are not the same, i.e. kebau, their word for rhinoceros — as opposed to kichanet, and the word used for leopard appears to be chablcmget, which is Nandi, the Mau Dorobo word melilda not being understood. (The Mau Dorobo use both words.) There are, as among all Dorobo, different degrees of skill in hunting in different members of the tribe. The game mostly sought for are rhinoceros and elephant, although giraffe, buffalo, and even buck, such as hartebeeste, are successfully killed. A certain number of giant pig are killed by them. The staple food is honey, the forest being all portioned out in areas, the said areas belonging to certain families. Good beehives are constructed, and wild honey, especially at the foot of the mountain, is very plentiful. Arap Sangalu stated that his family take ten to eleven nests of bees every day to support themselves, but this may be an exaggeration. Bee stings have apparently no effect on these people, and it is apparently immaterial whether they use smoke or not in extracting the honey. The head, however, is usually covered with the fur cape, as they state that they are afraid of getting their eyes stung. In the forests an animal much sought after for its flesh is a variety of Sykes’s monkey, which is very plentiful. They are skilful weavers of wicker-work, and after the people at the foot of Elgon have harvested their grain the El-kabeywa bring down baskets constructed of bamboo slips in exchange for flour. Their dwelling-places are the usual temporary Dorobo form of hut, but Arap Sangalu, who is the possessor of some cattle and goats which are kept above 10,000 feet, has several large flat huts constructed of interlaced SLOPES OF ELGON 21 split bamboos and divided inside by partitions. The outside is plastered with clay and eowdung, the roof similar and flat, and any interstices ‘ chinked ’ with moss or lichen as some protection against the bitter wind. A remarkable sight at Arap Sangalu’s main residence is the occurrence of a small cultivated patch of stunted tobacco, curious on account of the altitude and inclemency of the climate. The keliot poison is prepared from the branches of the Akokanthera tree, but great care is exercised in choosing the special tree from which the branches are cut. A leaf from each of a large number of trees is tasted, the tree having the most bitter flavour being selected. Afterwards the poison is prepared in the usual way. Elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceros are hunted with the usual weighted spear with the detachable shaft and head. The hunter on approaching the game (keeping very carefully to leeward) strips himself of everything and creeps up to the nearest animal, always keeping as far from the head as possible. On getting to within three to four yards he rises to his feet, takes a couple of short steps to gain impetus, and hurls the spear at the buttocks or flank of the quarry. He has previously chosen his line of retreat, and, without a glance at the success of his aim, turns and flees at the top of his speed, not pausing till the coign of vantage — river-bed, tree, or rock — previously chosen is reached. He then waits, and in an hour or two cautiously investigates by a circuitous route. If the animal has run; as is usually the case, he follows at a respectful distance until death takes place. As he follows he frequently ascends a tree to view the surrounding country. In the case of elephant or rhinoceros they state that they get the beast in one day if they are lucky, but two or three days is more common. In the open country the arrival of the vultures informs them of the death of the elephant or rhinoceros. In these cases a man is usually dispatched to some prominent hill in the neighbourhood, whence he watches for the birds. They state they can see vultures at what to a European equipped with binoculars appears to be an incredible distance. Monkeys, giraffe, and buck are attacked with the usual 22 THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH-EASTERN poisoned arrow. They seem to be far better marksmen than the Mau Dorobo. Pitfalls are dug, the pitfall designed for leopard being very ingenious. A small boma or zeriba is built, with a passage leading up to the entrance; and a goat placed inside. The pit is dug in the passage, and on the leopard entering to obtain the goat he falls into the pit. This is only employed by people like Arap Sangalu who have a few goats, and in the case of a leopard who has taken to regularly killing their stock. These people are said only to marry among themselves ; the women of the people below Elgon are said to die on the mountain, not being able to stand the exposure. The price paid for a wife is said to be five goats and five bags of honey. Arap Sangalu was raided by Koromoja a few years ago and states he lost forty head of cattle. The El-kabeywa dislike intensely coming down into the Kitosh plain, as they state they get sick, probably from malaria. Arap Sangalu’s sphere of influence is said to extend from the Turkwell (Suam) to the Elgumi people. The Kipsatok There are two villages on the Kitaban river belonging at present to Elakassissi, who is government headman for this district. The history of these people appears to be as follows : Arap Kembe, the father of Elakassissi, left the Sabei country some fifteen or twenty years ago, owing to having been beaten and chased by some northern tribe. During their flight over Elgon they are said to have been pursued and many killed and wounded. Severe weather when they were crossing the higher slopes decimated the remaining fugitives, who were worn out with travel and war and died of cold and exposure. Arap Kembe came to Kiptolulia and asked his permission to settle. Kipitek may, or may not, have been alive at this time, but was an old man. Arap Kembe received permission and built near the large caves on the side of Elgon (Kitabau SLOPES OF ELGON 28 River). In the course of time Arap Kembe was succeeded by Elakassissi, who is ambitious and shrewd. He quickly realised that his position in the country was not prominent and was not likely to be unless some change took place. He presented some ivory (which the El-geborit say he stole and he says he bought) to Mumia. He then organised two successful raids against small chiefs of the Elgumi, and obtained about two hundred and fifty cattle. A present of cattle wTas sent to Mumia. He made himself of use and help to any white men who wished to climb Elgon. (The trail which crosses the mountain from north to south comes past his village.) Finally, when Mumia was asked by the administrative officer who was the head of the tribes at the foot of Elgon (Masai-Nandi), Elakassissi was named and wTas made headman. Lately he has been visited by rinderpest, and has at present ten cattle of his own left. His brother has only five. His manner of living and habits are similar to the El-geborit, although some of the huts in his village are of Kavirondo pattern. The Kitosh Settlers Every year more and more of the Kitosh people (a Bantu- speaking race which appears to have a strong leavening of Nilotic (Nandi) blood) move up from their plains and settle near Elgon. Their habits and customs are well known and have been described, but one or two notes are of interest. All males are circumcised. They make very strong villages defended by a large mud wall and a deep ditch. They were apparently formerly more addicted to stock-keeping than agriculture, although at present they are starting to grow large areas of sim-sim as well as their ordinary food-stuffs. Many of their customs and habits appear to be copied from the Nandi, i.e. the cap made of the stomach of a goat, the method of dressing the hair, the ear ornaments, the distension of the lobe of the ear, and their arms and their ornaments (arm clamps, &c.). 24 THE PEOPLE ON THE S.E. SLOPES OF ELGON They are an enterprising race and are bound, now that war and raiding are eliminated, to increase very materially in the next few years. At present they envelope and are crowding out the El-geborit. The Uasin-Gishu Masai. A few villages of Masai are scattered haphazard among the above tribes. They are all fugitives from the time when the tribe was broken up and destroyed by the pastoral Masai. They do not call for any comment except for the fact that they are all becoming very rich in cattle. They own some faint allegiance to Nyakuli. The Esomek. These are the cave-dwellers who have inhabited the large and numerous caves found in the first cliffs at the foot of Elgon. They may be closely allied to the El-kony, many of whom are living in the open now. Their lives until lately have not been happy. Each passing raiding party would usually pay a visit and endeavour to smoke them out. If they came down from the caves they were always in danger of being cut off, as in most cases the cave is approached by a tortuous path, in one case so steep and narrow that the observer wonders how the cattle get up and down. In this instance the rock passage through which the path runs is worn into a series of depressions made by the feet of cattle. The entrance to the caves is strongly defended by a palisade, and the interior is divided up into cattle and goat pens, cubicles for the owners, store-rooms, &c., in a very ingenious manner* They have been often described and so call for little comment here. Two caves are uninhabited owing to the millions of fleas in them. The story related in connection with this is that a heifer was bought from the Kitosh on the plains and brought up. The heifer had fleas on it and these, finding the floor of the cave (composed of several feet of cowdung) a most congenial spot, bred and multiplied enormously and drove the owner THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT 25 out. In the interior of this cave is a pit which is visited by natives who brave the fleas, as the earth in this pit is saline and salt is extracted. In these notes in many names both the English and native article has been used for the sake of clearness, i.e. ‘ the ’ El- geborit, ‘ the ’ El-kabeywa. It would probably be more correct to say ‘ The Geborit,’ 4 The Kabeywa.’ THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT By R. B. Woosnam, F.Z.S. It was suggested to me that it might be of interest to some of the members of this Society to hear something of the results of an attempt which I have made to acclimatise the wild melon of the Kalahari Desert (Cucumis coffer ) in the Southern Game Reserve of this protectorate. There is always an element of doubt in the introduction of any new plants into a country strange to them. But although the first seeds of this melon, which were planted last year, practically came to nothing I am glad to say that the second attempt during the present year has met with quite encouraging results. Before I tell you of the progress of the experiment I ought perhaps to give you some idea of the kind of country and general conditions under which this melon flourishes in its native wilds. The Kalahari desert, wrhich forms the stronghold of this wild melon, may roughly be said to be comprised by the north- western part of South Africa and extends from Lake Ngami, down past Kuruman and Prieska and Kenkart to the Orange River. This wild melon is, I believe, only found in any quantity in the northern parts of the Kalahari in N.W. Bechuanaland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate, and it is here that I have met with it. It is called by the Bechuanas hengwe and by the Dutch and English soma. In size it varies from an orange up to a man’s head or larger, and is of a dark green colour banded with lighter green stripes, and when fully ripe 26 THE MELON OE THE KALAHAEI DESERT it turns to an almost uniform bright yellow. It is of the taste and consistency of a cucumber, but some are intensely bitter, and it is full of small, very hard, brown seeds. The word ‘ desert ’ usually calls to the mind of most people a vast expanse of perfectly flat, bare, yellow sand, with here and there a gaunt isolated palm tree and perhaps a missionary on the sky line, and of course no water. The Kalahari is not a desert of this kind, in fact it is doubtful whether it is not an injustice to call it a desert at all. It consists of a vast extent of comparatively flat or gently undulating country of soft deep red or grey sand, and is not open but is covered all over with kamel thorn forest, in parts very dense, or with low scrub and thorn bush, beneath which there is an ample supply of grass. There is no permanent water other than native wells long distances apart. The Kalahari under- goes much the same seasonal changes as the Athi Plains, except that the rains only come once a year, from December to April, and during these months and for the month or six weeks following numerous * salt-pans ’ or shallow, brackish pools of rain-water are to be found widely distributed over the whole desert. After this period there is no water to be had except at very few places, great distances apart ; and against this long drought, until the next rains, Nature has made a most wonderful provision in the form of this wild melon. During the rains the Kalahari produces a luxuriant crop of grass and herbs, and at the same time the melons grow. They do not grow uniformly all over the desert but in patches. Sometimes ten, twenty, or thirty miles or more will be passed without a single melon being seen, and then suddenly, for no apparent reason (although of course there must be one), the traveller comes upon a patch of melons, sometimes only a few hundred yards in extent, sometimes reaching for many miles. In places I have seen the sama lying so thickly on the ground that it is difficult to believe they have not been collected there by natives, and it is a curious fact that in these patches sweet and bitter melons are to be found all growing together, but I was never able to decide definitely whether they grow upon the same plants, although the bushmen assured me that they do. THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT 27 During the long dry season, the sama forms the mainspring of life in the Kalahari. Upon it not only the game but the bushmen and the herds of cattle of the Bechuanas subsist to a great extent and in some places entirely, for it supplies both water and food. The species of game which I know to rely entirely upon sama are Oryx and Eland, for I have seen them in places where there was no water obtainable within a hundred miles in any direction, and I have found the stomachs of Oryx entirely filled with sama. Greater Kudu eat it readily, but I believe are generally, not entirely, out of reach of water. Hartebeeste and Wildebeeste I have also seen at great distances from water in places where there was plenty of sama. It is eaten by cheetahs and jackals and numerous small birds. The bushmen burn the grass and then collect great numbers of the melons which are thus exposed to view. They eat them in several ways. Generally they cut them up into strips and dry them on the bushes and afterwards boil them up into a paste. They eat them raw and they also collect the seeds and roast them and then grind them up into a porridge. It is a diet upon which human beings cannot exist without some training, for, being of a very low order of nutriment, it is necessary to consume enormous quantities, and the figures of the bushmen during the time they are feeding upon sama bear very evident witness to this fact in their abnormally protruding stomachs. The melons, I have been told, remain intact on the ground for as long as two years, but I think they must be useless as a water-supply after about ten months, for they have by then become woolly and lost much of their moisture. I have been fortunate enough to make two expeditions into the Kalahari and had ample opportunity of observing the phenomenon of this wonderful provision of Nature. On the second occasion I took a wagon and eighteen oxen and two horses across to the German border and up through the desert to Lake Ngami. The oxen, although not accustomed like those which live in the desert to eating sama, were able to thrive for long periods without water, living entirely on the sama. After very little difficulty the horses were taught to eat it, and on one occasion on arrival at water, after a long trek of ten days through waterless country in which sama had 28 THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT been particularly plentiful, neither horses nor oxen would drink the water, which happened to be, for an exception, particularly good and fresh. I myself and a friend who accompanied me used the sama on many occasions. By cutting it up into lumps and boiling it in a pot it appears to melt ; the fibrous and more solid parts can then be strained out and the syrupy liquid which remains can be used for making tea, porridge, and boiling meat — to which it gives rather a pleasant sweetish flavour. Sama tea I cannot honestly recommend — it gives one the sensation of being what the Dutch call ‘ dik,’ and one has no inclination for either food or drink for about twenty-four hours afterwards, as well as other less pleasant sensations. When necessary I always eat it raw, and in this way a white man, provided he does not walk about too much in the hot sun, can sustain life on sama, but it is not a pleasant experience, and one is conscious of a continual desire for a good long drink. But the Bushmen can live for months with no water other than sama . With regard to the acclimatisation experiments which I have rather neglected so far, it occurred to me that it would be of great value and interest if this wild melon could be introduced into the Southern Game Reserve in British East Africa, for, as all of you probably know, during the dry season the greater part of the Athi Plains across to the German border is extremely waterless, in fact in bad drought years the Southern Game Reserve becomes a veritable Kalahari desert, and I thought that if this wild melon would grow there it would help very considerably to solve the problem of water and food for the game and also for the Masai cattle — for it is both. I therefore, after considerable difficulty, obtained from a friend in Bechuanaland about 10 lb. of sama seed from the Kalahari. It arrived in good condition and was planted over a considerable area of the Reserve in October 1911, but the rains, although fairly plentiful in some parts of the Protectorate, were almost a failure over this area of the Game Reserve, and no sign was to be found of the sama. At the same time I gave some seed to Mr. C. A. Hill of Machakos, who planted it on his farm. At first he told me that THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT 29 this also had been a failure, but later be found some small striped melons among the grass which I have no doubt were sama. This was most encouraging, for I was very much afraid that the seed must have been taken from unripe melons and was useless. Some of the melons on Mr. Hill’s farm have been left on the ground, and it will be interesting to see whether they will grow again of their own accord. This year in April I planted another lot of the same seed in the Reserve from Athi River down to Simba Station, and as the rains were abnormally heavy I was in great hopes that successful results would follow, and I am glad to say that in some places the melons have grown and produced fruit. On the Athi and Kapiti no signs of the sama could be found, but farther down the line, at Sultan Hamud, and particularly at Simba, there was quite a good crop and the game had apparently been eating them, but the melons were much smaller than in South Africa. It is rather curious why they should do so much better at Simba than at Athi River ; possibly there is some difference in the soil, or the altitude and temperature may have been more suitable at Simba, or, again, there may be some insects on the Athi Plains which destroyed the young plants. I am rather inclined to think that insects have played a more important part in preventing the sama from growing than altitude or climatic conditions, for the following reasons : This year I also planted about fifty seeds in my garden in Nairobi, and after nearly two months and a half of heavy rain fourteen of the seeds germinated and young plants appeared. They grew well until — as I suppose was only to be expected — the resident insect life discovered the strangers and set upon them. First something began to eat the leaves, then suddenly, without any visible cause, five of the plants shrivelled up and died. They had so obviously the appearance of having been cut through just below the surface of the ground that I dug them up and found that such was indeed the case. I took one of the dead plants to Mr. Anderson who at once diagnosed the case as ‘ cut- worm,’ and I am strongly of the opinion that it is this or some other insect pest which has destroyed the sama on the Athi Plains. Mr. Anderson advised me to mix a little poison (Paris green) with bran and a little sugar and sprinkle 80 THE MELON OF THE KALAHARI DESERT it among the plants : this I did with most successful results, for no more plants died and a fair number of melons came to maturity, but the effects upon the local chickens who frequented my garden, although satisfactory from my point of view, were 'fatal to them. Possibly I had put too much Paris green with the bran ; however, I am afraid it is not practicable to sprinkle the Athi Plains all over with bran and Paris green, and unless the sama are able to hold their own against insect pests in the struggle for existence the acclimatisation experiments with the Kalahari melon will not be very successful. It will be interesting after the next rains to see whether the seeds from the melons grown at Simba and Sultan Hamud will germinate naturally and grow a crop. If this takes place it may reasonably be hoped that they will form a nucleus and gradually spread over the surrounding waterless country, and from them acclimatised seeds may be obtained and planted in other parts of the Protectorate. There is one other point of interest concerning the growth of the sama which I noticed from the seeds planted in my garden, and that is the very long period which elapsed between the time that the seeds were planted and the appearance of the plants. It was nearly two months and a half after the seeds were planted in my garden that the plants appeared, and nearly a month later several more plants came up. This is a very interesting point, because the natives in the Kalahari say that all the sama seeds do not grow every year, but that some lie on the ground for two or three years and then grow, the object of this being to prevent the extermination of the species through drought and to make the utmost use of the rains. It is possible that sama seed germinates only after it is two or three years old or even more, and in this case there would always be seeds in varying stages of ripeness lying on the ground, some only of which would grow when rain came, and if such rain was out of season or premature or only of short duration, and the young plants which came up were consequently unable to come to maturity, there would still be left ample seeds ready to spring up during the real rainy season, and the species would not die out as would have been the case if all the seeds had germinated at once, for the sama plant only grows THE EVOLUTION OF THE AEEOW 31 once. This is the explanation given by the bushmen of the Kalahari. There is only one real rainy season in the Kalahari and Bechuanaland ; but a few storms may occur at any time, and it is obvious that if the sama seed germinated at once after a few showers and the plants then died there would soon be none left to carry on the race. However, from my own ex- perience of the Kalahari I am convinced that the sama only grow once a year during the real rainy season from November to April, and the long period of germination noticed in my garden is probably to ensure the seeds only coming up during this season ; but on the other hand the seeds may not have been old enough. I still have some seeds left from the original consignment and it will be interesting to see whether they germinate more quickly next year, but in any case the explan- ation of this long period of germination does not seem at all clear. I believe it is the same in the case of Black Wattle seed, which I think is usually soaked in boiling water before it is planted. As an experiment I tried soaking sama seed in boil- ing water before planting, but none of the seeds ever came up. I do not know whether any other seeds are known which have a similar long period of germination, or whether the object of this is known. Perhaps some member will be able to give us further information on this subject. THE EVOLUTION OF THE AEEOW By C. W. Hobley This seems at first sight a trivial subject, but big issues sometimes hang on little things, and when one considers how through untold ages the fate of nations and the livelihood of mankind often hinged on this weapon its development may be considered worthy of some attention. It is beyond my powers to trace the history of the arrow through past ages, but my attention has been turned to the subject by some pre- historic arrow-heads which lately came into my possession and the various types of arrows used by the tribes in East 82 THE EVOLUTION OF THE ABROW and Central Africa, and it is upon these that I propose to base my observations. First with regard to the arrows of early man. These vary from the comparatively rude examples we find in East Africa and usually made of obsidian, to the beautifully finished Neolithic products of Europe. The better African examples are leaf-shaped and well worked, but the majority are very rudely fashioned ; but of course one finds more of the ‘ wasters ’ or spoiled attempts than of those which were actually used and gradually lost in war or the chase. There are several problems in connection with these stone arrow-heads, one of which is the mode of attachment to the shaft of the arrow ; it would be very interesting too, to know whether the users had any means of balancing the arrow, for £ Y . Nucleus in the spireme stage. Centrosome single ; attraction-sphere well seen (Hermann) unicellular plants and animals, and in the germ cells of multi- cellular forms. Looked at from one point of view it cannot be denied that the multicellular body is equal to the aggregate of the one-celled forms which make up its constitution. One cannot quarrel with the aphorism that the whole cannot consist of more or less than the sum of its parts. Speaking physio- THE ORGANIC CELL 85 logically, however, the single cell cannot be looked upon as an independent unit, for its very existence depends on the general life of the organism. Schwann many years ago stated that ‘ the whole organism subsists only by means of the reciprocal action of the single elementary parts.’ Schwann erred to a certain extent in this statement, for he denied the influence of the whole organism upon the functional activities of the individual cell. The cells must be looked upon as centres of a formative power, affecting and influencing the growing mass as a whole ; the idea of a physiological independence of the individual cell must recede into the background. The life of the multi- cellular organism must be looked upon as a whole, its composite character being the result of a secondary distribution of energy among local centres. Looked at in this light it will be necessary to discover the means by which the single cell comes into relation with the whole organism. Tissue cells often appear isolated from their neighbours on account of the non-living walls separating them ; one must not, however, conclude, from this apparent isolation, that an actual solution of organic continuity has been established. For instance, there are many cases in which a nucleus may divide, but the cell -body does not share in the process, so that multinuclear cells come to be formed which consist of a uniform and continuous mass of protoplasm, studded in the substance of which are nuclei, the whole mass forming a colony of cells connected by cell-bridges by which free communication can be maintained. Years ago the contention was maintained by Heitzmann that in nearly all forms of tissue the process of division is incomplete, and that though cell-walls may be formed, these walls do not form barriers to communication between adjacent cells, because these cell-walls are penetrated by strands of protoplasm by which organic continuity is established in the mass. He therefore looked upon the body as a highly proto- plasmatic reticulum, the cells being nodal points in the network, the essential factor of the conception being the protoplasmic continuity of the whole. It has long been known that cell-bridges exist between the sieve-tubes of plants. A. Meyer has shown that in plant- 36 THE ORGANIC CELL tissues the cell- walls are connected by intercellular bridges. Bridges of a similar nature have been demonstrated with certainty in practically all forms of epithelium, also in con- nective tissue cells and nerve cells. Retzius and others have shown that the cells of the Graafian follicles of the ovary are not only connected with one another by bridges, but are also connected with the ovum. As a result of this evidence many recent observers have accepted Heitzmann’s theory. It is probably a little premature to accept this hypothesis in full in regard to the adult, though in the embryonic stages there seems to be no doubt as to the general continuity between cells. Sedgwick has shown that in the vertebrates the embryonic body in its earlier stages is a continuous reticulum, and E. B. Wilson points out ‘ that in a total cleavage, such as that of Amphioxus , the results of experiment on the early stages of cleavage are difficult to explain, save under the assumption that there must be a structural continuity from cell to cell that is broken by mechanical displacement of the blastomeres.’ Mrs. Andrews maintains that during the cleavage of Echinoderm eggs the blastomeres spin protoplasmic threads by which continuity is established between them after each division. (See ‘ Filose Activities in Metazoan Eggs,’ Zool. Bull. II. 1, also ‘ Activities of Polar Bodies,’ Arch. Entom. VI. 2.) Flemming has demonstrated that when white corpuscles move among epithelial cells the bridges become broken, but are re-formed afterwards. The absolute function of the cell- bridges is at present not definitely known. That they are not merely channels for the passage of nutrition, but form the roads by which physiological impulses are transmitted, is proved by Townsend’s experiments on plants. Townsend shows that in root-hairs and pollen tubes, if the protoplasm is broken, a membrane may be formed by both nucleated and non-nucleated fragments — by the latter however * only when they remain connected with the nucleated masses by protoplasmic strands, however fine.’ Should these connecting threads get broken, the power of TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY 87 forming a membrane is lost. This delicate and beautiful experiment very clearly shows that physiological impulses of the most profound importance pass across these protoplasmic bridges, by which the nucleus of one cell regulates the membrane- forming power of a protoplasmic mass from which the nucleus has been removed. THE TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY By A. Werner. The Tana Valley is the meeting-point of several different races, and therefore of peculiar interest from an ethnological point of view. Moreover, it is the dividing-line, for this part of Africa, between Bantu and non-Bantu, and an examination of the racial conditions as we find them to-day suggests a series of fascinating problems for the ethnologist. The Bantu tribe of the Wapokomo form, as is well known, the main population of the Tana Valley. They have been impinged upon, first from the north-east, afterwards from the south-west, by the Galla ; at a later date by the Somali from the north-east and the Masai from the south-west. (These last, whose advance is always checked by any great body of water, were stopped by the Tana in 1887, and seem since then to have fallen back and never recovered the lost ground.) And, scattered among them, in the forest on both banks of the river, are little groups of the hunter tribes — the Wasanye and Waboni. The Wapokomo are divided into thirteen tribes, each occupying a district named after it — though of late years there is a tendency for them to break up, fractions of some tribes settling within the districts of others : thus, there is a small colony of Buu people at Benderani, in the Ngatana district, and another of Bure (Ngatana) in the Kalindi district. 88 TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY The names of these tribes, beginning with the highest and going down river, are as follows : — Korokoro Malakote Malalulu Znbaki Ndura Kinakomba Gwano Ndera Mwina Ngatana Dznnza Bun Kalindi Sometimes Kulesa is counted as a separate tribe ; but it is really a branch of the Ngatana. As far as Mwina, the tribes are called collectively Wantu wa Dzuu, or ‘ up-river people ’ ; Mwina and the four following tribes are Wantu wa Nsini. While recognising each other as Wapokomo, these two sections are in many respects dis- tinct : they have separate Ngadzi (an expression corre- sponding more or less to the Karnbi of the Wagiryama), and they do not, as a rule (unless quite recently), intermarry. It is impossible to say at present whether there are any Pokomo traditions of a common origin for all the tribes : I have not hitherto found any tribe attempting to account for more than itself and one other ; but I shall come back to this point presently. The Korokoro tribe, like the Wasanye of the Malindi dis- trict, have adopted the Galla language and have quite ceased to use their own. The rest of the up-river tribes speak a dialect of Pokomo differing considerably from that of the Lower Tana, and there are important variations of custom ; e.g. the Wantu wa Dzuu practise circumcision, while the Wantu wa Nsini, I am informed, have never done so in the past, though occasionally, in recent years, conforming to the Muhammadan custom where they have been much in contact with the coast people. The Pokomo language is interesting, as being the farthest north-westerly outlier of the Bantu held. Its vocabulary contains a large non-Bantu element, most of which is re- cognisable as Galla, e.g. balguda * ostrich,’ hare ‘ donkey,’ hamata 4 to become bad,’ binensa 4 an animal,’ gafi 4 perhaps,’ &c. But there are also a number of wnrds which cannot, so far as I can ascertain, be thus accounted for, such as natodhe OLD GIRYAMA, KIPEPO OF THE AMWA-NGOWA. POKOMOS ON THE BANK OF TANA RIVER. From photographs by Miss A . Werner. TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY 89 * leopard ’ (Galla kerans), sara ‘ name 5 (Galla mak), pum * zebra ’ (Galla haredida), asi ‘ grave 5 (Galla dike). It is possible that these words are due to the Wasanye, from whom, as we shall see presently, the Wapokomo seem to be in part descended. (It is not too late to recover their language, which is still spoken in the neighbourhood of Witu.)1 But, so far, I have been unable to trace any of them. Pokomo has several features in common with the neigh- bouring Nyika dialects (e.g. Giryama), especially a strong objection to the consonants P and T, which are replaced by ‘ bilabial F ’ (written /) and H respectively. Thus the people do not call themselves Wapokomo, but Wafokomo ; ha'pa , ‘ here,5 becomes Tiafa ; tatu, ‘ three,5 is hahu ; kutenda, ‘ to do,5 kuhenda , &c. ' (P is found in a few words for which, when not derived from the Swahili, it is difficult to account. I believe the sound does not exist in Galla.) Pokomo also avoids L whenever possible, either omitting it or replacing it by Y : e.g. yaa — lalct. It would be interesting, and would probably throw a great deal of light on the origin and affinities of the Pokomo as a whole, to collect and collate the separate traditions of each tribe. I have only been able to obtain information from two out of the thirteen. The fullest, that relating to the Buu tribe, is important, because it seems to indicate that this tribe at any rate is partly descended from the Wasanye, a fact which, if established, might furnish the key to several problems. 1 The Wasanye now living in the forests about Pumwani and Marafa (a few miles inland from Mambrui) say that their original language was that spoken by the Waboni, and that they and the Waboni were originally one. They call themselves, and are called by the Galla, ‘Wat.’ The latter are to be found in the forests near Witu (I saw a few of them at Witu in December 1912) and apparently further north. I am told there are many in the neighbourhood of Barawa. I also saw at Witu some so-called Wasanye, whose language was different from that spoken by the Waboni, but was certainly not Galla. (I give their numerals below ; it is to be noted that they do not go beyond 5.) The Wasanye of the Malindi district call these people ‘Juan,’ and say they are a distinct tribe, called Wadahalo by the Swahili and Galla. Their numerals are : 1 Waiukwe, 2 Lima, 3 Kava, 4 $«’- ala, 5 Tawate, 6 Tawate olu Waiukwe, 7 Tawate olu Lima, &c., as far as 10, for which I failed to get any other word than Kumi. I collected a few Boni words and sentences, which partly, but not entirely, correspond with some kindly furnished me in MS. by Mr. Hollis. 40 TKIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY The Buu are a fairly large tribe occupying the district which contains the German (Neukirchen) Mission Station of Ngao, and consisting of eight clans. These, and more especially the Karya, trace their descent from one Vere, who, six or eight generations ago, according to the pedigrees given me, came into the TanaValley alone, no one knows whence. Some make him a supernatural being devoid of human parents, who produced, without a mate, the progenitor of the Buu tribe, but nothing in the account given me by Mpongwa (Government Elder of Ngao and himself a direct descendant of Vere) necessarily implies this : only that his parentage is utterly unknown, and though he eventually obtained a wife no one can now tell who she was. On the other hand there is a tendency, frequently observed among people whose history is entirely traditional, to date their legends at a period immediately before the earliest generation of which they have any certain knowledge ; so that, whether mythical or not, Vere may belong to an epoch several centuries earlier than could be inferred from the native chronology. Other people have supplied me with bits of the same story, but no one else seemed to know anything about the miraculous plate. Be that as it may, Mpongwa’s account is as follows : — ‘ Vere came and appeared over there at Matsanzuni, and he first built (his house) on the north bank of the Tana ; 1 he lived alone, he had no wife or child. He also had neither food nor fire, and thus he lived a whole year. Then (one day) he saw food on a plate, together with meat and its gravy ; he took and ate, washed the plate, and went into his house to sleep. When he came out in the morning the plate was gone. (Another time) the plate appeared with hot cakes ( mikahe ). He took the cakes and ate them, and when he had finished eating, the plate rose (into the air) and disappeared, and 1 Old Buu — Buu Ya Kae — is on the old course of the Tana (Tsana Ndeya = * the long Tana,’ or Tsana Ya Limotho), some distance to the north of the present Lake Sumiti. It can be reached in seven to eight hours from Mijeni, above Ngao. (The river has twice changed its course since then.) Matsanzuni is said to be in the same neighbourhood. Ngambwa and Kombeni still exist. TRIBES OP THE TANA VALLEY 41 he never saw it again. Another time, there was caused to descend for him cold water, very good, sweet as sugar. He remained for two years, and at the end of that time he saw a nswi fish on the Watsa (the sand-banks along the margin of the Tana, which are sometimes under water, sometimes exposed), and thought, “ I have no fire. What shall I do with it ? ” He saw a chalikoko (fish-eagle) eating (a similar fish) with its beak, and said to himself, “ This thing is food after all.” Next time he saw a nswi he ate it, like the chalikoko , just raw as it was. (All this time) he remained alone — he saw no man. After a European year,1 * * * he saw a fire burning on the plains (yuandani), and thought “ Who can it be who has lit a fire ? ” He went on to Matsanzuni, till he reached Old Buu. Then he wandered on in the same way till he came to Ngambwa ; and then went on again over the plains and came to a place called Kombeni, where there appeared to him his companion (mwenziwe): his name was Mitsotsozini. (Vere) called to him : “ Sir, where do you come from ? I have been walking here ; where should I see a man ? ” Mitsotsozini answered, “ Since I set out I have not seen a man, and this is the fifth year since I have met any.” Vere said to him, “ Very well, come — let us go to my place,” and they did so. Vere then went and took out his fish- trap (mono) and killed one myumi (a large fish with spines on its back, which groans when caught : Mpongwa illustrated this very dramatically) and one nswi , and brought them to his friend, saying, “ Come out and let us eat this nswi.” Mitsotsozini came out and asked, “ Is this fish raw ? ” Vere answered, “ I eat it raw just like this.” Mitsotsozini said, “ No, let us light a fire.” “ Where shall we get fire ? I know no news of fire — if you know, come and show me.” (It does not appear that Vere was unacquainted with the use of fire — only with the means of producing it.) Mitsotsozini went and chopped up a tree and cut a stick of this size (indicating a length of about a foot 1 Mwaka wa kizungu. The Pokomo ‘ year 5 is six months : a rainy and a dry season ; hence the two years mentioned a little further back are to be taken as equivalent to one European year. The Pokomo, unlike most other Bantu (but like the Wasanye), do not reckon by months, only by seasons. 42 TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY and a thickness of half an inch), and took another and held it like this, and cut a hole like this and put a bit of rag (kitani) beside it like this, and twisted it like this (till he had kindled a fire). He then took a pot, filled it with wateiv and set it on the stones (dzikoni) ; (when the fish was done) he took it out (kevura) and said to Vere, “ Come, let us eat.” When they had finished eating, rice appeared, and it was in the husk. Vere carried it to Mitsotsozini, who took up a little in his hand ( ku mega), put it into his mouth and said, “ People do not eat it like this.” Vere asked, “ How do they eat, then ? ” So Mitsotsozini went to cut down a tree and made a mortar and pestle for pounding ; then he took the pestle and pounded.’ Here Mpongwa broke off somewhat abruptly, only adding ‘ Vere got a wife from Malikakombo.’ (Malikakombo was explained as being ‘ near the Ozi,’ though another informant said it was near (the northern) Kilifi.) Naturally one wanted to know a little more about Mitsotsozini, but Mpongwa either could not or would not tell any more, and the above (considering that he had dictated another story immediately before) is by no means a discredit- able achievement for an old gentleman not invariably sober. (I found it a profitable practice to haunt the duka at Ngao during the early part of the forenoon, when customers and others would drop in for a gossip, but had not yet had time — if so inclined — to look very deep into the mochi gourd.) But, after various inquiries, I one day received an answer — given in the most matter-of-fact manner — which took my breath away ; Mitsotsozini was a Musanye ! Not only so, but he was the ancestor of the Katsae clan ; and if I wanted any further information, Mataguda, of that clan, was the man to give it me. I may remark at once that Mataguda proved a disappointment, and I was never able to carry out a cherished plan of tracing the Katsae back to Mitsotsozini, as Mpongwa had traced his clan (the Karya) back to Vere. TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY 4S Mpongwa’s pedigree, as he gave it me, is as follows : Vere 1 1 Malikei l But a younger member of the same clan said — if I understood him rightly— Buko l that Malikei was either the daughter or the son of a daughter of Vere — so Koroso l Mpongwa would not be a direct de- scendant after all. Nkondo l He also wanted to knock out either the first or the second Buko on the Kaimu l list (all the Nkondos are also named ■ Buko), but I have thought better to Nkondo 1 leave it as the old man dictated it. 1 Mpongwa or Koroso. Owing to the Pokomo system of nomenclature (similar to, but, I think, not quite identical with that in vogue among the Giryama), there are really only two names in this family tree (i.e. as it stands here, excluding the younger members of each generation), viz. Buko and Koroso. The rest are aliases. It would take us too far to consider this system in detail, but it is extremely interesting. The important points that emerge from the above are (1) the Sanye descent of one or more Buu clans, (2) that the Pokomo acquired some at least of the arts of life from the Wasanye, who, moreover, would seem to be the aborigines of the district, since Mitsotsozini had been there five ‘ years ’ to Vere’s two. It also seems probable that the Pokomo derived their Ngadzi at least in part from the Wasanye. At any rate it seems certain that the Fufuriye, the first degree of the lesser Ngadzi, is the Foforikiwan, the mystery of the Wasanye which (so Abarea, the Galla chief of Kurawa, tells me) no Galla is allowed to look on. It was difficult to get any definite information about 44 TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY the Foforikiwan from the Wasanye, beyond the fact that it seemed to correspond to the Karribi of the Giryama and the Gada of the Galla. Among the Pokomo its insignia are two flutes, sounded in response to one another — one with a higher, one with a deeper note. I have not heard of anything re- sembling these among the Giryama, though the instrument of the highest rank, the big friction-drum (mwanja mukuu ), is certainly the Nyika mwanza. The Pokomo say that they derived this Ngadzi from the Wa-Rabai. It would seem as if the Pokomo had parted off from the other ‘ Nyika ’ tribes at a comparatively early period and settled down permanently in the Tana Valley while the rest went on their way southward. Bulushi, brother of Mzee Mkoa, the Giryama chief (at Garashi, near Malindi), told me that the Giryama, Taita, Kauma Digo and Pokomo tribes all came from Sungwaya. Another account, obtained from a very intelligent Kauma man now living at Ngao, represents the Wakauma as the parent stock of the Wa-Rabai and Waduruma. (‘ We are few in number now, but formerly we were a powerful tribe.’ Their old Kaya, Kivara, is north of Kaloleni and about eight hours’ march from Rabai.) They were the first to migrate southwards, and were followed by the Wa- Giryama. At that time the Wasegeju occupied the country between 4 the old Ozi ’ and Chadoro on the Tana, and the Wapokomo were already settled in the Tana Valley. Driven south by the irresistible onset of the Galla, the Wakauma and Wasegeju migrated together to the Vanga district (where the latter found a per- manent home), while the Wapokomo, who preferred sub- mitting to the conquerors (‘ They agreed to be conquered, but we did not,’ said my informant) remained in the regions which they inhabit to this day. Much more might be said as to their traditions, but space will not permit. I will only remark that of late years there seems to be a tendency on the part of the Wa-Giryama to migrate northward again, in the direction of their original home. I saw the family of Kipepo, of the A-mwa-Ngowa clan, settled near Lake Sumiti, north of the Tana, when I was at Ngao in October 1912. These were, later on, joined TRIBES OF THE TANA VALLEY 45 by Kipepo’s brother, Mae. They had no cattle, but a fair number of goats and sheep. Bulushi, already mentioned, accompanied Mae, but, I think, without intending to settle permanently, as he has since returned to Garashi. The Galla, who thus swept down on the Tana Valley from the north, were in their turn driven beyond that river by the Somali, whose raids began about 1868. In 1878 they used to cross the Tana above Masa and graze their cattle between that river and the Sabaki, but as a rule the former has been their southern limit. The Galla call them Jidu, the Pokomo Gavira and (formerly) Wakatwa. The latter sometimes call the Milky Way (usually known as Madziko — being looked on as the smoke from the cooking-fires of 4 people in the sky ’) Njia ya Gavira — the road by which the Somali come southward. Of course this name cannot have been in use much over forty years. The Wapokomo are, like most genuine Bantu, essentially an agricultural people — but, whether from force of circum- stances or from the Wat element in their composition, they have always made part of their living by hunting, fishing, and that search for unconsidered trifles in forest and steppe which German ethnologists have agreed to call ‘ collecting ’ (■ sammeln ). That hunting has been practised from time immemorial appears from the elaborate system of Taboos (miiko) connected with it, as well as from the old traditional songs of the lion, the hippopotamus, and the crocodile. They are the only people I have heard of who habitually eat the latter animal. Having hunted it through generations, they have acquired not only an exhaustive familiarity with its ways and manners (a Pokomo imitating the action of a crocodile — or, for that matter, of a hippo — is perfectly imyayable), but a kind of friendly give-and-take attitude towards it that can only be described as ‘ sporting.’ They are expert swimmers and divers, and scorn to take > any precautions where crocodiles are concerned. ‘ Oh yes — we know they are there, in the water — just as the fish are ! The Swahilis get caught sometimes — but then they ’re afraid of them ! ’ And if one dares, as sometimes happens, once too 46 TRIBES OP THE TANA VALLEY often — why, a la guerre comme a la guerre . ‘ Why not ? — we eat each other ! ’ Pishing is carried on with a hook and line, by spearing, with a conical basket called chiha (which is lowered into the water, enclosing the fish like a bell-net), or in a trap, mono,1 * * on the principle of the lobster-pot, and of a shape which, I believe, is the same all over Bantu Africa and quite different from the ema used by Swahili coast-fishermen. The mamba (lung- fish ?), which sometimes reaches a length of B feet 6 inches and over, is during the dry season speared in the nest which it makes for itself in the beds of variable lagoons like Shaka Babo. The Pokomo hut is of the same shape as that made by the Galla and Wasanye (when the latter is more than the most elementary shelter), with this difference, that the wattles are tied together at the top, instead of crossing each other in a series of arches. The three ridges into which the thatch is cut in the best-finished huts are also a feature of Galla construc- tion : which race borrowed it from the other it is hard to say. The limits of this paper forbid a fuller discussion of the Pokomo ‘ secret societies ’ (I fancy 4 age-classes ’ would be a better term), and more especially the complicated subject of the luva and its relations to the Galla institution of the same name. It would indeed be premature to do so with only the facts at present available. But further investigation may perhaps point to the conclusion that both parties derived them from the Wasanye. 1 The Nyanja word for the same thing. It is curious that Pokomo, especially in the upper river dialects, has words (e.g. ku gona, ‘to sleep’) which occur in Chinyanja, but not, so far as I am aware, in any geographically intervening language. SEA PISHES AT MOMBASA 47 THE SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION OF SOME OF THE SEA FISHES AT MOMBASA By R. J. Cuninghame, F.Z.S. Some months ago readers may remember an article under my name dealing with my experiences while making a scientific collection of sea fishes at Mombasa for the British Museum. This collection has now been worked out and classified by Mr. C. Tate Ragan, M.A., and I here epitomise the results of our joint labours. To the average reader I fear that the information given will prove of little interest on account of its highly technical character. My attempt to familiarise these marine fish by appending popular nomenclature has, I must say, been signally unsuccessful owing to the fact that comparatively few indi- vidual tropical sea fish possess any English name. To give the derivatives of the scientific names and the literal trans- lation of such would serve no useful purpose — therefore I have mainly confined the popular naming to some of the orders and families. The inclusion of the Swahili native names may possibly be of local interest, but of course they have no scientific value whatsoever — while the remaining data may possibly be of real value in the study of fish-migration when compared with similar observations at widely different localities. There is a big field for further research among the Scom- bridce (Mackerels) and the Blenniidce (Blennies) — the former from a practical and sporting point of view, and the latter from a purely scientific standpoint — and I hope to be able to furnish some further information of a more readable nature concerning these two large groups of sea fish in due course. 48 THE CLASSIFICATION OF SOME OF CLASSIFICATION OF SOME MOMBASA SEA FISH Scientific Name Popular Name Swahili Native Name Max. Weight Season i Order Isospondyli Fam. Elopidse . Megalops cyprinoides . Feather backs Pawali 4 lb. S.W. M. Fam. Chirocentridse . Chirocentrus dorab The dorab Panga 2 „ Mar. to May Fam. Clupeidae The herring tribe Clupea sirm Seemu wzeewa N.E. M. Clupea punctata Seemu yati Annual Pellowa brachysoma . Semmu marto S.W. M. Engraulis indicus Wali wam- Annual punga Order Ostariophysi Fam. Plotosidse Plotosus anguillaris Order Apodes Umtouzi 4 ” Annual Fam. Mursenidse Murcena picta . Eels Mukunga S.W. M. umbono Murcena undulata Fam. Congridse . Congers 99 S.W. M. S.W. M. Conger marginatus Order Inismi Fam. Synodontidse Saurida nebulosa Gar pike 99 Order Synentognathi . Fam. Hemirhamphidse Annual Hemirhamphus dussumieri . Tchutchungi * » Order Sdenichthyes . Fam. Aulostomatidse . Aulostoma chinense Flute-mouthed Bamvova 2 „ Annual fish Fam. Fistulariidse Fistularia depressa Flute-mouthed fish Taua 1 » Annual Fam. Amphisilidse AmpJiisile punctulata Flute-mouthed fish. Fam. Syngnathid* Gastrotokeus biaculeatus Pipe Fish Yozia bicoarctata Order Berycomorphi Spiny- finned Slime heads Fam. Holoeentridse i N.E. M.=North-east Monsoon, i.e. Dec. to March. S.W. M.= South-west Monsoon, i.e. April to October. Annual =Present throughout the year. THE SEA FISHES AT MOMBASA 49 Scientific Name Popular Name Swahili Native Name Max. Weight Season i Myripristis adustus Foofoo I lb. N.E.M. Holocentrum sammdra Kifoovoo 1 „ N.E. M. „ rubrum . 99 1 „ N.E.M. ,, diadema . 99 1 „ N.E.M. Order Percomorphi Fam. Serranidse Sea perches Epinephelus louti Coakque 7 „ N.E.M. „ urodelus . Boromali 1 „ N.E.M. Theropon servus Qrammistes sexlineatus Cooie 1 „ Annual Fam. Carangidse Horse mac- kerels Megalaspis rottleri Foa maji 4 „ S.W. M. Decapterus hurra Umzeepwey I » N.E.M. Carangoides lioglossus Halooa 4 „ Annual ,, djeddaba . Goola h„ Mar. to May. „ gymnostethoides Koli koli 50 „ Nov. to Sept. Trachusops crumenophthalmus Caranx carangus Dowupwari 8 lb. Annual „ hippos . IJmbooi 1 „ S.W. M. „ melampygus . Kordway 2 „ N.E. M. Alectis ciliaris . Gamier 2 „ N.E. M. Scombroides sancti-petri Pandu 4 „ Annual Trachynotus ovatus Fam. Coryphee nidge Visessi 3 ,, Annual Coryphoena hippurus . Fam. Chilodipteridae . Chilodipterus quinquelineatus Dolphin fish Long fins Faloosi 30 „ N.E. M. ,, octovittatus Karange N.E. M. Apogon auriius . „ variegatus annularis Fuvu 1 » N.E. M. „ macropteroides Kikarangi N.E. M. Fam. Sillaginidee Sillago sihama . Fam. Lutianidse Lutianus macoloe Mukoopi Annual „ bengalensis . Tembo sin- 1 „ N.E. M. ,, gibbus dano Numba or 2 „ Annual Mukunga umbono „ bohar . Cazanda 8 „ N.E. M. Ccesio chrysozona Fam. Nemipteridee Synagris bleeheri Koana S.W. M. Scolopsis japonicus Vigoobi S.W. M. Fam. Pomadasidse Pomadasys stridens Kiramba 3 „ S.W. M. i N.E. M. =North-east Monsoon, i.e. Dec. to March. S.W. M.=South-west Monsoon, i.e. April to October. Annual = Present throughout the year. Vol. IV.— No. 7. 50 THE CLASSIFICATION OF SOME OF Scientific Name Popular Name Swahili Native Name Max. Weight Season i Plectorhynchus reticulatus . Footey 6 lb. Annual „ radja . Cooie 1 „ Annual „ sordidus „ gaterina Umlaia 2 „ N.E. M. Fam. Liognathidse Liognathus insidiator . Korokoro S.W. M. Gerres filamentosus Thapembe S.W. M. „ oblongus . Tcha 1 „ Annual Fam. Mullidoe . Mullets Upeneus indicus Mukundaji 2 Annual Upeneoides viltatus Sonyo 1 „ Annual Fam. Lethrinidie Sphcerodon grandoculis Tchanzewa 5 ,, N.E. M. Lelhrinus Narak Umtchia 2 „ Annual Koofa „ latifrons Nyamvi 1 „ Annual „ rostratus Kibora 8 „ Annual ,, ramak Tawa 10 „ Annual „ insulindicus Tangu 1 » Annual ,, opercular is . Tchkuana 4 „ N.E. M. Fam. Sparidoe . Sea breams Ghrysophrys liasta Techayna 2 „ Annual Crenidens forskalii Keesway 1 „ N.E. M. Fam. Monodactylidse Monodactylus falciformis Tchambeyu i >> Annual Fam. Ephippidse Sea bats Platax teira Toogoo 6 „ S.W. M. Platax vespertilio Tangesi 8 ,, Annual Fam. Chsetodontidse . Scaly- finned fishes Chcetodon setifer Kitalangu N.E. M. „ biocellatus . Holacanthus imperator Kaliwaywa 2 „ N.E. M. „ diacanthus 2 „ N.E. M. „ ignatius . 2 „ N.E. M. Fam. Parapercidse Perch Parapercis hexophthalma Dauway S.W. M. Fam. Pomacentridse . Wrasse-like fishes Amphiprion bicinctm Drodosee Annual Dascyllus trimaculatus Undrodosee Annual Olyphidodon ccelestinus Drodosee Annual ,, antjerius . Fam. Labridse . Wrasse-like fishes Coris formosa Mwanza i S.W. M. „ annulata . Muhunzi wa 2 „ N.E. M. mamoi Julis dorsalis Deezi Annual „ trilobata . „ hebraica Unrootootoo N.E. M. }, umbrostigma i N.E. M.=North-east Monsoon, i.e. Dec. to March. S.W. M.=South-west Monsoon, i.e. April to October. Annual =■ Present throughout the year. THE SEA FISHES AT MOMBASA 51 Scientific Name Popular Name Swahili Native Name Max. Weight ! Season i Stethojulis strigwinter . „ albovittata . Platyglossus hortulanus Anampses meleagris . Kanga i lb. N.E. M. Cheilio inermis . Bolavuvi i ” Gomphosus varius Pona kaseeki Novacula macrolepidota „ tceniurus Umtimbarti 1 2 ” N.E. M. „ bimaculata . 99 Cossyphus bilunulatus Tooye 1 „ N.E. M. Cheilinus mossambicus Kilumbaka Annual Epibulus insidiator Shoari 50 „ N.E. M. : Fam. Scaridse . Parrot wrasses i Pseudoscarus pyrrhostethus . Quanga 6 „ Annual Scarichtkys auritus „ cceruleopunctatus Pona \ ” Annual i Callyodon spinidens . Citefua 2 „ N.E. M. ; „ viridescens . 39 2 „ N.E. M. | Fam. Polynemidae Spine -finned Polynemus plebejus Ukeesi 2 „ Annual Komway Fam. Sphyrsenidse Barracudas Sphyrcena commersonii Tangesi 8 „ Annual „ kenie Tana 1 „ Annual Fam. Mugilidse . Mullets Mugil axillaris . Beeneeni 3 „ Annual Fam. Atherinidse Sandsmelts Atherina pinguis Ookoosi Annual Fam. Scombridas Mackerels Scomber microlepidotus Oona \ »» Annual Acanthocybium solandri Bonito Unguo 80 „ Annual Fam. Siganidse . Siganus nebulosus Tarfi 3 „ N.E. M. „ stellatus Tarfi mayenga 2 „ April only Fam. Teuthididse Naseus brevirostris Unicorn-fish Poodju pemba 4 „ N.E. M. ,, tuberosus „ gamier 5 » N.E. M. Keris amboinensis Teuthis triostigus Togo 2 „ Annual „ gahm Kangadjia 4 N.E. M. „ teucosternon „ Marembo 4 N.E. M. Zebrasoma rueppellii . Tumbacho 2 „ N.E. M. j Colocopus Nepatus Poodju 2 „ N.E, M. Zanchus cornutus Tantange April Order Scleroparei only Fam. Scorpsenidse Scorpcena longicornis . Tchalie i Annual E 2 i N.E. M.=North-east Monsoon, i.e. Dec. to March. S.W. M.=South-west Monsoon, i.e. April to October. Annual = Present throughout the year. 52 SEA FISHES AT MOMBASA Scientific Name Popular Name Swahili Native Name Max. Weight Season i 1 j Fam. Synanceidae Synanceia verrucosa . Boatcho Very rare Fam. Platycephalidae Platycephalus tentaculatus Fam. Dactylopteridse Flying Vumbana 5 lb. Annual gurnards Dactylopterus orientalis Order Plectognathi ! Fam. Balistidae . | Monacanthus pardalis Comb-gilled fishes File fishes Schareefu 2 „ S.W. M. pembe „ oblongus Schareefu 2 „ N.E. M. : Aluteres scriptus ,, 2 „ N.E. M. Batistes erythrodon Kete 1 „ N.E. M. [ ,, undulatus Kilanda 2 „ N.E. M. | „ aculeatus 99 2 „ N.E. M. j „ mitis Tundui 2 „ N.E. M. ! Fam. Ostraciontidse . | Ostracion punctatus Coffer fishes Engombi ya Annual maji j „ fornasini Omeego Annual „ cubicus Engombi ya Annual maji Fam. Tetrodontidae . Tropidichthys valentin Order Heterosomata . Fam. Bothidae . Globe fishes Weiyo 1 „ Annual Platophrys pantherinus Weiyo 1 » Annual i N.E. M.=North-east Monsoon, i.e. Dec/to March. S.W. M.= South-west Monsoon, i.e. April to October. Annual =Present throughout the year. A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED DURING THE LAST TEN YEARS IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA By Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers, F.E.S. Beprinted from ‘ The Entomologist's Monthly Magazine,’ 2nd Series, Vol , XXIV. The knowledge of the butterfly fauna of Tropical Africa has been extending with great rapidity during the last few years. Many papers have been published on collections made in the country, so that I have not found it possible to collate BUTTERFLIES FROM BRITISH EAST AFRICA 53 the results of the numerous naturalists who have collected there. However, I have had the opportunity to make collections over a considerable part of the Protectorate, and it may be of some interest to publish the results. The area in which this collection was made is bounded on the east by the coast, and on the west by the Rift valley. The following list can make no claim to be complete, as there remain many districts in which I have not collected at all, and others in which I have collected but little, but I have thought it best to record only those species which I have myself met with. For the identification of the numerous species I am deeply indebted to the kindness of Professor E. B. Poulton and those who work with him in the Hope Department of the Oxford University Museum, especially Dr. F. A. Dixey, Mr. H. H. Druce, and Mr. H. Eltringham. There still remain a few species which have not yet been identified, or which may be new. The whole of the species, with the possible exception of some of the most common, are represented in the Hope Department, where they may be studied. 1. — Danaida chry sippus, L. Abundant everywhere, the form dorippus, Klug, being far more abundant than the type form. This species generally prefers open country, but at the end of the dry season it may be found in forests. 2. — Danaida limniace, Cram. Generally common in forest country, and sometimes very abundant. 3. — Melinda formosa, Godm. Taita, Taveta, Nairobi, North Kikuyu. Not uncommon. 4. — Amauris niavius, /. dominicanus, Trim. A forest species often very common. It has a slow floating flight like that of most Danaidce. 5. — Amauris ochlea, Boisd. Though generally haunting forest, this species is not so confined to it as A. domini- canus. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. 6. — Amauris albimaculata, Butl. Taita, Nairobi, North Kikuyu. Generally abundant. I have no doubt that A. echeria also occurs, but it is not distinguishable on the wing, and all my specimens have been A. albimaculata. 54 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 7. — Melanitis leda, L. Abundant everywhere. 8. — Gnoplnodes parmeno , f. diversct, Butl. Taveta, Nairobi. Generally found in dense forest. Not common. 9. — Mycalesis dentata, E. M. Sharpe. North or South Kikuyu, Kenia Forest. Not uncommon. 10. — Mycalesis kenia, Bogenh. Nairobi Forest. Sometimes common. 11. — Mycalesis safitza, Hew. Ubiquitous. 12. — Henotesia perspicua, Trim. Common and widely distributed. 18. — Physcceneura leda, Gorst. Coast district, Taita. Common. 14. — Neoccenyra duplex, Butl. Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon, 15. — Neoccenyra gregorii, Butl. Taita, Ukambani, South Kikuyu. Common. 1 6. -—Ypthima asterope, Klug. Common and widely distributed. The eye spots on the underside vary a good deal in number. 17. — Ypthima itonia, Hew. North and South Kikuyu. Not uncommon. 18. — Pardopsis punctatissima, Boisd. Common and widely distributed, especially in the coast district. It frequents forest as well as open country. 19. — Acrcea rabbaice, Ward. The coast district. Fairly com- mon in forest and woodlands. 20. — Acrcea zonata, Hew. The coast hills. This is a forest insect and flies somewhat higher than most of its congeners. It is rather rare. 21. — Acrcea cuva, Smith. The coast hills. Also a forest insect with a lofty flight, by no means easy to capture, as it has a tantalising habit of floating about out of reach of the net. It is a rare species. 22. — Acrcea cerasa, Hew. South Kikuyu. This species frequents forest, and sometimes swarms in that near Nairobi. 28. — Acrcea quirina, Fabr. Not common on the coast hills. 24. — Acrcea baxteri, E. M. Sharpe. Aberdare Mountains. Also one specimen high up on the Dabida Hills in the Taita country. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 55 25. — Acrcea insignis, Dist. Widely distributed and not uncommon. The black on the hind-wings is very vari- able in extent, and in the specimens from the coast hills is generally much reduced. 26. — Acrcea neobule, Doubl. and Hew. Common and widely distributed. There is a large, pale form found in the forests on the coast hills. 27. — Acrcea satis, Ward. Found only in the coast district, generally in forest country. It is not generally common. 28. — Acrcea asbolopliniha, /. rubescens, Trim. North Kikuyu and slopes of Mount Kenia ; the type form being found to the west of the Rift valley. The females of the rubescens form are generally white, and not red like the type form. 29. — Acrcea zetes acara, Hew. Generally common. 80. — Acrcea anemosa, Hew. Generally common. 81. — Acrcea pseudolycia astrigera, Butl. Ukambani. This species is generally fairly common where it occurs, but its range is much more restricted than that of the two preceding species. 82. — Acrcea areca, Mab. Generally distributed and fairly common. 33. — Acrcea perenna, Doubl. and Hew. Taita. I have only obtained a single specimen, but it may have been passed over. 34. — Acrcea chilo, Godm. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. The species is often common. The female was long known as A. crystallina, which is not surprising, as both wings are quite transparent, and the spots are obsolete in the fore-wings and much reduced in the hind- wings. 35. — Acrcea acrita, Hew. Taita, Taveta, Ukambani, Kikuyu. Generally common. Most specimens are of the form pudorina. 36. — Acrcea equatorialis, Neave. Coast district, Taita. Not uncommon. This form has recently been separated from the type by Mr. Eltringham under the name of ancemia. 56 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 87. — Acrcea 'pudorella, Auriv. Taita, Taveta. Apparently not common. 38. — Acrcea caldarena, Hew. Rabai. This species does not seem by any means common. The examples taken are not typical, lacking as they do the pronounced black tip to the fore-wings. 39. — Acrcea brcesia, Godm. Generally distributed. This species is particularly abundant in Taita, where the form regalis also is of frequent occurrence. 40. — Acrcea onccea, Hopff. Widely distributed and often common. 41 . — Acrcea ccecilia, Fabr. Not uncommon in Ukambani, and probably occurs elsewhere. 42. — Acrcea natalica, Boisd. Generally abundant. 43. — Acrcea terpsichore, L. Ubiquitous. I once found a pupa all golden on a yellow leaf. Each day when the sun was hot it raised itself so as to lie along the underside of the leaf. Was this due to the heat of the sun ? 44. — Acrcea excelsior , Sharpe. I have only taken this at considerable elevations on the Aberdare Mountains, up to 11,000 ft. 45. — Acrcea acerata, Hew. Taita, Kikuyu. All my specimens of this common species seem to be of the form tenella. 46. — Acrcea bonasia alicia, Sharpe. Ukambani, Kikuyu, Kenia. Often exceedingly abundant. I once counted 460 on one small tree. 47. — Acrcea uvui, Smith. Kikuyu, Kenia. Not uncommon. It is not possible to distinguish this from the preceding on the wing. 48. — Acrcea cabira , Hopff. This is a common species every- where except in the coast district. It is very variable. 49. — Acrcea pharsalus, Ward. Taita, North Kikuyu. Generally rather uncommon. 50. — Acrcea encedon , L. Ubiquitous. The daira form seems to be the most numerous, but all forms occur. 51. — Acrcea aubyni, Eltr. Coast district. This species does not seem common. It flies rather higher than most of its congeners, but not rapidly. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 57 52. — Acrcea johnstoni, Godm. Taita, Taveta, Kikuyu, Kenia. A most protean species, which seems to have been modified in mimicry of several species of Danaidce and Planema. 53. — Acrcea lycoa fallax, Rogenh. North Kikuyu, Kenia. This species cannot be distinguished on the wing from the commonest form of the preceding. 54. — Acrcea esebria, Hew. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon. 55. — Acrcea ansorgei, Gr. Smith. A single specimen from Limoru, which has all the pale areas creamy white. 56. — Planema quadricolor, Rogenh. N. Kikuyu, Kenia. Gen- erally rather rare, but I once saw several in Kenia Forest. 57. — Planema montana, Butl. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon. 58. — Lachnoptera ayresi, Trim. Coast district, Taveta, Nairobi. Not generally common, but males are sometimes abundant in Nairobi Forest. 59. — Atella columbina, Cram. The coast district. It is so extremely like the next following species that it is often passed over, and will probably be found elsewhere. 60. — Atella phalantha, Drury. Ubiquitous. 61. — Brenthis hanningtoni, Elwes. Very abundant on Kenia and Aberdare Mountains, above 6000 ft. It is the commonest butterfly in the bamboo jungle. 62. — Hypanartia hippomene , Hubn. Taita, South Kikuyu, North Kikuyu. Common above 5000 ft. 63. — Hypanartia schoeneia, Trim. South Kikuyu, North Kikuyu. Much less common than the preceding. 64. — Pyrameis abyssinica, Feld. South Kikuyu and North Kikuyu. Common. 65. — Pyrameis cardui, Linn. Ubiquitous. 66. — Precis orithyia madagascariensis, Guen. Common every- where. Frequents open paths. 67. — Precis clelia, Cram. Ubiquitous. 68. — Precis hierta cebrene, Trim. Generally common, especially in dry places. 69. — Precis westermanni, Westw. South and North Kikuyu. Common. This species is more addicted to woodlands than the foregoing. 58 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 70. — Precis sesamus, Trim. North and South Kikuyu, Ukam- bani, above 4000 ft. The wet form is generally preva- lent, except from June to September, but both may be seen flying together not unfrequently. 71. — Precis antilope, Feisth. Coast hills, Taita, Taveta. The dry form seems more prevalent than the wet form. 72. — Precis aurorina, Butl. Taita, North and South Kikuyu. Fairly common. 78. — Precis archesia, Cram. Common in North Kikuyu. The dry form is very rare. 74. — Precis limnoria, Klug. Rare in the coast district, but com- mon in Taita and Taveta. It also occurs in Ukambani. This form is probably conspecific with the preceding. 75. — Precis elgiva, Hew. Coast district, Taita, Taveta, North and South Kikuyu. Common. 76. — Precis natalica, Felder. Common and widely distributed. 77. — Precis stygia, Auriv. I have only met with this at Kijabe. 78. — Catacroptera cloanthe, Cram. Widely distributed. 79. — Salamis nebulosa, Trim. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Common. 80. — Salamis parhassus, Drury. Widely distributed. Common. 81. — Salamis cacta, Fabr. Coast hills, Taita. This species is by no means common in E. Africa. 82. — Hypolimnas misippus, Linn. Ubiquitous and abundant. Breeding experiments indicate that the type form and the inaria form bear a Mendelian relationship, the type form being dominant. The two forms are equally common. 88. — Euralia deceptor, Trim. This species is often quite com- mon in the coast district. I have not met with it elsewhere. 84. — Euralia dubius, Pal. de Beauv. The form wahlbergi, Wallengr., is not uncommon in the coast district, and is often found in Taita, Taveta, and Ukambani. The form mima, Trim., is also found in Taita and Ukambani ; but I have never seen it in the coast district, where its model (Amauris albimaculata) is absent. The two forms, though very different in appearance, have been proved by breeding to belong to one species. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 59 85. — Euralia usambara, Ward. This fine species is only found in the coast district, and that but rarely. 86. — Eurytela hiarbas, Drury. With the exception of the coast district this species is common everywhere where there is any bush. 87. — Eurytela dry ope, Cram. Ubiquitous. 88. — Neptidopsis ophione, Cram. Generally common. 89. — Neptidopsis fulgurata , Boisd. By no means uncommon in the coast district, where it to some extent replaces the preceding species. 90. — Byblia ilithyia, Drury. Abundant everywhere on grass lands. 91. — Crenis morantii, Trim. North Kikuyu. Not common. 92. — Crenis boisduvali, Wallengr. North Kikuyu. The most common of the genus. 98. — Crenis natalensis, Boisd. Coast hills. Not common. 98a. — Crenis ansorgei, R. and J. North Kikuyu. Not un- common, but local. 94. — Cyrestis camillus, Fabr. Though widely distributed this species is not generally common. 95. — Neptis saclava, Boisd. Generally abundant. 96. — Neptis agatha, Stoll. The most abundant of the genus. It varies considerably in size. 97. — Neptis seeldrayersi, Auriv. Coast district, Taveta. It is not easy to distinguish between this species and large specimens of the preceding, and it is liable to be overlooked. 98. — Neptis trigonophora, Butl. Coast district, Nairobi. This species also resembles N. agatha on the wing. It is much less common. 99. — Neptis goochi, Trim. Coast district, Taveta. This species seems to intergrade towards N. melicerta . All these species of Neptis are very similar on the wing and have the same habits, so that it is easy to pass over the less common forms. 100. — Neptis incongrua, Butl. The tops of the higher Taita hills, Kinangop. Not uncommon. This species resem- bles Eurytela hiarbas when on the wing, and the flight is very similar. On one occasion the two species were 60 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED netted together as they circled round each other, and it was only after capture that they could be differ- entiated. 101 —Neptis woodwardi, Sharpe. North Kikuyu and Kinangop. Not generally common. 102. — Pseudacrcea lucretia expansa , Butl. Coast district, Nairobi. Generally fairly abundant. 103. - — Pseudacrcea trimeni, Butl. Common in the coast hills, but distinctly uncommon at Taveta. 104. — Pseudacrcea rogersi, Trim. The types were taken at Shinba and Rabai. No other specimens have been met with. It is probably a local form of the W. Africa Ps. eurytus, Linn. 105. — Aterica galene, Brown. The coast hills. A common species in forest country. 106. — Hamanumida dcedalus, Fabr. Generally distributed and often common. Usually found in more or less open country. 107. — Euphcedra eleus, Drury. The coast hills. This species seems rare and is only found in forests. 108. — Euphcedra neophron, Hopff. The coast hills, Taita, Taveta. This beautiful species is abundant, and is not so confined to forest as most of the group. I have often seen it in my garden at Rabai. 109. — Eury phene senegalensis, Herr.-Schaeff. The coast dis- trict, Taveta. I have found this insect common in the coast district. It is more particularly addicted to coco-nut plantations and gardens, and is seldom found in the real forest. 110. — Euryphene chriemhilda, Staud. The coast hills. By no means uncommon in natural forest. It is hardly ever found flying with the preceding species. 111. — Euryphura achlys, Hopff. The coast hills. This is also a forest species, and is often seen with Euryphene chriemhilda. It often frequents the gateways of native villages when these are in forest country. 112. — Euptera kinugnana, Smith. I have received one specimen of this rare species from Shimba, near Mombasa. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 61 113. — Harma (n. sp.?). One female on the top of the Dabida Hills in Taita. 114. — Euxanthe wakefieldi, Ward. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. By no means uncommon in woodlands. 115. — Euxanthe tiberius, Smith. Coast hills. This species is never common and is extremely local. It is found only in dense forest. It is a magnificent insect. It generally settles on saplings under the shade of large trees, and its flight is rather slow as a rule. 116. — Charaxes brutus, Cram. Generally distributed. 117. — Charaxes castor , Cram. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon. The larva feeds on Afzelia caunzensis, which is known to the Swahilis as Bambakofi. The head has four divergent horns and is green, with the horns tipped with red, the outer ones with a yellow stripe on the outside. The body is green with a yellow spiracular stripe and is covered with small yellow tubercles. It has a round greenish-yellow spot with a black centre on the seventh segment, and a similar more irregular spot on the ninth segment, the latter being sometimes obsolete. The pupa is bluish-green with white markings. The egg is spherical with the top slightly concave ; it is yellow with a dark brown ring round the top. 118. — Charaxes saturnus, Butl. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon in some years. The larva is similar to that of Ch. castor, but has a smoother appearance, and the large dorsal spots have the centre bluish-green instead of black. The pupa has the white markings much less developed. 119. — Charaxes hansali, Feld. Taita, Ukambani. I have only taken a few of this rare species. 120. — Charaxes /pollux , Cram. Taita, N. Kikuyu. Not un- common. The larva is green with a small round rufous spot on the back of the seventh segment, and the tips of the horns are bluish. 121. — Charaxes tavetensis, Rothschild and Jordan. I have only obtained a single specimen of this rare form, which was reared from a larva found at Jilore on the same kind of m A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED tree as that of Ch. castor. The larva is green with an indistinct triangular mark on the seventh segment, the apex pointing towards the tail. The pupa is dark green with broad bright yellow spots and bands. 122. — Char axes boueti lasti, Smith. I have only taken this species in the coast district, where I have found it fairly common. It is not quite so active as most species of the genus, and females are not so scarce as in some species, e.g. Ch. etheocles. 128. — Char axes azota, Hew. Coast hills, Taveta. This fine species is rather uncommon. The larva is of the usual Charaxes shape. The colour is green, the head being bordered with brown. It has an orange spiracular stripe, the tubercles being more orange, and the green of the body has a somewhat mottled appearance which changes before pupation into dull yellow, with a row of large lateral ill-defined brown spots. The dorsal spot on the seventh segment is large and triangular with the apex pointing backward. It is orange-brown. The pupa is pinkish with chocolate-brown markings. 124. — Charaxes baumanni, Rogenh. Taita, Taveta. Not gene- rally common. 125. — Charaxes etheocles, Cram. Taita, Taveta. The males are fairly common, but the females are rare. At Taveta, where it frequented stunted trees growing on the top of a low hill, I obtained a good many. The only female form which I have taken is that known as kirki. 126. — Charaxes guderiana, Duv. The coast district. Generally found in forest, where it flies high, and is not easily taken. 127. — Charaxes ethalion, Boisd. Coast hills, Taita, Taveta. The males are less common than those of Ch. etheocles, but not rare. 128. — Charaxes violetta, Smith. Coast district, Taveta. This species appears to be rather rare. 129. — Charaxes cithceron, Feld. Generally distributed and not uncommon in forest country. The females are found as commonly as the males. In common with all species of the genus they are not easy to capture. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 63 130. — Charaxes bohemani, Feld. The coast district. I have only secured two males of this species. This must be near the northern limit of its range. 131. — Charaxes pythodoris, Hew. The coast hills. I have only found it in forest country. 132. — Charaxes jahlusa, Trim. The coast hills, Taita, Taveta. Not generally common. 133. — Charaxes candiope, Godart. Generally distributed and commoner than most species of the genus. 134. — Charaxes varanes, Cram. Generally common. 135. — Charaxes zoolina, Doubl. and Hew. Widely distributed; Both the zoolina and the neanthes forms occur. The former was particularly abundant in Taita and Taveta in 1905. 136. — Charaxes eupale, Drury. A single specimen at about 6000 ft. on the south-west of Kenia. It seems very rare to the east of the Rift valley. 137. — Libythea laius, Butl. The coast district. This species is very uncertain in its appearance, and sometimes is not seen for years. I have already recorded its capture on migration. 138. — Alcena picata, Sharpe. Coast hills. I have found the species rare. The female is like a small Neptis, and the male bears a general resemblance to a small Acrcea. 139. — Telipna rogersi, Druce. Coast hills. A very local butterfly, sometimes fairly common where it is found. 140. — Pentila amenaida, Hew. The coast district. This common species is very variable, and the number and size of the black spots is very inconstant. 141. — Pentila peucetia, Hew. Coast hills, Taita, Ukambani. I have taken this in some numbers. It is always found in woodlands. 142. — Teriomima subpunctata , Kirby. The coast hills, Taveta. Not uncommon in forest country. Like almost all this group, its flight is very feeble. 143. — Teriomima hildegarda, Kirby. Generally distributed. Another most variable species. I have taken specimens in which the fore- wings are almost entirely brown. Other specimens seem to come very near to T. aslauga, Trimen. 64 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 144. — Teriomima micra, Gr. Smith. This is only found in the coast hills, where it is often common. It is also very variable, and it is possible that the darker forms may prove to be distinct. 145. — Deloneura ochrascens, Neave. The coast hills. My specimens are distinctly larger than the type from Kisumu, but otherwise they are very similar. It is not common. 146. — Lachnocnema bibulus, Fabr. Common everywhere. 147. — Virctchola antalus, Hopff. Ubiquitous. 148. — Virachola dariaves, Hew. The coast district. Not common. 149. — Virachola diodes, Hew. One or two in the coast district. 150. — Virachola lorisona, Hew. I have one or two of this also from the same localities as the preceding. 151. — Virachola dinochares, Gr. Smith. The coast district. Not common. 152. — Virachola ccerulea, Druce. I have only taken this in the coast district, but it probably occurs elsewhere. The females seem commoner than the males, and are fond of the blossoms of Lantana. 158. — Myrina ficedula, Trim. Widely distributed and not uncommon. It is usually to be found on wild fig trees, on which the larva feeds. 154. — Myrina dermaptera, Wallgr. One specimen only from N. Kikuyu. 155. — Hypolyccena philippics, Fabr. Ubiquitous. 156. — Hypolyccena pachalica, Butl. The coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not so universally distributed as the last, but common where it occurs. 157. — Hypolyccena buxtoni, Hew. The coast district. This is more confined to woodlands and flies higher than the two preceding species. 158. — Stugeta bowkeri, Trim. Widely distributed, but not generally common. 159. — lolaus silas, Westw. Coast district, Taita. This fine species is not uncommon. It frequents the scrub near the sea, but soon loses condition, as the wind blows strongly most of the year. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 65 160. — Epamera mermis, Druce. Coast district, Taita. Not uncommon in woodlands. It frequents woodlands and flies rather high. 161. — Eyamera sidus, Trim. S. Kikuyu. Apparently rare. 162. — Epamera diametra, Karsch. Coast hills, Taita. By no means common, and excessively active, so that its capture is difficult. 163. — Epamera arborif era, Butl. Aberdare Mountains. I have obtained two females in poor condition. 164. — Epamera mimosce, Trim. I obtained a pair at Maketao, between Yoi and Taveta. They are more heavily marked beneath than specimens from South Africa. 165. — Aphniolaus pallene, Wallgr. Coast district, Taita. Not generally common. It is more abundant at Shimba than elsewhere. 166. — Spindasis natalensis, Doubl. and Hew. This is a common species in the coast district. 167. — Spindasis victories, Butl. Coast district. Not common. 168. — Spindasis homeyeri, Dewitz. Fairly common in the coast district. 169. — Spindasis tavetensis, Lathy. I took this commonly at Taveta on the flowers of a mimosa. 170. — Axiocerses Jiarpax, Fabr. Common and widely distributed. 171. — Axiocerses amanga, Westw. Also common, but not quite so widely distributed as the last. 172. — Axiocerses punicea, Gr. Smith. Coast district. A very local insect, which is sometimes common where it occurs. It may always be recognised by the presence of two silver lines just above the inner margin of the fore -wings, underneath. 173. — Choroselas pseudogeritis, Trim. Coast hills, Taita. This seems uncommon, but it may have been overlooked. 174. — Leptomyrina lara, Linn. Taita, Ukambani. I have not found this common. My specimens are some- what larger and darker than others I have seen. 175. — Leptomyrina hirundo, Wallgr. Coast district. Not uncommon. Vol. IV. — No. 7. f 66 A LIST OP BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 176. — Alocides taikosama, Wallgr. Ukambani. Apparently not common. 177. — Spalgis lemolea, Druce. A single specimen from near Voi. 178. — Lyccenesthes amarah, Gner. Common everywhere and often very abundant. It frequents more open country than most of the genus. 179. — Lyccenesthes hohleyi , Neave. Two specimens from N. Kikuyu seem to belong to this species, though they are not so red underneath as the type. 180. — Lyccenesthes lemnos, Hew. Coast hills, S. Kikuyu. Not uncommon. 181. — Lyccenesthes minima , Trim. Coast hills. Not generally common, but I once found it very abundant. 182. — Lyccenesthes lunulata, Trim. Coast district. Not usually common. 188. — Lyccenesthes otacilia, Trim. I took this in some abund- ance at Taveta. 184. — Lyccenesthes princeps, Butl. Taita, Taveta, N. Kikuyu. This does not seem to be common, but possibly it has been overlooked. 185. — Lyccenesthes lasti , Smith and Kirby. Coast hills, Taveta. Not uncommon. 186. — Lyccenesthes definita, Butl. Taita, Kikuyu. This species is often abundant. 187. — Lyccenesthes larydas, Cram. Common generally. 188. — Lyccenesthes liodes, Hew. Coast hills, Taveta. Appar- ently rare, but probably it has been overlooked. 189. — Lyccenesthes indefinita, Bethune-Baker. I believe this occurs freely at Nairobi in the forests. 190. — Phylaria cyara, Hew. One specimen in N. Kikuyu. 191. — Uranothauma heritsia, Hew. Taita, Kikuyu. The species is common. 192. — Uranothauma cordatus , Sharpe. Kikuyu. The males occur in some abundance in damp places, especially at Rijabe. I have not taken the female. 198. — Uranothauma nubifer, Trim. Taita, Kikuyu. Not so abundant as the preceding. 194. — Uranothauma falkensteini, Duv. Taita, Taveta, Kikuyu. The most abundant of the genus. The females frequent IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 67 flowers and the males often swarm on damp ground near rivers. The specimens in Kikuyu are larger and more flushed with purple. 195. — Cacyreus lingeus , Cram. Ubiquitous. 196. — Cacyreus palemon, Cram. Taita, Kikuyu. Common above 5000 feet. 197. — Castalius melcena, Trim. Coast district, Taveta. Not uncommon. 198. — Castalius gregorii, Butl. Taveta, Kikuyu. This species does not seem common. 199. — Castalius margaritaceus , Sharpe. North and South Kikuyu. Common. I once found it in great abundance in Kenia forest. 200. — Tarucus louisce, Sharpe. Taita, Taveta. This species does not appear to be common, but it is very incon- spicuous and liable to be overlooked. 201. — Tarucus telicanus , Lang. Ubiquitous. I have found the larva feeding on the flowers of Plumbago capensis without any attendant ants. 202. — Azanus sigillatus, Butl. 208. — Azanus moriqua, Wallgr. 204. — Azanus mirza, Plotz. 205. — Azanus jesous , Guer. All these species occur commonly and may some- times be found in large numbers on damp sand in river- beds. 206. — Nacaduba sichela, Wallgr. Generally distributed, but not usually very common. 207. — Polyommatus bceticus, Linn. Ubiquitous. 208. — Cyclirius sharpies, Butl. Kikuyu. Common on swampy ground above 7000 feet. 209. — Scolitantides crawshayi, Bufcl. Kenia. Probably not uncommon. 210. — Catochrysops malathana, Boisd. Ubiquitous. 211. — Catochrysops dolorosus, Trim. Kikuyu. Very common near Nairobi. It is probably often overlooked. 212. — Catochrysops osiris, Hopff. Common generally. 218. — Catochrysops barker i, Trim. Coast district. Not un- common. 68 A LIST OP BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 214. — Catochrysops celceus, Cram. One specimen from Kenia, which is probably this species. 215. — Catochrysops peculiciris, Rogenh. Widely distributed but not generally common. I have met with it more frequently at Mombasa than elsewhere. 216. — Chilades trocfiilus , Meyer. Occurs everywhere. 217. — Chilades mahallakoana, Wallgr. Two specimens from the Thika river on the Fort Hall Road. 218. — Everes hippocrates, Fabr. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon. 219. — Everes micyclus, Cram. Coast district. Rather a local species, generally found near streams. 220. — Cupidopsis cissus, Godart. North and South Kikuyu. Not very common. 221. — Cupidopsis jobates, Hopff. Common generally, especially at Taveta. 222. — Zizeeria gaika, Trim. Ubiquitous. 228. — Zizeeria lysimon, Hiibn. Ubiquitous. 224. — Zizeeria lucida, Trim. Common generally, but not so abundant as the two preceding. 225. — Zizeeria antanossa, Mab. Generally distributed but apparently not common. It probably only wants looking for. 226. — Zizeeria stellata, Trim. Kikuyu. Fairly common at high elevations. 227. — Chrysophanus abboti, Holl. Ukambani, Kikuyu. Not uncommon. Except for its copper hind-wings, this species resembles the British ‘ Small Copper.’ 228. — Leptosia medusa, Cram. Common in forests. 229. — Herpcenia eriphea, Godart. Common generally. 280. — Mylothris agathina, Cram. Ubiquitous. 281. — Mylothris ruppelli, Koch. Common, except in the coast district. 282. — Mylothris rubricosta, Mab. Kikuyu. Common, especially in papyrus swamps. 283. — Mylothris narcissus, Butl. Taita. Not uncommon. 234. — Mylothris jacksoni , Sharpe. Kikuyu. The amount of fuscous in the fore-wing is very variable. Specimens captured on the same day vary from a fore-wing IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 69 completely fuscous except for the veins to a fore-wing white with a fuscous border all round the wing. I some- what doubt the validity of Mylothris neumanni. 235. — Phrissura phcebe, Butl. Common at Nairobi, and also occurs in the coast hills. 236. — Phrissura isokani , Smith. Coast district. Not common. 237. — Phrissura lasti, Smith. Coast district. By no means uncommon, chiefly in forest. 238. — Glutophrissa epaphia, Cram. Generally very common. 239. — Belenois margaritacea, Sharpe. Taita, Kikuyu. Above 4000 ft. Not very common generally, but I have taken it in some abundance in Taita during the hot weather. It is more confined to woodlands than most species of the genus. 240. — Belenois gidica, Godart. Common everywhere. 241. — Belenois severina, Cram. Ubiquitous. 242. — Belenois mesentina, Cram. Abundant everywhere. 243. — Belenois zochalia, Boisd. Generally distributed, except in the coast district. 244. — Belenois thysa, Hopff. Generally common. 245. — Pinacopteryx spilleri, Stand. Coast district, Taita. Not uncommon. 246. — Pinacopteryx pigea, Boisd. Taita, North and South Kikuyu. The females of this species appear to be dimorphic and mimic Mylothris agathma and M. narcissus. 247. — Pinacopteryx vidua, Butler. Taita. Sometimes found commonly near the Voi river. 248. — Pinacopteryx Uliana, Gr. Smith. Coast district, Taita, Taveta, Ukambani. A common species, which is rather variable. 249. — Synchloe johnstoni, Crowl. Taita, Ukambani, Kikuyu. Often abundant, especially at Nairobi. 250. — Teracolus amatus, Fabr. Generally common. 251. — Teracolus phisidia rothschildi, Sharpe. I have only taken this right on the sea coast, where it is often common. 252 . —Teracolus castalis, Stand. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon, especially near the Yoi river. 70 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 258. — Teracolus aurigineus, Butl. Taita, Taveta, Kikuyu. Generally common in dry places. 254. — Teracolus vesta, Reiche. This is also a common species of wide distribution. 255. — Teracolus halimede, Klug. Taita, Taveta. Common. 256. — Teracolus protomedia , Klug. Coast hills, Taita. I have not found this fine species common, but it is of more frequent occurrence in North Giryama than elsewhere. 257. — Teracolus celimene, Lucas. Taita, Taveta, Ukambani. I have not met with this commonly. 258. — Teracolus eris, Klug. This is another widely distributed species. It is not uncommon. Its flight is generally rapid. 259. — Teracolus phlegyas, Butl. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. This is a common species. Together with other species of this genus and also the common species of Belenois, it resorts to the same places for considerable periods to rest for the night. These places are generally exposed to the rays of the western sun. 260. — Teracolus bacchus, Butl. Taveta, Ukambani. This seems uncommon, but it is doubtful whether it is really distinct from the preceding. 261. — Teracolus regina , Trim. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Rather irregular in its comparative abundance. I have found it commoner at Rabai than elsewhere. 262. — Teracolus hetcera, Gerst. Coast hills, Taita, Taveta, South Kikuyu, Ukambani. Fairly common generally. 268. — Teracolus puniceus, Butl. Coast hills, Taita. Doubt- fully distinct from the preceding. The yellow females, which are apt to occur sporadically in most species of the genus, seem to be of more frequent occurrence in these two species. 264. — Teracolus elgonensis, Sharpe. North and South Kikuyu. Sometimes found in some numbers. Its habits are very different from those of the genus generally, as it frequents forest and flies rather high. All my captures differ from the type in almost totally wanting the broad black of the apex. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 71 265. — Teracolus callidia, Smith. Taita, Taveta. Fairly com- mon. 266. — Teracolus eupompe, King. Generally abundant. 267. — Teracolus omphale , Godart. Ubiquitous. 268. — Teracolus daira, Klug. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. This species is fairly common, but it may easily be overlooked from its resemblance to T. omphale . All my captures are of the wet phase. 269. — Teracolus achine, Cram. Ubiquitous. 270. — Teracolus casta, Gerst. Coast hills, Taita, Taveta. Not common at the coast, but abundant at Taveta. 271. — Teracolus antigone, Boisd. Ubiquitous. 272. — Teracolus evarne, Klug. Ubiquitous. 278. — Teracolus incretus , Butl. Generally abundant. 274. — Eronia cleodora, Hiibn. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. A common species in woodlands and forest. 275. — Eronia leda, Boisd. This is found in the same districts as the preceding species. 276. — Leuceronia argia, Fabr. This is common in the wood- lands of the coast belt, but I have seldom met with it elsewhere. 277. — Leuceronia ihallasina, Boisd. Coast hills. Not common at Rabai, but I have met with it in some abundance in Giryama country. 278. — Leuceronia buqueti, Boisd. Common generally. 279. — Catopsilia florella, Fabr. Abundant everywhere. 280. — Terias senegalensis, Boisd. Abundant everywhere. 281. — Terias regularis, Butl. This seems common generally. 282. — Terias brigetta, Cram. Ubiquitous. 288 .: — Colias electra, Linn. Common above 4000 ft. The white female occurs freely. 284. —Papilio nobilis, Rogenh. South Kikuyu. Not uncommon. Generally flies high in forests. 285. — Papilio dardanus, Brown. I have found this everywhere except in North Kikuyu and Kenia. At Nairobi a great number of the female forms occur. 286. — Papilio echerioides, Trim. Taita, Taveta, Kikuyu. Not common usually. It is more plentiful at Nairobi than elsewhere. n A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED 287. — Papilio jack-soni, Sharpe. South Kikuyu. I have sometimes found this abundant at Kijabe. 288 . —Papilio constantinus, Ward. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. By no means uncommon in forests, especially in the coast hills. 289. — Papilio mackinnoni, Sharpe. Kikuyu. Common in forests. 290. — Papilio phorcas, Cram. Common in the forests of Kikuyu. 291. — Papilio nireus, Linn. Common generally in forests. 292 . —Papilio bromius, Doubl. Taita, Kikuyu. Not un- common in forests above 5000 ft. Like many other swallowtails, it is partial to wet mud. 298. — Papilio demodocus , Esper. Ubiquitous. 294. — Papilio ophidicephalus, Oberth. Widely distributed in forests. Its flight is very lofty and irregular, so that its capture is always difficult. 295. — Papilio angolanus, Goeze. This is a common species generally. 296. — Papilio philonoe , Wrard. Common in the coast hills. 297. — Papilio leonidas, Fabr. Common generally. 298. — Papilio antheus, Cram. Coast hills, Taita. Often occurs in the coast district in some abundance, especially at the beginning of the wet season. 299. — Papilio policenes, Cram. Widely distributed and not uncommon where the country is suitable. 800. — Papilio porthaon, Hew. Not uncommon in the coast district. 801. — Papilio colonna , Ward. Coast hills, Taita. This is generally the commoner of the group in the coast hills. 802. — Papilio sisenna, Mab. Coast hills. Not common. It looks like P. colonna on the wing. 808. — Papilio kirbyi, Hew. Coast hills. This is also not a common species. 304. — Sarangesa djcelcelce, Wallgr. Taita, Nairobi, Ukambani. This seems to be a common species. 305. — Sarangesa lugens, Rogenh. North and South Kikuyu. This is also common, but is found at greater elevations than the preceding. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 78 306. — Sarangesa motozi, Wallgr. Generally common. 307. — Sarangesa eliminata, Holl. Taita, Taveta, Kikuyu. Very abundant at Taveta. 308. — Celcenorrhinus galenas, Fabr. Coast district, Taita, Taveta. Not generally common. 309. — Celcenorrhinus hettoni, Butl. One specimen from Nairobi. 310. — Tagiades flesus, Fabr. A common species in the coast district where there are any trees. 311. — Eagris nottoana , Wallgr. I have taken a few of this species at Rabai. 312. — Eagris phyllophila, Trim. Coast district. By no means common. 313. — Eagris plicata, Butl. Taita, Taveta, Kikuyu. This is usually common. 314. — Eagris ochreana, Lathy. Taita. Doubtfully distinct from the preceding. 315. — Caprona pillaana, Wallgr. Coast district, Taveta. I have found this but rarely. 316. — Caprona canopus, Trim. This seems to occur nearly everywhere, but is not usually common. 317. — Hesperia spio, Linn. 318. — Hesperia machakosa, Butl. 319. — Hesperia dromus, Ploetz. These species resemble one another very closely and are not easy to differentiate. They occur fairly com- monly in most places. 320. — Hesperia sataspes, Trim. Coast district. This is not very common. 321. — Carcharodus elma, Trim. Generally distributed and usually common. 322. — Ahantis tettensis, Hopff. Taveta. I took this in some number when I was at Taveta. 323. — Ahantis paradisea , Butl. Widely distributed, but I have never found it at all common. 324. — Ahantis venosa, Trim. I captured a single specimen near Kaya Kauma in the coast hills some years ago, but I have not met with it again. 325. — Ahantis levuhu, Wallgr. Taveta. Not uncommon. It 74 A LIST OF BUTTERFLIES COLLECTED bears some resemblance to Belenois mesentina when settled in its usual position with wings half raised, but its flight is much more rapid. 326. — Acleros mackenii , Trim. Taveta. Common. 327. — Acleros placidus, Ploetz. Common generally. 328. — Acleros olaus, Ploetz. One or two of my specimens from Babai have been identified as belonging to this species. 329. — Gorgyra johnstoni, Butl. 330. — Gorgyra minima, Holl. These two species are not uncommon in the coast district. 331. — Parosmodes morantii, Trim. Coast district, Taveta. Not uncommon. 332. — Parosmodes icteria, Mab. Abundant in woods in the coast district. 333 . —Parosmodes numa, Druce. One specimen at Rabai. 334. — Cyclopides metis, Linn. Taita, Kikuyu. This is a very variable species and is fairly common. 335. — Cyclopides quadrisignatus, Butl. Not uncommon. 336. — Cyclopides midas, Butl. Kikuyu. This also is not uncommon. 337. — Cyclopides stellata, Mab. Coast district. A common species. 338. — Kedestes rogersi, Druce. Taveta, Masongaleni. I have not met with this commonly. 339. — Kedestes capenas, Hew. Common in the coast district. 340. — Kedestes collides, Hew. I have received one specimen from Masongaleni. 341. — Kedestes wallengreni, Trim. Coast district. Ukambani. Not common. 342. — Gegenes nostrodamus, Fabr. A specimen from Mombasa has been identified as belonging to this Palsearctic species. 343. — Gegenes letterstedti, Wallgr. Taita, Kikuyu. This is generally abundant when it is found. 344. — Padroana zeno, Trim. Taita, Kikuyu. Another com- mon species. 345. — Chapra mathias, Fabr. Ubiquitous. 346. — Parnara detecta, Trim. Coast district. Common. IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA 75 B47. — Parnara micans, Holl. Coast hills. Taita, N. Kikuyu. Not generally common. 348. — Parnara subochracea, Holl. Coast district. I believe this is not uncommon. 349. — Baoris lugens, Hopff. Common in the coast district. 350. — Baoris maranga, Butl. Kikuyu. Very near the last species. 351. — Baoris nyassce, Hew. Coast district. I have found this peculiar species with its Acraea-like underside distinctly rare. 352. — Pardaleodes incertas, Snellen. Coast district. By no means common. 353. — Acromesis neander, Ploetz. The coast district. It is not very common usually, but I have more than once observed it migrating in very large numbers in April at the break of the rains. 354. — Andronymus philander, Hopff. Coast district. This does not appear to be very common. 355. — Cosnides cylinda, Hew. The coast district. Distinctly crepuscular in its habits. It may often be seen during the day time resting on the walls of a house under the verandah, and when disturbed it only flies a short way, so that its capture is easy. 356. — Orses telisignata, Butl. Abundant in the bamboo jungle on Kinangop. 357. — Ploetzia cirymica, Hew. I have taken this in the coast district, but not commonly. It is crepuscular or even nocturnal in its habits, as it sometimes comes to light. 358. — Zophopetes drysemiphila, Trim. One specimen at Taveta. 359. — Rhopalocampta libeon, Druce. A few at Nairobi settled on damp mud in the forest. 360. — Bho'palocam'pta anchises, Gerst. Coast district. Not uncommon. 361. — Rhopalocampta foreslan, Cram. Generally abundant. 362. — Rhopalocampta pisistratus, Fabr. Coast district. Taita, Taveta. Not uncommon. 363. — Rhopalocampta keithloa, Wallgr. Common in the even- ings on low-lying ground near the coast. The larva is very conspicuous, and feeds perfectly exposed. 76 PLOCEUS INTERSCAPULABIS 364. — Rhopalocam'pta sejuncta , Mab. The coast district. Not uncommon. 365. — Rho'palocam'pta chalybe, Westw. I took two specimens of this beautiful species in the forests of Taveta. PLOCEUS INTERSCAPULABIS Yellow-mantled Weaver Bird By Dr. V. G. L. van Someren The following notes on this somewhat uncommon ‘ weaver bird ’ may be of interest to those studying the birds of East Africa and Uganda. The principal object in writing these lines is to describe the female bird, which until recently was unknown. The birds are of medium size, as far as weavers go, being about six inches in length, somewhat heavily built, but capable of rapid flight and movement. Description of adult male and female : — General colour, black and chestnut, with a yellow band across the mantle. Head and neck, black ; wings, back, and tail, glossy black ; chest, abdomen, and vent, rich chestnut in newly moulted males, dull chestnut in old and worn birds ; undertai coverts, dull black. The breadth of the yellow band varies in different individuals, but may roughly be taken as half an inch in the centre, and tapering off to a point at its extremities — many feathers slightly tipped with black. Bill black, feet and legs dark fleshy brown, eyes brown. Almost uniform black, the abdomen dull black with a slight tinge of dark brown. The yellow band on the mantle is much narrower than in the male, and each feather is heavily tipped with black. In habits this bird resembles the typical forest weaver, frequenting the tall trees, and is seldom seen in the undergrowth. Male birds appear to be more numerous than females. When searching for insect food on the high trees, these birds adopt the woodpecker habit of ascending the trunk in an upright position and gradually working round it in spiral ON SPITTING SNAKES 77 fashion. They are very silent birds, and thus are easily overlooked. Breeding birds have been obtained during June and September. Unlike most weavers, these birds nest in single pairs, choosing some very high leafy tree on which to build. The nest is extremely untidy, being composed of rootlets loosely woven together and lined with grass fibres. It is usually situated at the extremity of a slender branch, and is overhung by the surrounding foliage, and thus is difficult to detect. The eggs vary in shape from long oval to oval or almost round, of a white colour, somewhat translucent, so that the yolk imparts a pinkish tinge ; length J inch. The accompanying plate depicts an adult male and female in breeding plumage. (See coloured frontispiece.) ON SPITTING SNAKES By Sir F. J. Jackson In reference to Mr. Hobley’s article on Spitting Snakes in the Journal, Vol. I, No. 2, p.98, 1 am sending in the head and neck of a snake, which I believe to be a ‘ mamba,’ as opposed to a cobra. It was shot in Buddu whilst crossing the road in front of me. It was exactly 7 feet long, and in colour was dark green. As it was only disabled by the shot, which struck it about 18 inches from the head, it was given every opportunity of extending its hood, if it had one, before being finally despatched with a stick, but it showed no signs of being able to do so. A dull black cobra shot some years ago near Ngong, and under similar circumstances, extended its hood several times. Regarding a green cobra : — During a tour down the Nile last year, and when between Nimule and Gondokoro, I had occasion to pass through some low thick scrub about 8 feet high under a large shady tree, when my gunbearer, who was a few paces behind, called my attention to the head and neck of a bright green snake, which I had disturbed and passed unnoticed — I was stalking two 78 ON HONEY GUIDES roan antelope at the time. It was within 10 feet of ns, and I eonld distinctly see some 8 feet of its length resting on the scrub, the rest of the body being hidden, whilst its head, with hood fully extended, stood about a foot above the scrub. In this position it remained for about half a minute, we standing on the defensive, the gnnbearer with a rifle and myself with a walking-stick. At short intervals it turned its head, without any lateral movement, from one to the other of us, and I noticed that the back of the hood was very distinctly more blue than the head or the rest of its body, possibly due to the skin between the rows of scale being that colour. I estimated the hood to be from 4J to 5 inches in width, and the total length of the snake at not less than 6 feet. We left it alone, hoping to find it on our return, but it had gone. Entebbe, Oct. 13, 1913. ON HONEY GUIDES By Sib F. J. Jackson In reply to the invitation in the Journal, Vol. I, No. 2, p. 114, to members of the Society to record their experiences of the alleged action of Honey Guides in leading those who follow them up to dangerous beasts or snakes, I send two extracts from an old diary, in the belief that they may be of some interest. 4 1886, July 8. Merereni. 4 Whilst passing along a game path through a broad belt of large trees, low bush, and scrub, on the way to the open glade where the bull oryx was seen two days ago, a honey guide picked us up and persistently flew ahead of us, its incessant chatter being most irritating. 4 This continued for about a quarter of a mile, when the bird flew off to our right into a large tree about 80 yards from the path, and at once began to call much louder, evidently very excited. Out of sheer curiosity we followed, and as we got up to the tree and were looking up into it, one of the men behind ON HONEY GUIDES 79 called out “ Huyu ! huyu ! ” and out jumped from the low scrub and grass at the foot of the tree a fine serval cat. The bird left off chattering at once.’ The next entry is : — ‘ 1887, February 12. Kilimanjaro. ‘ Left camp at dawn, and got to the top of the small hill 1 about 6.80. Game plentiful, water-buck, impala, 4 rhino, 7 giraffe, 80 or 40 eland, Grantii, wart-hogs, and a herd of about 120 buffaloes. The latter, about a mile away, were grazing and moving along slowly across a dry watercourse — grand position for a stalk. Hurried down, and along bank under shelter of trees and bush ; very easy going. When within 400 yards of buffalo, a few still one side, two honey guides began their infernal chatter, so had to wait till buffaloes crossed. On getting within 150 yards, three birds, about 40 yards ahead of us, became frantically excited, and at same moment heard a deep grunt, apparently 50 yards ahead. Another deep grunt followed, then another, and felt convinced that a buffalo had found a mud hole, and was enjoying a good wallow. Exchanged express for 8 bore, made short detour away from bank, and advanced on spot where grunt came from. No buffalo, bottom of water- course dry and choked with tall grass and scrub, out of which sprang a fine leopard on to the opposite bank. Like an ass, as it stood less than 20 yards off (bullet would have gone clean through and done little damage to skin) exchanged 8 bore for express ; leopard saw us and was off at once. Was in act of trying to draw a bead when Eamazan touched me on the shoulder and said “ Ngini, Bwana,” and there sure enough was another standing in the same place and looking, not at us, but at its retreating mate. A quick shot behind the shoulder sent it headlong back into the watercourse — dead — a grand male. Birds disappeared, but whether frightened by shot, or they were satisfied at having accomplished their task, cannot tell — who can ? Entebbe, Oct. 16, 1913. 1 This hill, aptly termed ‘ Earth boil ’ by Sir Harry Johnston, was a favourite lookout post, as it commanded an extensive view of the place below. 80 GEOPHAGISM (EARTH-EATING) GEOPHAGISM (EARTH-EATING) By C. W. Hobley It may be of interest to some to learn that numbers of Indians and others, resident in Mombasa, eat considerable quantities of a soft grey aluminous rock, a kind of steatite, which is imported from India. This earth-eating becomes practically a vice, for it is said that persons once habitu- ated to the habit cannot leave it off, and that they gradually grow more and more emaciated, and eventually die. Dr. Spurrier informs me that the association of earth-eating with ankylostomiasis has long been known, and furnishes the following references to the subject. Gobert and Catouillard mention the occurrence of both in Southern Tunisia, where the geophagism is apparently the cause, not the result, of the disease (Gobert, E., and Catouil- lard, G., December 9, 1908 : ‘ Enquete sur l’ankylostomose et les affections helminthiques dans le sud de la Tunisie et plus particulierement dans el Djerid.’ — 4 Bull. Soc. Path. Exot.’). A paper by Christopherson signalises the habit of earth- eating in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, and states that ankylo- stomiasis is only common in what is called the most Egyptian portion of the Sudan, which is also the region where geophagism occurs (Christopherson, J. B. (January 1, 1910) : ‘ Earth- eating in the Egyptian Sudan.’ — ‘ Journal Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ’). It is, however, I consider, unwise to generalise too widely on this point, for the specimens of the earth exposed for sale in Mombasa could hardly contain the ankylostome, for they appear to be pieces of very soft natural rock, practically fuller’s earth. Ankylostomiasis is, however, very common in Mombasa, and it may be that the irritation set up by the hook worm creates a craving which is temporarily alleviated by the con- sumption of this earth. This question needs further inquiry. MITE FROM PORCUPINE. Micro-photo. X 50 by J. K. Creighton. MITE FOUND ON A PORCUPINE 81 A MITE FOUND ON A YOUNG PORCUPINE CAUGHT IN PARKLANDS, NAIROBI, EAST AFRICA, EARLY IN 1912 By J. K. Creighton Specimens of these mites were forwarded to the British Museum (Natural History) in June 1912. Mr. Hirst, who dealt with the specimens, informed me that they belonged to an undescribed species of the genus Leiognathus, Gamasidce. The cox88 of the legs of the second pair have a curious hook-like structure, which seems characteristic of this species. When my boys started skinning the porcupine they were furiously attacked by the ‘ mites,’ their bite causing sharp pain more like the sting of a wasp than a bite ; but the irritation only lasted a short time, and did not cause swellings or appear to leave any evil results behind. I pointed out to the British Museum that these mites attacked human beings. Mr. Hirst in reply states : ‘ I have only read of a single instance of mites of this family attacking a human being. A woman was badly bitten by specimens of Lcelaps agilis, Koch, a species occurring on rats, and the bites gave rise to a kind of fever.’ It appears very little work has been done on these Acaridae, and many of the tropical species have not yet been described, a fact that seems to me most extraordinary when it is remem- bered that mites infest smaller mammalia, such as rats, and are known to attack human beings. It may be that mites will eventually be found to be carriers of disease as well as ticks and fleas, &c. Nairobi, Oct. 10, 1913. IMMATURE BONGO (Photo taken by H. J. Twigg) The photograph represents an immature female Bongo (Be deer os euryceros) shot by Mr. H. J. Twigg, near Escarpment, at an altitude of about 9000 feet, during March of this year. To those who know anything of Bongo hunting it will not be Vol. IV.— No. 7. G 82 PRESENTATION OF A LIVE LUNG-FISH surprising to hear that the hunter was absolutely unable to distinguish the sex or immaturity of the animal he shot. In order to take this picture it occupied one hour and a half hard work, chopping and clearing bamboos and bush. The native holding the head is a Dorobo. ON THE PRESENTATION OF A LIVE LUNG-FISH TO THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, LONDON By R. J. Cuninghame Mr. C. W. Woodhouse (Assistant Game Ranger) deserves every congratulation on having successfully transported a live Lung-Fish from Lake Victoria Nyanza to London. Many years ago (1898) I endeavoured to accomplish the same thing, but owing to the more primitive transport facilities that then existed, disaster soon befell my captive. A letter was received from Mr. Woodhouse early this year in connection with the capture of his Lung-Fish, and I now quote from it in extenso : — ‘ Notes on a Lung-Fish . . . dug up in the swamp near the Kibos River, Kisumu, Lake Victoria Nyanza . . . 1913. ‘ Reports having been obtained from natives with regard to a species of fish which buried themselves in the mud, it was considered that an investigation might prove of interest. ‘ On the . . . inst. two small boys were observed to be digging busily in the above-mentioned swamp, which has been drained by the District Commissioner of Kisumu, and where there has been no water for at least seven months. The boys were digging through hard, dry, peaty mud, and presently extracted a fish. . . . The next day, through the kindness of the D.C., a large number of boys were sent to hunt for indi- cations of these fish, so that the whole procedure might be observed and the fish taken alive, if possible. ‘ The procedure by the natives was as follows : The surface indications of these fish are holes in the papyrus roots which have the appearance of small craters (i.e. with raised edges). ‘ When such a place is found, a stick, or a papyrus stalk, is thrust down and, on withdrawal, is carefully smelt. If a IMMATURE BONGO Photo, bv H. J. Tivig TO THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, LONDON 8S fishy smell is discernible, operations are commenced. A small boy is supposed to have a keener scent, as the stick is handed to him for his opinion. ‘ Should it be supposed that a fish is in residence, the papyrus is cleared and a hole dug. ‘ On approaching the fish (usually from 2 to 8 feet deep) it “ barks ” — that is to say, it gives a short, sharp, expressive grunt, and will snap viciously at any object near it. ‘ The fish lies in a curled-up position, with the head and tail together — the head points upwards, and the broad tail covers the mouth. The bend of the body is below. ‘ The chamber where the fish lies is smooth, and internally lined with mucus, and fairly hard. It does not contain any water at all (only perhaps one or two teaspoonfuls of mixed mucus and water) ; but in the specimen recorded the earth was dry and powdery round the pocket. On the fish being removed (after making snaps at the remover) it was placed in a bucket of water, and on two occasions bit at an incautiously approached finger which was near the surface of the water. ‘ An interesting point was observed, in that the fish, after taking earth into its mouth, disgorged the same in a large soft pellet. ‘ The fish is now in custody, and it is hoped to take it to the Zoological Gardens, London.’ This Mr. Woodhouse happily accomplished, and an account of its arrival at the 4 Gardens ’ (reprinted from the Morning Post of March 8, 1918) is reproduced below : — A New Lung-Fish ‘ On Saturday Mr. Boulenger, the Curator of Reptiles, received a most interesting living specimen of a species of African lung-fish. The smaller species of the West Coast, Protopterus annectens, is well known, having frequently been brought to this country in the cocoons of mud in which it passes the dry season ; in fact, a living specimen about 9 inches long is now to be seen in a tank in the Tortoise House. But the new specimen is about 2 feet in length, and belongs to the species Proto'ptems cethiojpicus , which inhabits the Upper 84 LIVE LUNG-FISH AT THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Nile system and the lakes connected with it. It was brought from the Victoria Nyanza by Mr. C. W. Woodhouse, Assistant Game Warden of East Africa. The species attains a length of between 4 and 5 feet, so that the specimen now at the Zoo is about half grown. The Gardens are not very well provided with aquaria, and the fish was turned out into the large tanks containing the two Australian lung-fish which have been there fifteen years, as this tank was the only one of which the temperature could be kept sufficiently high. The Protopterus, however, soon showed a vicious disposition, which made him an unsafe companion for the Ceratodus. The former is known to defend himself and his eggs with powerful bites. Although he has no upper jaw of the ordinary kind, he has large teeth on the lower jaw and on the roof of the mouth, and, according to Mr. Woodhouse, with these he can bite through a thick stick or bite a finger off. The fish had been carried all the way from Africa in mud, but in the warm water of the tank he soon became active, swimming about by means of undulations of the tail, and also moving over the gravel by alternate ‘ steps ’ of his slender pectoral fins, which are about 6 inches long. Before long, when his snout came near the tail of Ceratodus, he kept making vicious snaps, and it was decided that he must be removed, as there was evidently considerable risk of injury to the two large Australian fish which have been in the tank so long, and which showed no inclination at all to retaliate. Accordingly the small ‘ Millions ’ fish were removed from a tank in the Tortoise House and Protopterus was put into that by himself. Protopterus differs strongly from Ceratodus in its round eel-like shape. It has a pair of lungs instead of one as in Ceratodus, and the living specimen went frequently to the surface for air. The scales are similar to those of Ceratodus, but covered by the skin, so that they are less distinct. The lines of the sense organs in the skin are very distinct and attract attention, namely, the lateral line down the side, the other curved lines on the head. One of the most curious points in the structure of the mouth is the presence of two pairs of nostrils, one pair in front and one behind, as in land animals, but both pairs are behind the upper lip.’ OTTER KILLED AT NAIVASHA. OTTEE NEAE NAIVASHA 85 DESCEIPTION OF AN OTTEE KILLED NEAE NAIVASHA (LUTBA ALBICOLLIS ?) By J. G. Marten This beast was killed by a native on March 2. It was seen at the foot of a hill about 800 yards from the lake, and made off towards the water. It turned and attacked the native as he approached it. The following is a careful description : — Otter (Female). Weight, 28 lb. Length (tip of nose to tip of tail), 4 ft. 8 in. Girth (behind fore-legs) , 1 ft. 5 J in. Colour. Very dark brown (almost black) ; chin, throat, and sides of face (to line from eye to ear), grey. Eyes and ears. Very small. Head. Broad and flat, 6 in. long and 6 in. wide. Neck. As thick as head. All four legs short and very thick. Fore feet. Five toes (not webbed), no nails or claws, hairless to second joint. Hind feet. Five toes (webbed), very small nails or claws, hairless to first joint. Tail, 1 ft. 6 in. long, 4 in. wide at base, broad and flat, tapering to a point. UNIDENTIFIED BEASTS IN EAST AFEICA By C. W. Hobley Since writing the article in No. 6 of the Journal further information has come to hand regarding the animal said to inhabit the forest land on the right bank of the Lower Tana. Mr. Eule gives the following description obtained from the Wa Pokomo : — 86 UNIDENTIFIED BEASTS IN EAST AFRICA Colour, reddish to yellow ; length, about 6 feet ; height, about 8 feet 6 inches at the withers ; hair long, and all accounts agree on the point of a thick mane ; tail short and very broad ; claws very long ; head, fairly long nose, teeth long but not so long as a lion ; fore-legs said to be very thick. The Pokomo state that several have been killed, and one man says that he killed one himself a good many years ago. It is said to be very fierce, and to visit villages and carry off sheep. On these occasions the natives either cross the river until it leaves the neighbourhood or frighten it away by beating drums. The Waboni hunters know the beast well, but say that they prefer to leave it alone. The Assistant District Commissioner on the Tana also sends a further account of the animal, based on recent inquiries, and it was described to him by Pokomo, who said they had seen it, and their account was as follows : — Light in colour, long hair on neck and back, usually goes on fore-legs but can go on its hind-legs, not known to climb trees, rather smaller than a lion, tail about 18 inches long and some 4 inches broad, is nocturnal in its habits, fore-legs very thick ; said to leave a track with one deep claw mark behind the marks of its four toes (this is rather obscure). They are agreed about its ferocity, and say it attacks a man on sight. One is said to have killed a rhino near Makere, but this is rather difficult to credit. One tried to raid a goat kraal last January, but was driven away by the noise made by the villagers when the alarm was given. The Wa Pokomo are an agricultural people on the river and do not usually hunt, but Waboni hunters might possibly be induced to locate one if anyone had leisure and means to devote to the matter. NOTES ON BIRD-MIGRANTS IN UGANDA 87 NOTES ON THE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL OF EUROPEAN AND ASIATIC BIRD-MIGRANTS IN UGANDA 1918 By Sir F. J. Jackson Departures. Name 1 Date I Remarks 1. Swallow ( Rirundo rustica) March 19 2. Sand Martin (Clivicola riparia) „ 19 8. Grey-headed Wagtails ( Mota - L cilia flava, borealis) . „ 29 4. Black-headed Wagtail (M. feldeggi) „ 29 5. Spotted Flycatcher (Musci- capa griseola) . April 23 6. Great or 4 Solitary ’ Snipe (Gallinago media) „ 26 Arrivals. Name Date 1 Remarks 1. Sandpiper ( Tringoides hybo- leucus) .... 2. Swallow ( Hirundo rustica) . 3. Sand Martin (Clivicola riparia) .... 4. Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) . 5. Spotted Flycatcher (Musci- capa griseola) . 6. Willow' Warbler ( Phyllo - scopus trochilus) August 13 „ 30 Sept. 6 11 „ 22 „ 25 88 NOTES ON BIRD-MIGRANTS IN UGANDA Name Date 7. Grey - headed Wagtail Oct. 1 (Motacilla flava) 8. Whimbrel ( Numenius » 1 phceopus) 9. Asiatic Dottrel ( Ochthodro - „ 1 mus asiaticus) 10. Whinchat (Pratincola rubetra) .... 2 1 1 . Wheatear ( Saxicola cenanthe) |12. Spotted Sandpiper (Totanus 2 ochropus ) 18. Common Snipe (Gallinago „ 2 gallinago) „ 2 14. Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) „ 8 15. Ringed Dottrel (ASgialitis „ 9 hiaticula) 16. Buzzard ( Buteo desertorum ) „ 17 Remarks Our second large flock, mostly young birds, species doubtful First one seen in Uganda, Lake shore, very tame One on golf links. Our second flock of eight Shot On golf links within flock of Asiatic dottrels Entebbe, Oct. 18, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTE The attention of members is invited to the following appeal by the Zoological Society of London for specimens of living insects for a new insect house which is being established in their Gardens, and which will be under the control of the cele- brated entomologist, Mr. H. Maxwell Lefroy, and a trained staff. We have great pleasure in making this known to the mem- bers of this Society, and trust that the appeal will meet with some EDITORIAL NOTE 89 response, as anything sent will of course be named by trained entomologists. Specimens should be sent direct by post to Secretary, Zoological Society, Regent’s Park, London, N.W. * The generosity of Sir James Caird, Bart., has enabled us to build a new Insect House, which will be opened this month. It has been specially constructed for the purpose, is being very carefully fitted up, and will be improved from time to time as experience tells us how to obtain the best conditions of warmth and moisture required. ‘ Our intention is two-fold. We hope to interest and educate the British public bj^ showing living insects of many kinds in all stages of their life-history, and, by paying special attention to the economic aspect of entomology, exhibiting any injurious insects we are able to get. We also intend the House to be used for scientific inquiry by study of the life- histories and transformations of different kinds of insects, and by the investigation of special problems. ‘ We shall be much indebted if any workers can assist the Society in this important development of its educational and scientific work by helping us to obtain any insects which will bear transportation to London in some resting stage, such as the egg-cases of Mantids, Acridiids, Cossidids, &c., the pupae of moths, butterflies and the larger beetles, larvae in wood or soil, adult beetles, fireflies, &c., ant pupae, the eggs of stick-insects, plant-bugs, aquatic bugs, and the eggs of silkworms or other lepidoptera. These, and many others, will suggest themselves as forms of insect life which might stand transportation by post to London. ‘ It is desired to inform collectors that the Society requires material of this kind and will be prepared to pay reasonably for it. It might be borne in mind that our object is not like that of a Museum, to obtain rare forms or new species, but stages of insect life that will bear transportation alive, and that abundant and common forms might suit us very well. 4 Sd. P. Chalmers Mitchell, ‘ Secretary, ‘ Zoological Society, ‘ London,’ ‘September 1913. 90 ANNUAL EEPOET 1912 EAST AFEICA AND UGANDA NATUEAL HISTOEY SOCIETY. ANNUAL EEPOET 1912. It is gratifying to be able to report that the year closed with a considerable increase of members, and that the Society has recovered the ground lost in the previous year. During the last few months of the year, a series of most successful evening meetings for members and their friends has been held in the Museum, reports of which have appeared in the Journal. These meetings have proved one of the most useful features of the work during the year, and, judging by the attendances, have been much appreciated by members. Great progress has been made in the Museum, the Society having been fortunate in receiving from generous donors many valuable additions to its collection. So many contributions have been received and are continually arriving that the Com- mittee is not only in a difficulty regarding increased accom- modation for specimens, but particularly regarding the receiving, preparing, placing, and cataloguing of them. These duties have been undertaken for some months of the past year by Mr. Cuninghame, who has generously devoted the whole of his time during that period to the curatorship, and for which the Society is greatly indebted to him, and since his departure on a series of long safaris the work has been undertaken by one or two members of the Society. The Committee feels, however, that the work is of such a nature, and increasing so rapidly that the time has now arrived when the Society should have a paid curator to devote all his time to the Museum. It has long been the hope of the Committee that Govern- ment might be induced to give the Society an annual grant for the purpose of engaging a curator for the Museum, and a deputation from the Committee waited upon His Excellency the Governor in October last and laid before him the Society’s requirements, with the result that the Legislative Council agreed to the inclusion of a sum in the Estimates for the next year, as a grant to the Society. Unfortunately, news has just been received that this grant has been disallowed by the home ANNUAL REPORT 1912 91 authorities, but the Committee is not without hope that the Society will ere long receive help from Government ; meanwhile it has to face a difficult situation caused through the Society having no one who can devote the necessary time to the work of the curatorship. The Journal maintains the high standard of excellence which the Editors set before them at its inception. This is evinced by the continual requests which are being received from various societies for exchange of publications, and the favourable notices appearing in the scientific press. It is hoped that the members will not relax their efforts to secure articles and notes which will be acceptable for its columns, as the Editors do not find that the task of getting each number ready for the publishers is in anyway becoming easier, despite the increased membership. In conclusion, the Committee tenders the hearty thanks of the Society to those of the members and other individuals who have helped during the year either by donations to the Museum, contributions to the Journal, papers given at mem- bers’ meetings, or assistance rendered in the Museum. John Sergeant, Honorary Secretary. Nairobi, March 31, 1913. >* EH p ! — I o o co >* Ph O EH CO t— i w p <1 Ph P EH ◄ P O P P <1 o s—l P3 P EH CO <1 p Cl Ph O P EH p p w CO p o £; p <1 p o d CO o O' CO O O' d 40 t— 40 Si— 02 -*3 Cl CO 40 co 40 fc- o 40 fc» t- t- OS Q 4h © T— i t-H d © d cb © d cb H) no tH CO d d 40 d 40 tH t-H CO d d « CO d t- d t-H os ^ * TJ CO 02 O O O 2 P p P CO 02 EH P4 i— i H o H Ph T 1 o o O o O O o o xH d 40 O o o 40 © 40 O o d co cb © © © ti- 40 d 40 o t-H do 40 T-H 00 Qi> d rH d 40 40 OS d t-H ■H OS t-H CO t-H d d P . . . t-H '=4— j • T5 • r © • 5 os t-H c3 • S © 5-1 O e© !3 d t-H m £j 5H o rs m o Ph 1912 t-H t-H 05 t-H Os rH CO O • r—f S-3 ebl m P * c8 Pi 02 ’ § P O jy2 ! 1 fl "£h O P rH cS P fl . cS . Hi © O ^ p g c3 o3 P 5=1 ^ _C3 g ® fH Jg ^ pq P O h o «2 P * .& oS 5h © © 5-1 CO Si £ a 00 • rH ^ ® s p © o ,02 ■+? El © 02 . Is § CO P © 02 5h © d OS 5-1 © CO -Q P • CO * * E2 jh jr1 © 05 pfl T-l o p © © O r— H CO 3 <1 p © a s 3 © g co n P P 02 ft M Ph S • a ' >> o3 * 02 © ^ © H eg P © «w J3 y oo^ ° § o =Q '£ J© "c3 CO o - © ^ ^ O w '•p . T3 © • H h3 P -3 EAST AFRICA PROTECTORATE ftoale 54 Mile s - 1 luch Ube journal OF THE East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society August 19I4 Vol. IV. No. 8. CONTENTS PAGrB THE AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER. Du. V. G. L. van Sombren, M.B.O.U. .......... 95 THE ORGANIC CELL (PART III.). Dr. E. Wynstone- Waters, F.R.S.Kdin. . 98 SOME NOTES ON GAME ANIMALS OF JUBALAND. I. N. Dracofoli, F.R.G.S. . . . . 117 SOME NOTES ON FISHES IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA. F. G. Aflalo, F.Z.S. .... ... 121 TWO RARE EAST AFRICAN ANIMALS. H. J, Allen Turner . . 124 THE CHEMOSIT. A. Blayney Pebcival, M.B.O.U,, F.Z.S. . . , .127 THE KISINGIRI AND GWASI DISTRICTS OF SOUTH KAVIRONDO. C, M. Dobbs ........... 129 AN INTERESTING POLYMORPHIC BUTTERFLY. D. G. Hale Carpenter, M.D., F.E.S. 131 THREE NEW AFRICAN WEAVER-BIRDS OF THE GENERA ESTR/LDA AND GRANATINA , E. A. Mearns, Associate in Zoology * • *134 NOTES CRESTED CRANES AT KERICHO. C. M. Dobbs . SPITTING SNAKE IN PEMBA. 0. W. Hobley . EAST AFRICAN SNIPE. A. B. Percival . . RED WATER. J. E. Mackenzie and T. M. Finlay THE SCENTS OF BUTTERFLIES. Rev. K. St. Aubyn Roge; PEDJCULUS CAPITIS . J. K. Creighton .... STONE BOWL AND RING DISCOVERED IN SOTIK. C, EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK . CORRESPONDENCE LIST OF DONORS TO MUSEUM ..... ANNUAL REPORT ....... BALANCE SHEET LIST OF MEMBERS • ILLUSTRAT ONS 1. AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER (Coloured} 2. AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER 3. ORGANIC CELLS-WOODCUTS IN TEXT . 4. CATTLE WATERING TROUGHS, GWASI MOUNT 5. CRESTED CRANES AT KERICHO 6. PEDICULUS CAPITIS ....... 7. STONE BOWL AND RING EDITOR O. W, HOBLEY, C.M.G, LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 99 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, NEW YO’ .... BOMBAY, CALCUTTA AND MADRAS All right s reserved Additional copies: to members, Bs, 3 (4/-); to non-members, Bs. 4(5j4)* RB, M.A. M. Dobbs , . 138 . 140 . 141 . 142 . 144 , 145 . 145 . 147 ,154 . 155 • 156 . 158 . 159 Frontispiece To face p , 95 . 102-116 To face p, 131 „ „ 138 „ „ 145 .. 146 AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER ( Halcyon Semicazruleus.) THE JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY August, 1914. VOL. IV. No. 8 patrons SIE H. C. BELFIELD, K.C.M.G. 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. Ipresi&ent SIR F. J. JACKSON, K.C.M.G., C.B., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. Uice=f>resit>ent C. W. HOBLEY, C.M.G., M.R.Anthrop.Inst. :6£ecutive Committee T. J. ANDERSON, B.A., B.Sc. E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNINGHAME, F.Z.S. J. K. CREIGHTON S. L. HINDE A. J. KLEIN A. BLAYNEY PERCIYAL, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. Dr. Y. G. L. van SOMEREN, L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S. R. B. WOOSNAM, F.Z.S;; IfoonorarE treasurer W. McGREGOR ROSS, B.A., M.Sc., B.E. Ibonorar^ Secretary JOHN SERGEANT IfoonorarE Curators T. J. ANDERSON, B.A., B.Sc. E. BATTISCOMBE, Assoc. Arbor. Society R. J. CUNINGHAME, F.Z.S. 1914 VOL. IV. — No. 8i H CONTENTS PAGE THE AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED [KINGFISHER. Dr. V. G. L. VAN SOMEREN, M.B.O.U. 95 THE ORGANIC CELL (PART III.). Dr. E. Wynstone -Waters, F.R.S.E 98 SOME NOTES ON GAME ANIMALS IN JUBALAND. J. N. Draco- poli, F.R.G.S 117 SOME NOTES ON FISHES IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA. F. G. Aflalo, F.Z.S 121 TWO RARE EAST AFRICAN ANIMALS. H. J. Allen Turner . 124 THE CHEMOSIT. A. Blayney Percival, M.B.O.U., F.Z.S. . . 127 THE KISINGIRI AND GWASI DISTRICTS OF SOUTH KAVIRONDO. C. M. Dobbs .......... 129 AN INTERESTING POLYMORPHIC BUTTERFLY. D. G. Hale Carpenter, M.D 131 THREE NEW AFRICAN WEAVER BIRDS OF THE GENERA ESTRILDA AND GRANATIN A. E. A. Mearns, Associate in Zoology .......... 134 NOTES CRESTED CRANES AT KERICHO. C. M. Dobbs .... 138 SPITTING SNAKE IN PEMBA. C. W. Hobley .... 140 EAST AFRICAN SNIPE. A. B. Percival 141 RED WATER. J. E. Mackenzie and T. M. Finlay .... 142 THE SCENTS OF BUTTERFLIES. Rev. K. St. Aubyn Rogers, M.A. 144 PE DIG ULUS CAPITIS. J. K. Creighton 145 STONE BOWL AND RING DISCOVERED IN SOTIK. C. M. Dobbs 145 EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK . . . .147 CORRESPONDENCE 154 LIST OF DONORS TO MUSEUM 155 ANNUAL REPORT 156 BALANCE SHEET 158 LIST OF MEMBERS 159 ILLUSTRATIONS 1. AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER ( Coloured ) Frontispiece 2. AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER. To face p. 95 3. ORGANIC CELLS— WOODCUTS IN TEXT . . . 102-116 4. CATTLE WATERING TROUGHS, GWASI MOUNT To face p. 131 5. CRESTED CRANES AT KERICHO ... „ 138 6. PEDICULUS CAPITIS „ „ 145 7. STONE BOWL AND RING „ 146 <2 BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER. 9 At Nesting Hole. $ At Nesting Hole. AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER (Halcyon Semicoeruleus). THE AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER 95 THE AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER (Halcyon semicoeruleus) By Dr. V. G. L. van Someren, M.B.O.U. I have called this the 4 Brown-bellied Kingfisher 5 because I think this name to be more descriptive than that commonly used, namely ‘ White-headed Kingfisher,’ for there are two other kingfishers with whitish heads. This kingfisher is found both in East Africa and Uganda, but appears to be more plentiful in the former Protectorate. It is common in the Acacia scrub country and also in the forest clearings along the railway line. It is a handsome bird and most interesting. The sexes are alike except that the female is duller and has a grey head lightly streaked with brown. A point which possibly strikes the newcomer to this country is the fact that kingfishers are as a rule found at a great distance from water, and that their food does not consist of fish to any extent. The only two species of kingfishers which I have actually seen taking fish are the Great Spotted Kingfisher (Ceryle maxima) and the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis). This latter fishes in a very characteristic manner, and a full description of it will be found in an article on the bird in ‘ Studies of Bird-life in Uganda.’ 1 The question may naturally be asked, 4 Why is it that these birds are found so far from water ? ’ The answer is this, that the greater proportion of the diet of kingfishers consists of grasshoppers and locusts, and these are more abundant in open grass and scrub country than on banks of rivers. It is true that one usually finds the small Purple Kingfishers 1 Studies of Bird-life in Uganda. By Dr. R. A. L. van Someren and V. G. L. van Someren. London : John Bale, Sons & Danielsson, 1911. 96 THE AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER ( Ispidina picta and C. cyanostigma) near streams and swamps, but I venture to think that the food obtained in these localities consists almost entirely of insects. The Brown-bellied Kingfisher frequents gardens in certain localities and does a lot of good in clearing off grasshoppers. When alarmed they make a sharp whistling call of two notes ; they also utter a chattering sound on occasions. During June and July of 1912 I had a pair of these birds under close observation. They had commenced nesting when I first found them, and the site chosen was a railway embankment not far from Port Florence station, where a considerable amount of shunting went on daily. The nest was some eighteen inches in ; for the first four inches the tunnel inclined upwards and then became level and ended in a circular chamber about six inches in diameter. The circum- ference of the tunnel was only just large enough to allow the bird to enter, and being made in red earth the white upper parts of the birds became very soiled in wet weather. Whether the birds constructed the tunnel themselves or not I cannot say. By carefully enlarging the entrance hole, one could, with the aid of a mirror, examine the contents of the nest. On June 22 the nest contained four white eggs almost spherical in shape and somewhat glossy. Nesting materials were absent. The female bird sat very close and could not be made to leave the nest, no doubt relying on the depth of the nest for protection. Within a week of my finding the nest the eggs hatched, so that one could not reckon the incubation period. The young were practically naked but soon showed signs of feathers and grew rapidly ; when coming into feather they are curious-looking creatures, and when disturbed utter a hissing noise. The first plumage is like that of the female, though duller, and the beak and feet are brown. It was after the young had hatched that I obtained the photographs of the parent birds at the nest. The bank was some fifteen feet high, and the nest four feet from the top and difficult to get at with a camera, but by THE AFRICAN BROWN-BELLIED KINGFISHER 97 driving a stout peg into the bank some five feet off the nest I was able to get the camera into position by attaching it to the peg with a handy device called a unipod ; this little attach- ment has proved of great value in places where a tripod could not be used. In a position such as this one has to dispense with the pleasure of working alongside the camera and it is necessary to have the hiding tent at a distance and to work the shutter with a long release. I found these kingfishers to be extremely timid, and I had to go very gently with them ; thus, instead of attempting to take photographs right away, I left the camera in position for a day or two before starting operations. At the end of this time the birds had become used to the camera, and the plates which illustrate these notes were taken. Of the two birds, the male appeared to be the more anxious but was certainly not the bolder, for he only faced the camera on two occasions. During the period I kept these birds under observation, I noticed that they fed the young most frequently between 7 and 10 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m. The food consisted chiefly of grasshoppers. The method of capturing these was most interesting to watch ; the birds would perch on the telegraph wire or railway signal and would keep a sharp lookout over a small area of ground. They did not sit motionless but continually raised and depressed their heads, at the same time making a side movement. They did not make any sound except when, having sighted their prey, they would utter a shrill whistle and dive straight down, capturing the insect in the beak. They descend with remarkable force and rapidity, but do not seem to injure themselves with the impact. They utter the same call when they return to their lookout post as when they leave it. The insects are always killed before being given to the young ; this is done by repeatedly beating the head against the perch with sharp lateral movements. Although the lake was within a short distance of the nest, 98 THE- ORGANIC CELL the birds did not resort thither in search of food for the young, but obtained it in the vicinity of the nesting site. It was extremely difficult to photograph these birds owing to the fact that their movements were so rapid ; they would descend to the entrance of the nest like a streak of pale blue lightning, and in a flash would enter. Thus one was obliged to work the shutter at a great speed, and even then it often happened that, instead of finding the whole bird visible on the negative, perhaps only the tail would be seen projecting from the entrance. The brilliance of the blue on the wings, with the sun shining on it, may be judged from the photographs — the blue is rendered an absolute white. The young were a fortnight old when they left the nest and did not return to it. THE ORGANIC CELL Part III. — Its Methods of Division and Status in the Process of Heredity By E. Wynstone- Waters, F.R.S.Edin., &c., Late Senior Demonstrator of Anatomy at the Loyal College of Surgeons , Edinburgh Schleiden, that famous pioneer of the cell-theory, assumed that cells arose by a process of crystallisation from an un- organised substance which he termed ‘ cytoblastema.’ The later work of Remak, Kolliker, and others soon refuted this theory, and shortly afterwards, the very important teaching of Virchow that ‘ all cells come from pre-existing cells ’ came to be accepted, and since then this doctrine has become one of the central and fundamental principles of modern biology. Every cell is the result of the division of a pre-existing cell ; this process having gone on far back through the ages that have been, to the very dawn of all life. Life results from pre-existing life ; the so-called process of ‘ spontaneous genera- tion 5 certainly does not exist at the present time. Remak, as a result of his work on cell-division in the years THE ORGANIC CELL 99 1855 to 1858, came to the conclusion that cell-division proceeds from the centre to the periphery. Commencing in the nucleolus which divides, the process is continued in the nucleus, and afterwards is completed by the division of the cell-body and envelope. For nearly twenty years this was the accepted teaching regarding cell-division. In the year 1878 a set of most important discoveries were made, which showed clearly that cell-division was in very many cases a most complicated process, involving an extremely intricate change in the nucleus to which Schleicher gave the name of Karyokinesis. It must be remembered, however, that this complicated process is not absolutely universal, and that there is another simpler, though much rarer, method of division, corresponding to that described above by Remak, and which van Beneden characterised as fragmentation. To be brief, it may be stated that there are two recognised methods of cell-division for which Flemming proposed the terms direct and indirect division, terms still in use. Later Flemming proposed to substitute for these : — Amitosis, representing the direct method, and Mitosis, the indirect or Karyokinetic method. It has been demonstrated that the method of direct division is a very rare process, and occurs during the life history of cells which are undergoing degenerative changes, and are on the downward path tp disintegration. It appears to be a sign of degradation in specialised cells which are incapable of long-continued division. It is very characteristic of the cells forming temporary embryonic envelopes &c. In this form of cell-division the nucleus becomes divided into two portions, followed by a similar division of the cytoplasm. Indieect Division ok Mitosis In this description I shall take a type of Mitosis in which a persistent centrosome is present, as has been demonstrated in the division of the testis-cells. In a series of articles of this kind it would be superfluous, and possibly a little exhausting to the reader, to point out the variations in detail occurring in different animals and plants. There are many minute 100 THE ORGANIC CELL differences which, however, do not affect the final result ; this in all cases consists of the equal longitudinal division of the chromosomes of the parent nucleus between the two daughter nuclei. The process of Mitosis includes three parallel sets of changes, affecting the nucleus, centrosome, and cytoplasm respectively. It is usual for descriptive purposes to divide it into a series of phases, which, it must be remembered, are not separated from one another by any sharp lines, but graduate gently one into the other. Phases of Cell Division by Mitosis or Karyokinesis : — [ 1. Resting nucleus. I. Prophases. j 2. Skein stage of chromatin, i 3. Segmented skein. 4. Equatorial plate, and splitting of chromosomes. 5. Movement of chromosomes to poles, and formation of 6. Segmented daughter skeins. 7. Reconstruction of nucleus. 8. Division of cytoplasm. II. Metaphase. III. Anaphases. IV. Telophases. I. Prophases, (a) The Nucleus. — As a preparatory measure to division, the nuclear substance becomes altered both physically and chemically. There is a resolution of the chro- matin substance into a convoluted thread, known as the skein or spireme. On its first appearance, this skein is closely con- voluted, the ‘ close spireme ’ : shortly, however, there is a distinct shortening and thickening to form the * open spireme.’ The substance of the spireme now stains intensely, and for this reason can very easily be distinguished from the reticulum. The thread now segments transversely, forming a series of rod- like bodies called chromosomes. (See diagram, p. 102.) The chromosomes, though very often rod-like in shape, may assume other forms — they may be spherical, or even in the form of rings. At this stage of cell-division the chromatin possesses its maximum staining capacity. The membrane surrounding the nucleus fades away, the nuclear ground substance becomes THE ORGANIC CELL 101 continuous with the cytoplasm of the cell-body, and the chromosomes lie naked in this substance. It is a remarkable fact that the number of chromosomes for each species of animal or plant is constant. For example, in the common mouse there are twenty-four ; in man, the guinea- pig, and onion the number is sixteen ; in the grasshopper twelve, and so on. These numbers recur regularly in the division of all of the cells. It is interesting to know that in all forms arising by sexual reproduction the number is even. As will be seen later on, the even number results from the fact that one half of the chromosomes is derived from each of the parents. As regards the fate of the nucleoli, it may be stated that the net-knots, which are composed of chromatin, assist in the formation of the chromosomes ; while the plasmosomes, or true nucleoli, which are devoid of chromatin, disappear. (b) The Amphiaster. — In the meantime a spindle-shaped body makes its appearance at the site of the original nucleus. At either pole of this spindle a star forms, the radiating fibres of which are called astral rays — these rays passing into the substance of the cell-body. In the centre of each star is found a centrosome, and usually surrounding the centrosome a clear substance called the centrosphere. According to van Beneden and Boveri the centrosome is the ‘ dynamic centre ’ which initiates these various changes. The chromosomes now arrange themselves in the region of the equator of the spindle, forming what is known as the equatorial plate (see diagram, p. 102). According to the most recent researches, it would appear that the astral rays have the power of forcing their way into the nucleus, attaching themselves to the chromosomes, and then, by a process of contraction, pulling them to the equator of the spindle. The complete form thus produced is called the Mitotic figure, and, as will easily be seen by reference to the diagram (F), consists of a Chromatic figure, formed of the chromosomes, and an Achromatic figure, which includes the rest, namely asters and spindle. II. Metafhase. — The changes ,so far accomplished have been of a preparatory nature, and in the metaphase which follows, the most important act in the whole process of cell- division occurs. This consists in the longitudinal splitting 102 THE ORGANIC CELL of each chromosome into two exactly equal parts, and the Diagram showing the Prophases of Mitosis. A. Resting cell with reticular nucleus and true nucleolus ; at C the attraction sphere containing 2 centrosomes. B. Early prophase, the chromatin forming a continuous spireme, nucleolus still present, above the amphiaster a. C, D. Two different types of later prophases. C. Disappearance of the primary spindle, divergence of the centrosomes to opposite poles of the nucleus (examples, some plant-cells, cleavage stages of many eggs). D. Persistence of the primary spindle (to form in some cases the ‘ central spindle ’) fading of the nuclear membrane, ingrowth of the astral rays, segmentation of the spireme thread to form the chromosomes (examples, epidermal cells of Salamander, formation of the polar bodies). E. Later prophase of type C ; fading of the nuclear membrane at the poles, formation of a new spindle inside the nucleus ; pre- cocious splitting of the chromosomes (the latter not characteristic of this type alone). F. The mitotic figure established; e.p. the equatorial plate of chromosomes. moving apart of the halves. This splitting of the chromosomes is of the greatest theoretical significance, for by it the original THE ORGANIC CELL 108 chromatin is equally distributed between the two daughter nuclei, each receiving a half of each original chromosome. The importance of the process cannot for a moment be doubted when one considers the elaborate mechanism, and the vast Diagram of the later phases of Mitosis. G. Metaphase : splitting of the chromosomes (e.p.), n. the cast-off nucleolus. H. Anaphase. The daughter-chromosomes diverging ; between them the interzonal fibres (i./.). Centrosomes already doubled in anticipation of the en- suing division. I. Late Anaphase or Telephase, showing division of the cell-body, mid-body at the equator of the spindle, and commencing recon- struction of the daughter-nuclei. J. Division completed. amount of energy expended in this careful longitudinal division of each chromosome. If the mere quantitative division of the chromatin was required, a simple mass division would have sufficed, but the fact that such an exceedingly complicated mechanism should be brought into play shows clearly that the distribution of the definite organisation of the chromatin to the daughter cells is of the greatest possible importance. 104 THE OBGANIC CELL Put briefly, it may be stated that in some cases the chromo- somes do not split longitudinally until they have arranged themselves in the equatorial plane of the spindle — in other cases the splitting occurs in the spireme stage, or even earlier, but such exceptions do not in any way affect the central fact that the ‘ chromatin network is converted into a thread, which, whether continuous or discontinuous, splits throughout its entire length into two exactly equivalent halves.’ This essentially important phenomenon was discovered by Flemming in 1880. It is very noteworthy, that the nuclear division always shows this mathematical equality, whether the division of the cell-body is equal or otherwise. III. Anaphases. — The daughter chromosomes, which result from the longitudinal splitting of the original ones, diverge to opposite poles of the spindle. As they separate, they are seen to be connected by fibres called interzonal fibres. These are believed by some to have a special origin and function, and to be quite distinct from the ones forming the spindle. They almost invariably have a row of deeply staining bodies in the plane of the equator called the mid-body. It is interesting to note that, in the Mitosis of plant-cells, the mid- body is very marked. IV. Telophases. — The entire cell now divides along the plane of the equator of the spindle into two daughter- cells, in each of which a daughter nucleus is formed from the chromosomes it contains. The Mechanism of Mitosis Van Beneden’s hypothesis of fibrillar contractility is, up to the present, the most satisfactory explanation of the phenomena of Mitosis. To quote his own words : ‘ In our opinion all the internal movements that accompany cell- division have their immediate cause in the contractility of the protoplasmic fibrillse, and their arrangement in a kind of radial muscular system, composed of antagonising groups. In this system the central corpuscle (centrosome) plays the part of an organ of insertion. It is the first of all the various organs of the cells to divide, and its division leads to the THE ORGANIC CELL 105 grouping of the contractile elements in two systems, each having its own centre. The presence of these two systems brings about cell-division, and actively determines the paths of the secondary chromatic asters in opposite directions. An important part of the phenomena of Karyokinesis has its efficient cause, not in the nucleus, but in the protoplasmic body of the cell.’ (See diagram below after van Beneden and Xulin, also the diagram of Heidenhain’s model of Mitosis.) Th. Boveri shortly afterwards accepted van Beneden’s views, and by his own observations did much to support the theory Figures of dividing eggs of Ascaris illustrating Van Beneden’s theory of Mitosis. (Van Beneden & Iulin.) A. Early Anaphase : each chromosome has divided into two. B. Later anaphase showing divergence of daughter chromosomes, a.c. Antipodal cone of astral rays. c.z. Cortical zone of attraction sphere, i. Interzonal fibres. m.z. Medullary zone of attraction sphere, p.c. Principal cone forming one half of the contractile spindle, s.e.c. Sub-Equatorial circle to which the astral rays are attached. of contractility. He demonstrated that, when a chromosome splits, each half is connected with rays from the aster on its own side, that these rays shorten and thicken as the half chromosomes are drawn apart. The rays behave, in fact, precisely in a similar manner to muscular fibres, and from a careful study of his work it seems impossible to doubt the theory of the contractility of the fibrillae. This hypothesis of contraction is very clearly brought out in models designed by Heidenhain. The model is easily made by marking a circle on a flat surface, and attaching at regular intervals along the margin of the circle a set of rubber bands, which represent the astral rays. The central ends of the 106 THE ORGANIC CELL rubber bands are attached to two small rings, which simulate the centrosomes, and these two small rings are fastened together. Should the fastening of the centrosomes be severed, they are at once separated forcibly, until they reach a new position of equilibrium, when it will be seen that the rays are arranged in two asters exactly as occurs in the cell. (See diagram.) To whatever cause Mitosis is due, the result is Heidenhain’s Model of Mitosis. Dotted lines show position of the rays on severing the connection between the small rings (Centrosomes). that there is an equal division of the chromatin of the mother- cell, and an equal distribution of the same to the nuclei of the daughter cells. Origin of the Germ-Cells The germ-cells arise from what are called primordial germ- cells, which can easily be differentiated from the 4 somatic-’ or body-cells at a very early stage in development. It is interesting to note that at this early stage the cells are exactly alike for the two sexes. With very few exceptions it would appear that the primordial germ-cells are indifferent as regards sex, and what determines their final development into sper- matozoon or ovum merely depends on external causes. The THE ORGANIC CELL 107 most potent external stimulus appears to be food, starvation favouring the development of spermatozoa, while a generous diet seems to result in a majority of ova. There is no doubt that sex as such is not inherited ; what is inherited is merely the power to develop into male or female. The best example of early differentiation of the germ cells Origin of the Primordial Germ-cells, and casting out of the Chromatin in the Somatic cells of Ascaris. (Boveri.) A. Two-cell stage dividing. B. The same from the side. C. Resulting four-cell stage, the eliminated chromatin in the lower pair of cells is clearly shown. D. Third-cleavage, repeating the process seen at A and B. from the somatic cells is in the case of Ascaris megaloce,phala (a threadworm parasitic in the horse). It may here bem en- tioned that the egg of Ascaris has been a classical field for cytological research, and is especially associated with the names of those two really great men, van Beneden and Th. Boveri. The eggs are particularly well adapted for minute observation on account of their large size, and the clearness with which the most complex changes are defined. In the case of Ascaris the differentiation of the reproductive 108 THE ORGANIC CELL cells from the somatic has been traced by Boveri back to the very first division of the egg. ‘ From the outset the progenitor of the germ-cells differs from the somatic-cells, not only in the greater size and richness of chromatin of its nuclei, but also in its mode of Mitosis ; for in all those blastomeres destined to produce somatic cells a portion of the chromatin is cast out into the cytoplasm, where it degenerates, and only in the germ cells is the sum total of the chromatin retained.’ The process is as follows : — Two long chromosomes are formed in each of the two cells resulting from the first division. These two cells divide, and a most striking result is at once noticeable. In the figure below at A such a two-celled, stage is seen from the poles, while at B the same two-celled stage is viewed from the side of the spindle. In the upper cell of A the division is normal, the two chromosomes splitting longi- tudinally, the halves passing to the extreme poles of the spindle, as seen in the upper cell in B. In the lower cell a very different phenomenon occurs — the central portions of the two chromo- somes are broken up into a lot of chromatin particles, which divide, and, as seen in the lower cell of B, these are the only portions of the chromosomes which are attracted to the poles of the spindle to form the nuclei after division. The massive outer ends of the chromosomes disappear in the cytoplasm and take no further part in forming nuclei. At C is seen the four-celled stage, and it will at once be noticed that the nuclei of the upper two cells are large and well defined, containing, as they do, the whole of the chromatin, while in the lower pair of cells the nuclei are pale and small, and lying external to them in the mesial plane are seen the masses of chromatin which have been cast off. At D the four-celled stage is seen with the mitotic figures of the next division. The upper two cells show the spindles from the sides, while the lower two give a view from the poles. In the upper left-hand cell the two complete chromosomes can be seen, each divided longitudinally, while in the upper right-hand cell we see a repetition of the phenomenon of reduction, the central portions of the chromosomes being broken up into granules preparatory to being drawn to the poles of the spindle to form the nuclei of the pair of somatic cells thus formed — the swollen outer THE ORGANIC CELL 109 ends of the original chromosomes being cast out into the cytoplasm. The next division repeats the same process — one cell retaining two complete chromosomes, the other having the reduced amount. This occurs for five successive divisions and then stops. From the one cell possessing the two complete chromosomes the reproductive tissues develop ; all the others with reduced chromatin form the somatic or body-cells. Thus ‘ the original nuclear constitution of the fertilised egg is trans- mitted, as if by law of primogeniture, only to one daughter cell, and by this again to one, and so on ; while in the other daughter cells the chromatin in part degenerates, in part is transformed, so that all of the descendants of these side branches receive small reduced nuclei ’ (Boveri). It is evident from the above that there is a visible structural differentiation of the nuclei of the reproductive cells, which separates them off sharply from the somatic cells in the case of Ascaris. Further on convincing evidence will be brought to prove that the nucleus — i.e. the chromatin — is the carrier of here- ditary influences from one generation to another, also that the development and functional activity of every cell is dependent on the chromatin of its nucleus. In the higher forms of plants and animals there is a sharp line of differentiation between those cells which go to form the body tissues (somatic) and those which form the repro- ductive- or germ-cells. It must be remembered, however, that in many of the lower forms no such differentiation exists, and a series of forms may be taken which will clearly illustrate the different grades of evolutionary steps in what must have been a very gradual specialisation of function. A rapid survey of the phenomena of reproduction in the Protozoa will greatly assist us in gaining a clear conception of the more intricate processes peculiar to the Metazoa. These lowly forms consist of a single cell, and within the limits of these microscopic structures are carried on all the phenomena of growth, nutrition, assimilation, movement, reproduction, &c. In the Metazoa, or many-celled forms, there is a physiological division of labour, certain groups of cells carrying certain functions, other groups other functions. In the single-celled protozoan, the process of reproduction consists simply of a division of the nucleus VOL. IV.— No. 8. i 110 THE ORGANIC CELL followed by that of the cytoplasm, the process being usually of the mitotic type. This primitive mode of reproduction continues in many forms for a number of generations, then comes the demand for a fusion with another individual, i.e. conjugation. Should any external influence prevent such a union, the animal shows rapid signs of degeneration which is followed by death. This weakening and loss of the functions of growth and reproduction is doubtless due to the exhaustion of the nuclear substance, for, if fresh nuclear material from a different individual be introduced, all the symptoms of senile decay disappear, and there is a rejuvenescence of the whole form. This phenomenon is beautifully illustrated in a fresh-water infusorian called Chilodon. This form multiplies for some time by the simple process of transverse division. Exhaustion at last supervenes, and the necessity for conjugation occurs. The animals arrange themselves side by side, and the nucleus of each divides into two, one half remains stationary, the other half migrates to the adjacent infusor and unites with the stationary half. The two forms then separate, having received, each of them, a half nucleus from the other. After this exchange of courtesies, the two forms lead the usual solitary existence. It is very noticeable, however, that they are now charged with fresh energy, and the various phenomena of growth, repro- duction, &c., are carried out with great vigour. This continues for a considerable period, until the waning energies warn the individual of the necessity for a fresh conjugation. No one can doubt that this necessity for conjugation is the demand for a fresh supply of nuclear substance (chromatin) from another individual, and in all cases where the exchange has been accomplished the results are the same — a complete rejuvenescence of all the animal functions. Neglect to con- jugate results in certain death. In bacteria and their allies the process of conjugation does not occur, but in the great majority of simple forms the cyclical phenomena above described maintain. As we have been able to observe, in the protozoan there is no separation of cells into somatic and germinal, the organism itself consisting of a single cell, and the functions of body formation and cleavage to form a fresh generation are inherent in the one mass. THE OEGANIC CELL 111 In the Metazoa or many-celled forms, a differentiation into body-forming and germinal- cells has taken place ; the germinal- cells being isolated and quite distinct from the somatic A. A swarming family. B. A similar family divided into sixteen daughter families. C. A sexual family, the individual cells of which are escaping from the gelatinous matrix. D, E. Conjugation of pairs of swarm spores. E. A young zygote. G. A mature zygote. H. Transformation of the contents of a zygote into a large swarm-cell. I. The same, free. J. A young family developed from the latter. (After Pringsheim.) cells, and carrying within their chromatin rods the great function of the preservation of the race : the line of germ-plasm, from which the germ-cells arise, dates back to the very commencement of life on our planet. The somatic cells carry out their functions for a short time, become old, and die. They represent, and 112 THE ORGANIC CELL form the mortal portion of the individual, the body — which after all is only an excrescence growing out like a bud from the immortal line of germ-plasm, and which soon ceases to exist ; the germ-plasm, however, continuing on and on, and possessing within the intricate structure of its chromatin the power of producing new individuals, and thus preserving the race from extinction. Between the Protozoa and Metazoa there is, as we have seen, a very marked difference in regard to the process of multiplication. In that neutral territory, however, between unicellular and multicellular organisms, there exist certain colonial forms, which in the modes of reproduction show a series of beautifully graded steps, which link up almost im- perceptibly the protozoan and metazoan forms. For instance, in Pandorina morum we have a freshwater alga which consists of sixteen cells, resting in a gelatinous matrix. From each of these sixteen cells two long flagellse project out into the water, and by the concerted lashing of these living oars the colony is able to move about. By a process of simple division each of these cells divides into sixteen daughter-cells ; the gelatinous matrix in which they are embedded dissolves, and sixteen daughter-colonies are set free. This process is repeated for several generations until exhaustion occurs, and the necessity for conjugation is felt. The sixteen cells forming a colony divide, each cell into eight, and these are set free by solution of the surrounding envelope. These swarm-spores consist of an oval cell, the pointed end being clearer than the rest, and carrying a pair of hair -like processes, which by their vibrations cause the spore to move about. Supposing the spores of one colony come near those of another they unite in pairs. The united pair form a more or less spherical cell which develops around itself a cellular envelope. It then passes into a resting stage. It may continue in this state of dormant vitality for a considerable length of time, but, on meeting with suitable conditions, e.g. moisture and warmth, the outer envelope bursts, the contents escaping in the form of a large swarm-spore, which soon divides into sixteen cells to form a new colony. In the case of Eudorina elegans , a form closely allied to THE ORGANIC CELL 118 Pandorina , there is a very great difference in the size of the conjugating swarm spores. In Eudorina there are sixteen or thirty-two cells embedded in a gelatinous matrix. Each cell divides by successive cleavages into sixteen or thirty-two cells, thus forming a new colony, which becomes free from the parent one. The process of conjugation shows a marked difference, A Eudorina elegans. A female colony around which antherozoids are swarming. A. Mass of antherozoids still united. B. Cluster of antherozoids just separating. C. Swarming antherozoids, some of which have penetrated into the female colony D. (After Goebel.) because the colonies become differentiated into two kinds — male and female. With regard to the female colonies, the cells are altered into egg-cells or oospheres without any further division. In the male colonies, each cell divides into sixteen or thirty-two antherozoids, which are elongated cells, each one being furnished with two hair -like processes attached to its anterior extremity. Should a colony of antherozoids come across one of oospheres, the antherozoids at once separate, pierce the envelope, and find their way to the egg-cells. One antherozoid blends with one oosphere, and the conjugated 114 THE ORGANIC CELL The Prophases oe Mitosis in Primary Spermatocytes of the Salamander. (Meves.) A. Early segmented spireme, two centrosomes are seen outside the nucleus. B. Longitudinal splitting of the spireme ; and appearance of astral rays. C. Early amphiaster and central spindle. D. Chromosomes, nuclear mem- THE ORGANIC CELL 115 pair forms a compound cell or zygote, around which an envelope is formed, and from which a new colony of sixteen or thirty-two cells develops. There is yet a third stage in the process of differentiation of the uniting reproductive cell, and this is beautifully illus- trated in the case of Volvox globator. Volvox consists of a hollow spherical colony, the cells being arranged in a single layer, and being connected together by cytoplasmic processes. As the time for reproduction approaches, the most profound changes take place in some of the cells. Some increase to a great size, and contain in their substance stored-up food material ; these enlarged cells become the egg-cells. Other cells divide into masses of very minute antherozoids. The rest of the cells of Volvox remain in a state of inactivity, and finally die. At this moment it is well to note that the cells forming the Volvox colony become differentiated into two great classes : (1) somatic- or body-cells ; and (2) reproductive- or germ-cells : this early foreshadowing of a differentiation into body- and germ-cells in Volvox persists, as we have already seen, in a more elaborate and accentuated form in all the multicellular plants and animals. To return to the fate of the antherozoids and oospheres. One antherozoid fuses with a single oosphere, and the resulting compound cell or zygote develops at a later date into a fresh colony. brane disappeared, mantle-fibres forming, and attaching themselves to the chromosomes. Metaphase and Anaphases op Mitosis in Spermatocytes of the Sala- mand er. (Driiner . ) E. Metaphase. The central spindle-fibres pass from pole to pole of the spindle. Outside them a thin layer of mantle-fibres attached to the divided chromosomes, of which only two are shown. Centrosomes and asters well seen. F. Transverse section through the mitotic figure, showing the ring of chromosomes surrounding the central spindle, the cut fibres of the spindle showing as dots. G. Anaphase, divergence of the daughter-chromosomes, exposing the central spindle. H. Later anaphase. Central spindle fully exposed ; mantle-fibres attached to the chromosomes. The cell now divides immediately — see next figure. Final Phases of Mitosis in Salamander Cells. (Flemming.) I. Chromosomes at the poles of the spindle, the body of the cell dividing. J. Cell immediately after division ; daughter nuclei re-forming, a centrosome just outside of each. The central granule is the mid-body. 116 THE ORGANIC CELL A great host of unicellular forms could be quoted as examples, showing every gradation as regards size of the conjugating cells — from those in which sperm and germ are equal, to such a form as Volvox, in which there is a marked difference in size between the oosphere and the antherozoid, the egg-cell being large, heavily laden with food material and incapable Volvox. Showing the small ciliated somatic cells, and eight large germ cells. (Drawn from life by Emerton.) of movement, while the antherozoid is much smaller, its cytoplasm is greatly reduced, and it is highly mobile. In multicellular forms there is a continuation of the same phenomena. The egg contains a large supply of food stuffs. For its development conjugation with a sperm cell is necessary. The sperm cell is the spermatozoon, which is exceedingly minute in size, consisting of a nucleus, centrosome, and a very small amount of cytoplasm, which is differentiated into an organ of locomotion in the form of a tail. It is quite evident there is a physiological division of labour between the two conjugating cells. The egg from its size has lost the power of GAME ANIMALS OF JUBALAND 117 movement, while the sperm, much reduced in size, is admirably- adapted for rapid and long journeys. In the highest forms these two conditions are most marked. Various stages of these modifications are met in the unicellular world, as already seen in Pandorina , Eudorina, and Volvox. In the case of Pandorina the conjugating cells are practically equal in size, in Eudorina an intermediate stage is witnessed, while in Volvox we have a marked differentiation both in size and mobility between the germ and the sperm. In the first two all the cells are vegetative, afterwards becoming reproductive ; in Volvox, however, we have one of the earliest indications of a definite separation, from the first, of somatic- or body- from reproductive- or germinal- cells. SOME NOTES ON THE GAME ANIMALS OF JUBALAND By I. N, Dracopoli Although Jubaland cannot boast of the quantity or variety of game found in other parts of the East African Protectorate, yet the study of those animals that are encountered within its borders cannot fail to interest the traveller, and this is especially the case with the race of Grant’s gazelle and the zebra, that inhabit the more open districts of the country lying between Kismayu and Birkau to the west of the sandhills, and Hunter’s antelope, which roams through the scrub-covered wilderness that stretches between the Tana and the Lak Dera. In the following notes I shall confine myself to a short descrip- tion of these three animals, specimens of which I obtained myself in Jubaland. Hunter’s antelope belong to the sub-family Bubalidinoe, and constitute part of a small group of ruminants known as 4 Bastard Hartebeestes,’ to which also belong the Topi (Damaliscus corrigum) the bontebok (. D . pygargus), the blesbok (Z). albifrons), and the tsessebe (. D . lunatus). They are closely 118 SOME NOTES ON THE akin to the typical hartebeestes ( Bubalis ) from which they are distinguished by the more moderate length of face, by the absence of the horn pedicle and by the simple lyrate form of the horns, while the withers are much less elevated above the hind quarters. Standing about forty-eight inches at the shoulder, the arrola or Hunter’s antelope ( D . Hunteri) is of a light and attractive build while the horns are of a simple and graceful form — slanting first outwards and upwards, then bending backwards, after which the long slender points are directed upwards and out- wards. The horns are heavily ringed for the lower half of their length, after which they are quite smooth. In young bulls the slender points are turned inwards, and may even cross and it is interesting to note that this sign of immaturity is also found in the impalla (fflfyceros melam'pus ) and is due to the rotation of the horny sheath on the bony axis during growth. But, in the considerable number of female arrola that I saw, the inward inclination of the tips was never so pronounced as in the case of young bulls. This may be explained, perhaps, by the fact that the horns in the females are shorter and lack the strong backward bend so noticeable in the males. The face is of medium length without any horn pedicle : the cheek teeth are remarkably large and are peculiar in that there are only two instead of the usual three premolars in the lower jaw. The face glands were remarkably developed in all the specimens I shot and the pits in the skull corresponding to them, though shallow, were large. The glands are surrounded by white hair, and the central cavities exude a thick dark- coloured excretion. Lateral hoofs of large sizes are present. The arrola is of a uniform pale cafe-au-lait colour, the cows being somewhat lighter than the bulls. The inner surface of the ears, the belly, and the tail are white as in the inverted chevron on the forehead which joins the two white patches round the eyes. A marked peculiarity, found, I believe, only in this species, is a large roll of loose skin, underlain with fat, situated just behind the horns across the skull between the ears and the horns. This is especially noticeable when the GAME ANIMALS OF JUBALAND 119 animals are in good condition and it is more fully developed in the males than in the females. What purpose it may serve, I am unable to say. Writers on the game of East Africa have stated that the arrola is found on ‘ the plains bordering the Tana ’ or merely in great numbers in Southern Somaliland (! !) This is very misleading, and I took especial pains to discover the limits of its range. I have come to the conclusion that they are not found west of longitude 40° E. or north of latitude 0° 35' S. They do not inhabit the country south of the Tana nor the district immediately adjacent to the coast. The Somali apply the word ‘ arrola ’ to the impalla as well, and this has led to the report that Hunter’s antelope is to be found in the Lorian district. This report I cannot credit, as the country near the swamp is unsuitable to their habits, and I saw no trace of any kind while I was there to lead me to believe they were to be found in that district. Of greater interest, perhaps, to the naturalist than to the big game hunter is the race of Grant’s gazelle, inhabiting the coastal region of Jubaland north of the Aruoleh Biver. In ‘ The Game Animals of Africa,’ by Mr. B. Lydekker, F.B.S., it is stated, on the authority of Mr. 0. Neumann, that Grant’s gazelle is not found within 150 miles of the sea, its place there being taken by the closely allied form, Peter’s gazelle. The latter animal was originally described in 1884 as a distinct species, but it is now generally regarded merely as a race of Grant’s gazelle. Moreover, it was commonly believed that Petersi gazelles were to be found all along the coast north as well as south of the Tana. On investigation this, however, proved to be quite an erroneous idea, and my own experience leads me to believe that Petersi gazelles are not found anywhere north of the Tana, and in this Mr. A. B. Percival agrees with me. Their place along the coast between the Tana and the Juba rivers is taken by a closely allied race, almost perfectly intermediate in form between G. G. Brighti and G. ( Granti ) Petersi. It differs from the former in its smaller bodily size, the paler tint of its body colour, and in its shorter and straighter horns, while the white area of the rump patch intrudes even 120 SOME NOTES ON THE further into the fawn of the back, completely surrounding the tail. The dark bands to this patch, which in the G . G . Brighti are well-nigh obsolete, are in this race broad, black, and well defined. It resembles G. ( Granti ) Peter si in its small bodily size, and in the shape and length of its horns, but differs from it in the character of the rump patch, and in the absence of flank bands which are present, though faint, in the adult Petersi of both sexes. The fawn of the back in the latter race is extended — No. 1. Equus B. Granti , shot on Athi Plains No. 2. Shot in Joreh, Jubaland Stripes . Black, broader than inter- vening spaces Black, narrower than in- tervening spaces ; more numerous than in No. 1. Dorsal stripes Broad in centre, narrowing towards tail and withers Very narrow: connected by two short black patches with nearest obliquely longitudinal body stripe Ventral stripes Medium Narrow Nose stripes . Ten Eleven Ears Striped White, edged with black Pasterns Stripes fused into black patch Fully striped (not fused) to hoof Tail . White with black blotches detached from medium black strip Fully striped. Tail tuft very full Mane . Medium, chiefly black. A few white hairs with black tops Absent as though clipped so as to divide the white of the rump patch into two equal halves and continues down the upper surface of the tail. The G. G. Brighti is found in considerable numbers in the Lorian district, and I believe also to the north, but in Southern Jubaland no Grant’s gazelle is to be found between Lorian and the district of Joreh. It would seem probable that G. G. Brighti and the race under consideration merge into one another somewhere near El Wak, and it would be interesting if specimens of the gazelle from that district could be obtained for comparison. In Northern Jubaland and in the Lorian district Grevy’s zebra is met with in considerable numbers, but it does not occur anywhere between the Lak Dera and the Tana. Here GAME ANIMALS OF JUBALAND 121 arid conditions obtain their maximum development and only essentially desert dwellers are found within the borders of that inhospitable region. But in Joreh and Biskaya there are a very few zebra closely akin to the E. Burchelli Granti. I was unable to obtain a sufficient number of specimens to be satisfied that the differences I noted were constant, or were due merely to individual variation or peculiarity. I include the table on p. 120, which may be of interest. In conclusion, I may say that the giraffe ( G . reticulata) occurs in astonishing numbers, elephants are fairly plentiful, but buffalo, rhino, and lion are extremely scarce. Topi, oryx, and lesser kudu are to be met with frequently in Joreh or Biskaya, and gerenuk and dik dik are common enough through- out Jubaland. In all the larger antelopes, however, except at Lorian, the effects of scanty grazing and the severe physical conditions of the country they inhabit are shown in their small bodily size and horn measurement, and this is especially noticeable in the topi and the oryx. SOME NOTES ON FISHES IN BRITISH EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA By F. G. Aflalo, F.R.G.S. Looking at the fishes of the two Protectorates from the angling, and not the museum, standpoint, the traveller is certain to be amazed by at once (apart from those of the coast, which are for the most part travellers themselves) the remark- able lack of variety of type and the excellent sport which they afford. Of the koli-koli, nguru, and other kinds to be found at Mombasa, Mr. R. J. Cuninghame has already written most instructively in these pages, and I gladly endorse his remarks, with the rider that, treating his subject perhaps intentionally from a somewhat academic standpoint, he did not, if memory serves me (and it must be nearly three months since I read 122 SOME NOTES ON FISHES IN his contributions) lay anything like due stress on the wonderful chances which that port offers to the sea angler. I enjoyed rather unusual luck there, since, on my first visit, in January, I was so fortunate, in only a few outings with Dr. Small and other residents, as to catch koli-koli of sixty-four,, fifty-five (this one on my first day) and thirty-eight lbs., and nguru up to twenty-four. Both of these fishes — the former, the 4 bayardo ’ of Port Sudan and the 4 kokara ’ of Bombay waters, and the latter strongly suggestive of the Indian seer — give good sport, the koli-koli being instantly recognisable, long before it is actually seen, by its curious habit of first fighting in circles, like a boxer revolving about an antagonist, and then boring headlong like our pollack. These fish are taken in deep water at the back of the reef, trolling with natural or artificial bait, and going five or six knots, but, curiously enough, tho largest and most powerful fish of all that I hooked — our rela- tions terminated a few moments later — was what, from earlier memories, I assume to have been a monster barracouta that took a spoon inside the reef, a little north of Mombasa harbour and in only a very few feet of water. At any rate, it ran out close on a hundred and fifty yards of tarpon line, heading straight for the coral barrier with tremendous splashing and seemingly dashing along the surface. As there was some little delay in getting down the sail (and we were running at the time before a strong breeze), it was quite impossible to save so heavy a fish. I never remember a barracouta, of which I have caught scores elsewhere, behaving in this fashion, but it must be borne in mind that the manoeuvring of a big fish hooked in shallow water is always in marked contrast from its tactics in the greater freedom of sufficient depth to 4 sound 9 in. Further effort on the part of those interested in sea-fishing will probably reveal the occurrence, at any rate at intervals, of tuna and albicore, with other game fishes, at Mombasa, but at present the catches on rod and line appear to have been limited to the three aforementioned, with the addition of the dolphin ( Coryphcena ) or 4 filussi.’ Turning to the rivers and lakes, the angler (whose interests, and not those of the curator, are being considered in these few notes) has the choice of only a very few fishes, though BRITISH EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA 123 these few give first-rate sport. Passing mention must be made of the imported trout in the river Gura, which have already flourished in the third generation so remarkably in their adopted home that they are almost entitled to rank as natives. Unfortunately, as I found on a recent safari to the Aberdares, they have increased only too well, since few people fish for them and they have equally few natural enemies, with the result that there are far more trout in the river than it can support ; and in proof of their poor condition I need only quote the fact that a fish of nineteen inches that I caught on a ‘ coachman ’ weighed only 2 lbs. 2 ozs., and that I returned to the river a score of equally lean kine over the twelve-inch limit. With a little attention, this should be a beautiful trout stream and a boon to future officials on short leave. Apart from these settlers, the only fresh-water fish that can seriously engage the angler appears to be a type of barbel, found, as I understand, in a score or so of more or less well-defined species, sub-species and what not, but, for the angler, like the primrose by the river, it is just a barbel that takes a spoon, or even a red palmer and sundry other flies. My only personal acquaintance with any form of this permeating barbel was at the Ripon Falls, Jinja, which takes us into Uganda, where, not being familiar with the local casting reel that I borrowed for the occasion from Dr. van Somerer, I caught only eight fish weighing in all 70 lbs. There were apparently two kinds, the one dark green and the other bronze, but how far either of these is entitled to specific distinction from Barbus Badcliffi I did not investigate. I should not accord these barbel at Jinja very high praise, for it is apparent that it is the weight of water below the Fall, rather than the efforts of the fish, which bends the rod. Still, having caught nothing better than two of 11J lbs. and two more of 11 lbs., I am, perhaps, hardly entitled to return a verdict. So far as Lake Victoria goes, between Kisumu and the Uganda ports, the angler need not lose very much time, as all the best fish seem to be of siluroid type, otherwise cat-fish, which give about the same sport as eels, and behave, indeed, very similarly when hooked. At Namsagali and Kakindu, which are on the same bank 124 TWO BARE EAST AFRICAN ANIMALS of the Nile fifty miles or so north of Jinja, good sport may be had with barbel and other silvery fishes, both trolling with spoon and baiting float tackle with bread. The best fishing, however, in this part of Uganda is on Lake Albert, at Butiaba. I could spare only two days, but I contrived, again trolling with a spoon to secure Nile perch — the 4 punda ’ of the local natives, and the 4 baggara ’ of the Sudanese1 — of 49 and 80 \ lbs. and another very game fish, which I understand to be called 4 tiger fish,’ of 10 lbs. Of the last named, which has formidable teeth and the adipose fin more commonly associated with the Salmonidce, I caught nearly two-score pounders from the wharf on a salmon-fly. The ten-pounder leapt in the air several times like a trout, but the perch had another trick that vividly recalled the last moments of some of my Florida tarpon. This consisted in standing, as it were, upright on the tail, and opening its enormous mouth to its fullest gape in an effort to shake out the spoon. I only knew the tarpon (and not even all of them) try this at the last ditch, when close to the boat, but the Nile perch does it immediately on being hooked, first running out fifty to eighty yards of line, and several times before coming to the gaff. My own visit to Lake Albert was too brief and too imperfectly organised to admit of much success, but I have great hopes that Sir Frederick Jackson, K.C.M.G., who followed a week later, will have secured some really worthy specimens. TWO RARE EAST AFRICAN ANIMALS By H. J. Allen Turner The last two months, October and November 1918, I have spent collecting natural history specimens along the southern edge and round the scattered areas of the Kakumega forest. Perhaps the most remarkable of the little known animals 1 These names, of which the first means donkey, and the second, cow, doubtless refer to the great bulk and somewhat clumsy build of the fish. TWO RARE EAST AFRICAN ANIMALS 125 obtained is the potto ( Perodicticus Ibeanus). The East African potto is represented in the British Museum by one specimen (the type), which was obtained by Mr. Robin Kemp from near Mumias and described by Mr. Oldfield Thomas in 1910 ; in the Smithsonian Institute the species is represented by four specimens collected by Mr. Edmond Heller some two years ago. This animal is extremely difficult to obtain owing to its nocturnal habits and the inaccessible forests it inhabits. It seems to lead a solitary life, as on no occasion did I find more than one in a tree, but obtained my specimens here and there, often miles apart. Getting about and searching in these forests is very hard work, chiefly owing to the number of fallen trees, which in fall- ing have opened up air spaces in which an almost impenetrable growth of a kind of nettle springs up. Here the heavy growths of wild vines reach down from the tree tops to the undergrowth. In these vine-covered trees round these openings I found most of the pottos. I do not think these animals ever leave the trees, a live specimen making poor progress over a flat surface. Their movements are very slow at all times, and if frightened they ascend a branch slowly or hide their heads between their fore limbs. They assume remarkable attitudes and appear to be broader than they are long. They rest with the hind quarters drawn up and the head tucked in between the fore legs. In this position the vertebrae behind the head present a series of spines which do not penetrate the skin ; for, in skinning, a cavity, but no hole, is left in the skin which the sharp points of the vertebrae pull out of. I suppose they sleep with their heads towards the tree trunk. I think the scent glands of this animal help to keep their would-be enemies away, for they are very objectionable. The fur of the upper parts is dark grey near the skin and for three parts of its length tipped with pale brown showing a drab brown surface which is sprinkled all over with white- tipped hairs which increase in numbers towards the shoulders where they end abruptly, giving place to black-tipped hairs on the shoulders and head, forming a well-marked line in some specimens and less distinct in others — while a sprinkling of long hairs, which stand erect on the neck and head, give the Vol. IV.— No. 8. K 126 TWO RARE EAST AFRICAN ANIMALS animal a grotesque appearance. The underparts are greyish white. The young are born pure white, and one only at a birth. The food is also very remarkable, and it took me some time to find out what it was : all the stomachs of specimens obtained were examined and all contained the same semi-fluid substance like boiled tapioca with only tiny specks of insect remains and minute particles of some red-skinned fruit. I also found in one some particles of small bird’s egg-shell, but more than 90 per cent, of the stomach contents in all cases was this sticky white jelly which I afterwards found to be gum. My living specimen, which has been eight weeks in captivity, seems to be doing well on gum soaked in water with just a little banana and other fruit. These animals have remarkable strength ; when they hold on to anything it is difficult to make them let go. Their hands are very human in shape, the thumbs are large, but the index finger is rudimentary and like the galagos. They have one claw on the first toe of hind foot. The animal in captivity shows the most extraordinary strength of limb, being able to extend itself horizontally to full length while holding by its hind feet to an upright branch. In feeding it will as often as not hang head downwards, holding the fruit or other food in its paws. In this same locality I shot several specimens of another rare animal, the large scaly-tailed flying squirrel. This remark- able animal is diurnal and amuses itself when nobody is about by gliding like an aeroplane across openings and old clearings in the forest. They are extremely timid, and when frightened lie flat on trunk or large branches of trees, with limbs and flying membrane extended, their colour making them invisible at even a short distance. The sharp scales on the tail must be for the purpose of holding them up after alighting from a flight. They seem always to alight on the well-exposed lower perpendicular part of a tree with legs extended, the scales on the tail giving them time to get a grip with their feet before falling. It is extremely difficult to make them leave a tree in which they have taken refuge. I found it necessary to send a boy THE CHEMOSIT 127 up into the tree to dislodge them. Then they would make a flight of. as far as 150 yards. Their food seems to be entirely of leaves, but they chew it so thoroughly that it is hard to tell. THE CHEMOSIT By A. Blayney Percival Amongst the weird animals that have been reported from various parts of British East Africa is the chemosit or chimiset or Nandi bear. This animal was referred to by Mr. Hobley in his paper on £ Some Unidentified Beasts,’ where he quoted Mr. Geoffrey Williams’ account of it. I have heard of it from several people who have resided in the neighbourhood of the Nandi forests, as well as from the local natives. The stories vary to a very large extent, but the following points seem to agree. The animal is of fairly large size, it stands on its hind legs at times, is nocturnal, very fierce, kills man or animals. In most stories the resemblance to a monkey of sorts is very noticeable, but the fact that the animal is nocturnal, a point on which all native accounts agree, at once makes this impossible. There is only one account that I know of in which the animal has been killed, and that comes from the Maraquet district ; it is said that at one time one of these animals was so bad that great preparations were made to kill it, and at last it was killed by a party of men who put a dummy man in the doorway of a hut and sat inside and waited till the animal came and tried to take the dummy ; it was then shot with arrows. This is supposed to have happened fairly recently. Personally, I am quite in the dark about the beast, and am still a bit doubtful about its existence as a new animal. During my many years in Africa I have investigated so many stories of this sort and in the end found that the real 128 THE CHEMOSIT thing was something that would have been easy to identify if it had been seen by a naturalist who would have noted the more valuable points by which one could have easily got an idea of what it was ; as it is we have no description, that is of any value, either from white man or native. An example of a weird animal was the beast described to me in the Sotik country ; the name I forget, but the description was very similar to that of the chimiset. Fair size — my pointer dog being given as about its size ; stood on hind legs ; was very savage. Careful inquiries and a picture of the ratel settled the matter, then out came the information that it was light on the back and dark below, points that would have settled it at once. My own view of the chimiset is that it consists of a number of animals. The chimpanzee as a base, ratel, leopard, lion, baboon, bush pig, and hunting dog ; amongst the natives the stories are, I think, half legendary and are kept alive by any cases of persons or cattle being killed in any out-of-the-way manner. Amongst white men on the Plateau or in the Nandi district any animal that cannot be recognised is apt to be put down at once to the ‘ undescribed ’ animal. The strongest point in favour of there being such an animal is that it has a native name, and appears to be well known amongst the Nandi. Should anyone see it, please note the tracks, as they would be of the greatest value and would more or less settle the whole question. I look upon the reports from the Nandi and from Magadi as referring to totally different animals, and they should not be considered together. THE KISINGIRI AND GWASI DISTRICTS 129 THE KISINGIBI AND GWASI DISTRICTS OF SOUTH KAVIRONDO, NYANZA PROVINCE By C. M. Dobbs The country in the vicinity of the Ulambwi Valley, including the islands of Lusinga and Mfangano, has always struck me as being extremely interesting, and I am sending the following few notes in the hope that they may be of interest to others as well. The Ulambwi Valley itself is a very low-lying strip of land running down between the high country of Kaniamwa on the east, and Gwasi, Kasigunga, and Kisingiri on the west. The Ulambwi river only exists during the rains, when indeed the whole valley is a swamp. In the dry weather, it is simply a line of caked mud running through thick bush to the lake. There is a fair amount of game — topi, hartebeeste, and mpala — in the valley, and at certain seasons the elephants come down from the higher country in Kabwoch and Kaniam- kago. About three years ago, when the elephants were being shot at continually in the higher country, one of them — a small bull — took refuge on Lusinga Island, which is separated from the mainland by a very narrow passage called Mbit a. It was not far from here that three or four elephants some time previously crossed over the Kavirondo Gulf to Uyoma, in Kisumu district. The natives say that they do not swim, but walk along the bottom with their trunks held up vertically. This elephant cannot have had much cover on Lusinga, which is to a great extent a desert. It was subsequently shot. To the west of the Ulambwi Valley and on the lake shore is the district of Kisingiri, the natives of which at one time made most of their money by manufacturing salt, in which there was quite a brisk trade carried on with the Baganda. The soil of a large part of this district along the lake shore is impregnated with salt, and the natives dig this up, and put it into earthenware pots. A small hole is knocked in the bottom of the pot, and water is poured in at the top. The water, filtrating through, comes out quite clean, but very 130 THE KISINGIRI AND GWASI DISTRICTS salty. It is then caught in other vessels and boiled, till by the process of evaporation the salt is left behind. Over the whole of this dry stony country near the lake, both on the islands and mainland, large quantities of the silk cotton plant are found. It grows into quite a large shrub, and produces a sort of ball about the size of a very large orange, which, when ripe, is found to be full of the most beautifully smooth silky cotton.1 It is extraordinary how it grows at all, con- sidering the soil in which it is found. The harder, drier and more rocky, the better it thrives. About a couple of miles back from the Lake shore here, one reaches the foot of a huge escarpment, which rises almost perpendicularly from the low lands of Kisingiri to Upper Gwasi. The track climbs up somewhat to one side of the steepest place, and when it has almost reached the top, it turns off to the right and crosses the face of what can only be described as a precipice. When I went along this road in 1910 at the steepest place where the slope on either side was almost sheer up and down, I was shown where an elephant had rolled down from top to bottom. It had apparently been coming along the higher Gwasi country, and when it reached the crest of the hill, had missed its footing and rolled head over heels right down to the bottom, where it was found, almost reduced to pulp, by some natives who had been cutting wood. Their attention was attracted by the noise made by the animal falling, and they saw what must indeed have been a most extraordinary sight. Even when I saw the place three or four years after the occurrence, traces of the fall were still visible. There was a clear line marked by broken euphorbias and displaced rocks, showing the terrible force with which the huge mass crashed down. On reaching the top of the hill, the path descends again somewhat to the camping place in Upper Gwasi, a sort of hollow in the mountainous range facing the higher part of the Ulambwi Valley. Water here is a great difficulty and is only obtained at the bottom of the deep pits, which the natives dig in one of the side valleys running down from the mountains. At a depth of about eight to ten feet, very good water is found. 1 This plant is an Asclepiad. — Ed. CATTLE WATERING TROUGHS, GWASI MOUNTAIN, S. KAVIRONDO. AN INTERESTING POLYMORPHIC BUTTERFLY 1B1 In order that the stock, more especially the calves, may be able to get water without going down into these deep pits, the natives make enormous saucers of mud, to fill which they have to draw water in earthen pitchers. A large part of every day is employed in making and repairing these saucers and keeping them filled. AN INTERESTING POLYMORPHIC BUTTERFLY By D. G. Hale Carpenter, M.D., F.E.S. During a stay of fourteen months’ duration on Bugalla Island — one of the Sesse Archipelago in the north-west corner of Lake Victoria, on which I was investigating the bionomics of Glossina — I was able to make an extraordinarily interesting collection of butterflies of the Nymphaline genus, Pseudacrcea, which are very excellent mimics of sundry species of the Acrseine genus, Planema. These models are of the following types. In one, both sexes have the same colour and pattern ; the wings have a very dark brown ground colour with a tawny orange band across the fore wings and a white band across the hind wings (Planema fogged). In another type the wings are black with white patches (Planema macarista and Planema alcinoe, the female sex only. The male macarista is of the same type as foggeoides ; the male alcinoe is of a different type again and is not a member of the mimetic combination about to be described). In a third type the fore wings are dark fulvous brown with two orange areas and the hind wings are orange with dark border. Both sexes of this species (Planema tellus) are alike. In a fourth type in which also both sexes are alike, the wings are dark fulvous, with creamy blotches (Planema ejpoea, form faragea ). Each of these types is very closely copied by forms of the Nymphaline genus, Pseudacrcea, that resembling the first type was known formerly as Ps. Hobleyi, male, the corresponding female resembling type two. That resembling the third type was known as Ps . terra, both sexes alike, and 132 AN INTERESTING POLYMORPHIC BUTTERFLY the sexes were similar also in Ps. obscura, resembling the fourth type. These several models and mimics have been made known largely through the collections made by Dr. Wiggins at Entebbe, in the forests near to which all these forms may be taken flying together. The various models of genus Planema are un- doubtedly of different species. Some time ago, however, Dr. Karl Jordan of Tring suggested that all the forms of Pseudacroea mentioned were of one species, basing his hypo- thesis on the anatomy of the male armature. When I went out to Bugalla Island in 1912 I soon found that all these forms of Pseudacroea were very abundant, but extraordinarily variable, so that specimens intermediate between any of the other types were as common as the type ; this very strong evidence in favour of Dr. Jordan’s hypothesis was confirmed in August 1912, when I was able to breed, from ova deposited by one form, types of other forms, and intermediate specimens so that the four forms of Pseudacroea mentioned are all of one species, accurately resembling different species of Planema , some of which have the sexes similar, some dissimilar. I may say that the resemblance of model to mimic is extraordinarily close, and for a long time I was deceived over and over again. The Pseudacroea, is however, very much more wary than the model and never rests with the complete ‘ abandon ’ exhibited by the Planema. One learns to recognise them apart by degrees, mainly through the different habit of flight. The particularly interesting feature about the island Pseudacroea was the extraordinary degree of variability. The large collections of the same species made by Dr. Wiggins on the mainland at Entebbe, only some twenty-five miles north-east, show that the mimics there keep very true to the types of their models and specimens intermediate between two types are excessively uncommon. The great variability of the Pseudacroea on the island was correlated with great scarcity of models. Indeed during the fourteen months on Bugalla, of one model ( Planema poggei) I only caught two males. The mimics many times outnumbered the models. I believe this fact supplies the reason for the great variability of the mimics. On the mainland, where the model Planema is AN INTERESTING POLYMORPHIC BUTTERFLY 1B8 abundant enough for its presence to be of protective value to the mimic, any Pseudacrcea which is produced that does not conform very closely to the well-known distasteful model is more likely to be destroyed by enemies than a specimen which is almost indistinguishable from the model. On the island, however, the models are so extraordinarily scarce that an enemy of Pseudacrcea might quite conceivably never see one — hence their presence can have very little protec- tive value for the Pseudacrcea, so that a variety of Pseudacrcea would have as much chance of surviving as a specimen con- forming as closely as possible to the type of a model. If this explanation be the correct one the facts form a most convincing proof of the reality of mimicry, and of the power of natural selection to keep mimics up to the mark. The reason for the scarcity of models on the island is not certain — I believe it to be due to scarcity of food plant. The instances I have given do not nearly exhaust the complexity of this Pseudacrcea. In West Africa there are many forms, all believed by Dr. Jordan to be of this species. One, known as Ps. eurytus, gives the name to the whole of this polymorphic group, as it was the first one to be named by Linnseus. The male of this is reddish orange and black — the female black and white but of a pattern different from the black and white form already mentioned — the two sexes of this form copy accurately the two sexes of the model Planema epoea. In East Africa another dimorphic form exists, copying the dimorphic Planema aganice, form montana, this mimic, known as the form Rogersi, is known by a single specimen of each sex. In Natal occurs another form of this protean species of Pseudacrcea, known as imitator ; male and female are black and white, copying the corresponding sexes of the model ( Planema aganice) : the male is creamy where the female is white, so that, if we consider the various forms of Pseudacrcea eurytus, we find that in some localities the two sexes are alike, in others they are different, and in other places, as in Uganda, forms occur in which the two sexes are alike, mixed with other forms and with different sexes, and yet all of one species, breeding freely together. I have seen specimens of very different forms courting, and, as I have said, have bred one form from ova 134 DESCRIPTIONS OF THREE NEW laid by another. No other explanation of this extraordinary state of affairs is so satisfactory as the hypothesis of mimetic resemblance, whether that of Bates, which claims the mimic to be an edible species living on the reputation of a distasteful species which it so closely resembles ; or the theory of Fritz Muller, which claims that each species gains by the evil reputa- tion of the other. Each of these hypotheses depends upon the great fact of natural selection : and it is claimed that the facts brought forward in this short paper show the reality of mimicry, and of the power of natural selection to enforce it. DESCRIPTIONS OF THREE NEW AFRICAN WEAVER- BIRDS OF THE GENERA ESTB1LDA AND GBANATINA. By Edgar A. Mearns, Associate in Zoology, United States National Museum. Beprinted from the ( Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections / Vol. 61, No. 9. Washington, July 31, 1913. This paper is the nineteenth dealing with the results of the Smithsonian African Expedition under the direction of Col. Theodore Roosevelt. It includes one new form from the collection of the Childs Frick African Expedition. The names of special tints and shades of colours used in this paper conform to Robert Ridgwav’s ‘ Colour Standards and Colour Nomenclature/ issued March 10, 1913. All measurements are in millimetres. Estrilda rhodopyga polia, new subspecies (Gato Waxbill) Type- specimen. — Adult male, Cat. No. 247,436, U.S. National Museum ; collected on the Gato River, altitude 4,000 feet, Southern Abyssinia, May 2, 1912, by Edgar A. Mearns. (Original number, 21,687.) Characters. — Similar to Estrilda rhodopyga rhodopyga from AFRICAN WEAVER-BIRDS 135 north-east Africa, but more heavily cross-barred above and below, whiter on the throat, and paler on the chest and abdomen. From Estrilda rhodopyga hypochra (Mearns), de- scribed below, it differs in being much more heavily cross-barred above and below, and greyer on the upper surface. The bill of typical E. r. polia differs from other subspecies in having a broad red band on the sides. Measurements of type (adult male). — Length (of skin), 100 ; wing, 46 ; tail, 45 ; culmen (chord), 10 ; tarsus, 12*5. Geographical range. — Lowlands of Southern Abyssinia and adjacent region of Somaliland (Dr. A. Donaldson Smith), south to Mount Lololokui (Edmund Heller), the northern Guaso Nyiro River, and Mombasa, British East Africa (Dr. Glover M. Allen). Remarks. — Specimens from the coast and adjacent portion of British East Africa are slightly darker than those from Somaliland and Southern Abyssinia, and sometimes lack the red band on the sides of the bill. They are, in fact, inter- mediate between the forms hypochra and polia, but nearer the latter. Estrilda rhodopyga hypochra, new subspecies (Kapiti Waxbill) Type specimen. — Adult male, Cat. No. 213,786, U.S. National Museum ; collected between Kapiti Plains Station, Uganda Railway, and camp at Potha, British East Africa, April 27, 1909, by Edgar A. Mearns. (Original number, 15,632.) Characters. — Similar to Estrilda rhodopyga rhodopyga from north-east Africa, but paler and browner above and below. On the upper parts the cross-bars or vermiculations are fainter, becoming almost obsolete on the under parts. The crown is less greyish, the throat whiter, and the carmine red of the lower back and outer surface of wings less restricted. The under parts are Isabella colour instead of tawny-olive. Bill black, with a trace of red on sides. Size similar to the typical form. Measurements of type (adult male). — Length (of skin), 103 ; wing, 47 ; tail, 45 ; culmen (chord), 9*5 ; tarsus, 12. 186 DESCRIPTIONS OF THREE NEW Average measurements of three adult male topotypes. — Wing, 46*7 ; tail, 44*7 ; cnlmen (chord), 9*7 ; tarsus, 18-3. Measurements of adult female (Cat. No. 118,268, Taveta, British East Africa, Dr. W. L. Abbott). — Wing, 44 ; tail, 43 ; culmen (chord), 9*6 ; tarsus, 13. Geographical range. — Interior of British East Africa, from Kapiti Plains to Taveta. Remarks. — The young of this subspecies have been described by Oberholser.1 The subspecies of Estrilda rhodopyga (Sundevall) are as follows : 1. Estrilda rhodopyga rhodopyga, C. J. Sundevall, Ofversigt af Kongl. Vetenskaps-Akademiens Forhandlingar, Arg. VII, No. 5, for May 1850, p. 126. Type locality : North-East Africa (Hedenborg coll.). 2. Estrilda rhodopyga polia, new subspecies. Type locality : Gato River, near Gardulla, Southern Abyssinia. 3. Estrilda rhodopyga hypochra, new subspecies. Type locality : Kapiti Plains, British East Africa. 4. Estrilda rhodopyga centralis, Konrad Kothe, Ornith. Monatsb., XIX., No. 4, April 1911, p. 70. Type locality : Kissenje, north shore of Lake Albert, Uganda. 5. Estrilda rhodopyga Frommi, Konrad Kothe, Ornith. Monatsb., XIX., No. 4, April 1911, p. 70. Type locality : Karema, Lake Tanganyika. Granatina Ian thing gas tea Roosevelti, 2 new subspecies (Roosevelt’s Cordon-bleu) Type-specimen. — Adult male, Cat. No. 214,634, U.S. National Museum ; collected on the Southern Guaso Nyiro River, Sotik District, British East Africa, June 14, 1909, by Edgar A. Mearns. (Original number, 16,045.) Characters. — Larger than Granatina ianthinogastra ianthino - gastra or G. i. Hawkeri. Males, compared with typical ianthino- gastra from the Tana River, British East Africa, are decidedly 1 Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. XXVIII., No. 1411, July 8, 1905, p. 880. 2 Named in honour of Col. Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the Smithsonian African Expedition. AFRICAN WEAVER-BIRDS 137 more greyish on the mantle, less rnfescent on the head, and with darker, more brownish under wing-coverts and edging to the under surface of the inner webs of the quills. Granatina ianthinogastra Hawheri, the only previously described form of Granatina ianthinogastra ianthinogastra Granatina ianthinogastra Hawkeri Granatina ianthinogastra Boosevelti Adult Male Adult Male Adult Male Mantle snuff brown Mantle drab Mantle cinnamon drab Head orange cinnamon Head cinnamon Head sayal brown Middle rectrices black Middle rectrices sepia Middle rectrices black Wing Tail Culmen Wing Tail Culmen Wing Tail Culmen 52-4 62 10-9 55 62 10-7 60-8 68*5 11 '5 Tarsus Tarsus Tarsus 15.9 16 18 Adult Female Adult Female Adult Female Pale feathers around Pale feathers around eye Pale feathers around eye eye pallid soft blue- violet pallid soft blue-violet wistaria blue Lower abdomen whitish Lower abdomen buffy Lower abdomen tawny - buff white olive Under tail-coverts pale Under tail-coverts dirty Under tail-coverts black- pinkish buff white ish brown, with paler edges to the feathers Wing Tail Culmen Wing Tail Culmen Wing Tail Culmen 51 57 10*9 51 54 10-3 60-5 63 11-2 Tarsus Tarsus Tarsus 15-4 15-5 18 Young in First Plumage Young in First Plumage Young in First Plumage Unspotted below Bill blackish, horn colour on base of mandible Under parts clay colour, paler on throat, whitish on lower abdomen and crissum Not seen Unspotted below Bill blackish, horn colour on base of mandible Under parts nearly uni- form snuff brown this species, inhabits the desert regions of Somaliland, and is slightly distinguished from typical ianthinogastra by its paler colouration, adult males having the mantle and wings paler greyish brown, and the head paler and more ochraceous than in the other forms. Females of Boosevelti show differences, similar to those mentioned above, in the colouration of the upper parts ; the feathers surrounding the eye are bluish instead of pale lilac ; and the lower abdomen and crissum are 188 NOTES ON CEESTED CEANES AT KEEICHO dark, with no trace of the whiteness or pale rustiness which those parts invariably present in ianthinogastra and Hawkeri. Measurements of type (adult male). — Length (of skin), 180 ; wing, 60 ; tail, 70 ; culmen (chord), 12 ; tarsus, 18. Geographical range. — Sotik District, British East Africa. Remarks. — The three subspecies of Granatina ianthinogastra are represented in the material before me by fifty specimens, obtained at localities ranging from Northern Abyssinia south to the plains east of Mount Kilimanjaro and wTest to the Sotik District of British East Africa. Series of topotypes of each form are included in this collection, the greater part of which was gathered by the author and others on the Childs Frick African Expedition, 1911-12. The salient differences in the three forms of Granatina ianthinogastra are shown on p. 187. NOTES ON CEESTED CEANES AT KEEICHO By C. M. Dobbs During July of this year two crested cranes, a male and a female, took up their abode in the station. I felt certain they were nesting somewhere close by and told the natives to keep a look-out. On September 20 a Lumbwa native brought in a bird which he called kohgonyo. This was obvi- ously the offspring of these birds and a couple of days later another young bird, somewhat smaller, was brought in, but unfortunately only survived a few days. As only the two have been found I take it they comprise the whole family. The parent birds spend the whole day in the prison farm picking about for insects &c. They retire at night about 5 or 6 p.m. to the vicinity of the river at the bottom of the hill, regularly returning every morning back to the farm about 6 a.m. The surviving young bird had to be fed forcibly with a spoon for about twenty-four hours, but since then it has CRESTED CRANES AT KERICHO. NOTES ON CRESTED CRANES AT KERICHO 189 greedily devoured almost any food it is given — maize, wimbi, boiled rice, and mashed potatoes. It developed a great taste for milk at the beginning, but condescends to drink water now. On being taken out along the road it pecked vigorously at the ordinary grass seed stalks. It detaches the seeds from the stalk by closing its beak on the stem below the feathery part and with a rapid jerk to one side passes the stalk between the closed upper and lower part of the beak, thus scraping off the seeds into its mouth. The Kavirondo (Jaluo) have a very suitable onomatopoeic name for this bird, which they call the owang, an almost exact reproduction of its rather melan- choly cry. This young bird was, I should say, about three months old when caught. It has not yet uttered the 4 owang ’ sound, but when agitated makes a quacking noise somewhat like a duck and when it is being fed it purrs. The parent birds on their way to and from the feeding ground pass almost directly over the place where the young bird is kept, and it always becomes greatly excited on these occasions. One day the young bird seemed very unhappy, and an inspection showed that its mouth was full of the heads and nippers of the large brown ant which is very plentiful here. It had evidently been eating these insects, which had fastened themselves on to the soft flesh within the beak. The bodies of the ants had been swallowed, while the fore-parts remained sticking in the flesh. Some weeks after the capture of the young one the female adult bird was snared and brought to me. This took place about 8 a.m., and by 2 p.m. the next day the remaining male bird appeared in the station with another mate. Up to this I had only seen these two birds in the whole district. This rather curious performance bears out Mr. Congreve’s similar ex- perience mentioned in No. 6 of the Jouenal. Do these birds keep a reserve supply of mates and only produce one in public at a time, or do they go elsewhere and find a completely new one if anything happens to the first ? The adult and immature bird are so totally dissimilar that the following description may be of interest : Adult Female. — Velvety black tuft on forehead. Beak black, crest straw colour with black tips 4 inches long on top. 140 SPITTING SNAKE IN PEMBA Eyes pale grey with black pupil. White fleshy patches on each side of head about 1| inches square with small red fleshy patch on top. Hanging fold of flesh under neck red with small patch of black on top. Feathers on neck lavender colour shading off to dark grey on back. End tail feathers black. The top wing feathers are white and those nearest body yellow. The outer shaft feathers are black and the rest chocolate. The tail is 10 inches long and black. Each wing when stretched is 2 feet 6 inches. Legs are black. Immature Male. — It measures from ground to the top of the crest when standing erect 29 inches. From end of beak over top of head and along back to end of tail 84 inches. Total spread of wings from tip to tip when fully extended 58 inches. The colour of the body is very much that of an ordinary turkey while' crest and neck are golden colour. The crest is woolly and quite unlike that of the adult bird. The large end wing feathers are black. Those nearer the body are reddish tipped with black. The small wing feathers are white touched with black. This -white is very apparent when the wings are spread out. Eyes brown with black pupil. SPITTING SNAKE IN PEMBA By C. W. Hobley Captain Craster, B.E., in his recent book on Pemba, describes a khaki- coloured snake three to four feet long, thick in proportion and of sluggish habit. When disturbed it is easily brought to bay, swells out its neck and spits in the faces of those disturbing it. A case is quoted of a dog which received some of this poison in its eyes and suffered greatly for a day. Captain Craster examined the head of one of these snakes and found that it had no poison fangs, the poison ducts terminating in two small bony lumps in the upper jaw; he therefore presumes that the poison is not used by the snake to kill its prey but as a means of defence. Now, the East African spitting snake is jet black on the EAST AFRICAN SNIPE 141 back and greyish underneath. It is difficult to understand the statement that the snake had not fangs ; possibly after death the fangs, being folded back, were buried among the folds of the soft flesh of the palate. Evidently more information is needed on the question, and any spitting snake which is killed should be preserved and sent in for examination and identification. EAST AFRICAN SNIPE By A. Blayney Percival After the heavy rain at the end of January 1914 I visited the swamp below Nairobi and found that the snipe were in. Though there were a fair number of the birds about they were very wild, and I only managed to bag a brace and a half : these turned out to be the Common European snipe. This is not the first time that I have found the common snipe of Europe outnumbering the African snipe, and I think that it would be most interesting if anyone shooting snipe would send in a note on his bag and give numbers of the various birds. It is a very simple matter to identify the four species found in British East Africa : The Great Snipe. — Large size. Belly barred the same as breast. (Visits Africa on migration — October to May.) African Snipe. — Dark colouration of back. Sixteen tail feathers and the outer ones white. Belly white. Jfe] European Snipe. — Fourteen tail feathers and outer feathers not white. Belly white. Jack Snipe. — Small size. Much smaller than any of the others. On January 29, 1914, 1 saw from the Hospital Hill, Nairobi, a large bird which at first puzzled me. It was larger than any falcon, yet had every appearance of one, the white of the head being very noticeable. As it was kind enough to come right over within easy gun-shot of where I was standing with my glasses, I saw that it was a Lammergeier ( Gypcetus ossifragus). Vol. IV.— No. 8. L 142 RED WATER The only other example I have seen was near Lake Rudolf, some few years ago. This bird has quite the most beautiful flight of any that I know, surpassing even the eagles and vultures. In South Africa the bird is very local. I would be interested to know if it is known from other parts of British East Africa. RED WATER By J. E. Mackenzie and T. M. Finlay A sample of water sent by Dr. R. van Someren, Kyetume S.S. camp, near Kampala, Uganda, for analysis, has provided results which may be of some interest. In the letter accom- panying the sample he says : ‘ It comes from a crater lake out here and I am very curious to know what gives it the red colour. The lake looks like blood at times. It seems to be saturated NaCl with some (?) lime.’ The sample received had a distinct rose-pink colour. The bottle containing it was about three quarters full of liquid, and a small amount of crystalline solid had separated, probably owing to evaporation and lowering of temperature. The red colour was not separated from the water by filtration through ordinary filter paper, but it was removed by means of a Berkefeld filter. On microscopic examination of the red deposit on the Berkefeld candle, only disintegrated organic remains were seen. When mixtures of equal quantities of the water and nutrient agar were incubated at 25° and 80°C. there appeared on the sloped surface white growths of bacteria, which did not, however, develop either in an artificially pre- pared brine of the same composition as the red water or in ordinary culture media. The colour disappeared on addition of mineral acid or caustic alkali. It was not extracted by ether. Its absorption spectrum showed several bands in the green and blue regions. RED WATER 143 The following results were obtained by chemical analysis : C03 = 58-6 grams per litre Cl = 154-9 „ „ „ S04 = 86-4 P04 = 1-6 K = 5-5 Na = 158-7 SO, trace The carbonic acid is present both as carbonate and bi- carbonate and the composition of the salts in solution may be given approximately as follows : Na2C03 = 96*8 grams per litre NaHC03 - 5-1 „ ?? >> NaCl = 247-0 „ )} >9 KC1 = 10-5 „ )f 99 Na2S04 — 53-8 „ }} 99 Na2HP04= 2-4 „ } } 99 Total solids in solution 415*6 Analysis of Solid Besidue Total C03 = 29-1 per cent. Cl = 10-9 „ „ S04 = 24-4 „ „ K = 0-3 „ „ Na = 35*3 ,, „ and the probable composition as follows : Na2C03 = 27-8 per cent. NaHC03 = 18-5 „ NaCl = 17*0 „ KC1 = 0-7 „ „ Na2S04 = 36-0 „ N 25 c.c.s of solution decolourised 10 c.c.s of ^ KMn04. No ammonia could be detected on boiling with alkali or with zinc dust, and Hosva’s reagent only showed a very slight pink tinge after long standing. 144 THE SCENTS OF BUTTERFLIES The chemical composition of the water therefore gives no clue to the colouring matter, which is probably of organic origin and produced by an organism capable of growing in a practically saturated alkaline brine. We should be glad to know of the occurrence of similar red brines and the causes of the colouration. Edinburgh University, March 21, 1912. THE SCENTS OF BUTTERFLIES By Rev. St. Aubyn Rogers, M.A. I suppose that most naturalists who have had much ex- perience in collecting butterflies in the tropics are aware that many insects of this order have scents, and it is probable that in the majority of cases experience has shown that the scents are disagreeable. This subject has engaged the attention of many observers in recent years, and it appears that there is no doubt that the scents of butterflies are of two distinct kinds, the unpleasant scents being common to both sexes, but there is also in many species a decidedly pleasant odour, which is usually confined to the males. Many of these latter have abundant scent- scales which are not found in the female, and are in some cases aggregated together so as to form what are known as sex marks. The unpleasant odours are especially characteristic of protected butterflies, such as the Danaince, Acrceince, and, in the New World, the Heliconince. Some of the common Acrceince in East Africa have a very decided unpleasant odour, e.g. A. anemosa, and Planema montana. The same is true of many Danaince, and it is remarkable that, on the other hand, several of the Ithomiince, which represent the Danaince in the New World, have pleasant scents. One of the strongest scents of which I have personal experience is that of the Ithomiine Tithorea Megara, which appears to me to resemble closely the scent of the common double pink. These pleasant scents are, however, most characteristic of PEDICULUS CAPITIS. ( Micro-photos by J. K. Creighton.) PEDICULUS CAPITIS 145 the Pierince, and the males of many of the species of this family have delicious odours. The scents of some of these have been compared to that of the sweet briar, and we have a good example of this scent in East Africa in the male of the abundant Mylothris Agathina, which has a very decided scent in most instances. It seems quite possible that most, if not all, butterflies have scents though they may not always be evident to our senses, and it is probable that they serve as sexual attractions. ON PEDICULUS CAPITIS By J. K. Creighton In September 1911 I had occasion to require a few lice for microscopical examination and suggested to my Swahili cook that he might be able to supply me with some ; the cook was very indignant at the idea, but on my suggesting that he might negotiate with a Kikuyu and I was willing to pay at the rate of 1 cent a piece for what he could obtain, a broad grin spread over his face, and armed with a 10- cent piece he departed for the road, where, without delay, he stopped a fine-looking Kikuyu savage and was soon engaged in a very heated con- versation ; at this point I was called back to the house and therefore had to leave them. But the cook returned in ten minutes’ time with no less than nineteen specimens which he declared he had obtained from the head of the one Kikuyu ! The photographs were taken with Watson’s 2-inch objective and No. 1 eyepiece. Perhaps some readers would be so kind as to inform me if these specimens are the true lice ( Pediculus capitis). A STONE BOWL AND RING DISCOVERED IN SOTIK By C. M. Dobbs An interesting find in the shape of a stone bowl and ring was made by Mr. Duirs a few weeks ago, when roadmaking between the Nyangoris and Amala rivers. The bowl was 146 A STONE BOWL AND RING DISCOVERED IN SOTIK found in a new cutting in the forest close to the Chepterri stream. It was lying on some rocks and was covered over with some inches of soil and decayed vegetable matter. There was no sign of any cave, tomb, or dwelling close at hand. The ring was found in a different place about three miles from the Chepterri stream, where the road was being cut through old cedar and olive forest. It was a few inches below the surface of the soil, which was loose and friable at that place. The measurements and description of the bowl are as follows : It is slightly oval, measuring 3| inches across the mouth one way and 4J the other. The depth inside is 2| inches. It weighs just over 3 lbs. The edge is somewhat uneven and slightly broken at one side. It is 17 inches in circumference outside, about 1 \ inches below the tip. It is slightly polished outside and is of a green colour with black spots and has a little mica in it. The bottom is almost flat. The ring is almost an exact circle, 2J inches in diameter outside. The hole in the ring is about 1 inch in diameter and the thickness at the thickest place about | inch. It is of light green stone and very heavy. There is a narrow groove cut in the outside circumference and at right angles to this a cross groove stretching from the hole in the centre on one side right round to the other side. On one side there are three marks like this \|/. There is a little bit chipped off one side. The sides of the hole are worn very smooth. I questioned the old men of Sotik and they said they had never seen or heard of anything like the bowl before. As regards the ring they called it Tegeriat and said that they had heard of such things from the very old elders who had heard of them from their fathers. It was used as a charm strung on a strip of hide, but that there were none in the country now. [Note. — These appear to be of the same culture age as the stone axe found at Eldama Ravine by Major Ross, vide No. 6, p. 60.— Ed.] STONE RING AND BOWL FOUND NEAR SOTIK, BY M. DUIRS, ESQ. EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK 147 EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK. Bird Migrants In addition to the list of bird migrants from the North observed at Entebbe and recently sent to the Editor, the following have been noted : Name Date 1. European Roller ( Coracias Garrulus L.) Oct. 24, 1913 2. Kestrel ( Cerchneis tinnunculus L.) — 8. Rock Thrush ( Monticola saxatilis L.) . Nov. 2, 1913 4. Nightjar (Caprimulgus europceus L.) . Nov. 3, 1913 5. Pallid Harrier ( Circus macrurus Genl.) Nov. 8, 1913 6. Marsh Harrier ( Circus ceruginosus L.) Nov. 15, 1913 7. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba L.) Dec. 3, 1913 8. Black cap ( Sylvia atricapilla L.) Dec. 7, 1913 F. J. Jackson. Entebbe, January 18, 1914. PENTATOMIDiE (SHIELD BUGS) Cryptacrus comis The Cryptacrus lay their eggs on the leaves of the Kusan- yana tree in batches of about 140. They lay them in a hexa- gonal pattern. The eggs themselves are round and a beautiful transparent pale green which turns a reddish hue just before hatching out. The young are very small, black with yellow markings and stay for some time on the empty eggs in a heap. On one leaf were three varieties : one yellow with black markings, one red and black, and the third a peacock blue. The name of the tree was given by a Muganda boy. C. Sewell. Entebbe, January 24, 1914. 148 EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK Do Baganda Eat Lion’s Flesh ? I note that recently Mr. F. A. Knowles stated that Baganda eat lion’s flesh. They do not. I should be glad to know the district in which the lion was shot. I should say it must have been west on the borders of Ankole where the natives are not true Baganda. C. A. Wiggins. January 28, 1914. The lion was shot in Gomba and the natives referred to were Baganda. I saw them cut the flesh into pieces to dry (or cook) and eat, or sell to others to eat, as ‘ dawa ’ to give them strength. It is said to be particularly efficacious ‘ dawa ’ for children and is given to them to eat as medicine. The Baganda therefore do eat lion’s flesh for ‘ dawa ’ (medicine) as stated. Lion’s fat is much prized also for external use. This is corroborated by the chiefs whom I have again questioned on the subject since Dr. Wiggins contradicted me. F. A. Knowles. February 9, 1914. I knew lion’s flesh powdered was eaten as ‘ dawa ’ in minute quantities (I have seen it taken so) and that lion’s fat was much prized as an external application. But Mr. Knowles’ former note did not convey this impression. If I remember right — I quote from memory — he stated that ‘ Baganda ate lion’s flesh [no qualification] and that they consumed every particle of one he shot and what they did not eat they dried for selling.’ From his note on the last page, I gather he saw none actually eaten, and I still maintain Baganda do not eat lion’s flesh. Many tribes do eat it, as flesh. Because the English take opium as medicine you cannot say they eat opium. C. A. Wiggins. February 10, 1914. EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK 149 Buffalo I noted an incident concerning buffalo last month — when I came on a large herd of about 100 near Masaka — which is interesting. Two big bulls, one a very old beast, were following a short distance behind and I hit the old one badly, just as they had seen me and were trotting off. They then went away together across a small donga up the opposite hill in short grass and in full view. The wounded bull was very sick, and as he climbed the hill went slower and slower till he stood with his head down. The second bull, a fine beast with exceptionally massive horns, I then distinctly saw push the old one with his head to make him go on. The latter then slowly continued to climb the slope till the unwounded one saw me getting closer, when he faced round and I had to shoot him. He could easily have escaped if he wished to, and practically gave his life for the other or for the herd, away from which he was undoubtedly trying to lead me. Elephants, it is well known, help the old bulls of the herd when wounded, but I have never known buffalo to do so before. Antelope — I thought buffalo also — usually drive the wounded ones away, especially when they attempt to join the herd. This fine beast was evidently anxious that the wounded one should not follow the herd and so endanger it, for he led the way, after my first shot, at right angles to the tracks of the big herd they belonged to. F. A. Knowles. February 9, 1914. Young Bikds Nestlings I find are not over easy to hand-rear out here, probably because one has not over much time to devote to them and because one cannot buy special food at the nearest bird fancier’s. A short time ago I took some young Barbatulas from a nest thinking that they would be easy to rear, but they died, probably because they got the wrong sort of fruit and perhaps they wanted some insect food. The parent birds were the tamest nesting birds I have come across out here, L 150 EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS5 NOTE-BOOK going to the nesting hole and feeding the young when I was not more than three yards away. I have now a young Corythceola cristata (the large blue plantain eater) which was brought to me on February 28, having evidently fallen from the nest. It was then well fledged but could not fly, and now, just a fortnight later, it still cannot fly to any extent; whether this is because of its cramped quarters I cannot say. Anyway it is a charming pet and delightfully tame ; in fact, it never seems really happy unless it is out of its cage and on my arm. It has not yet learnt to pick up food but has still to be fed by hand. I cannot think that in nature it would still be in the nest, and I fancy that probably these birds leave the nest and climb about some time before they fly, still, of course, being fed by the parents. I feed it almost entirely on fruit, but larvae are not objected to. A fruit it prefers to all others that I have tried is a forest fruit called enziru, not unlike a rather large damson with quite a large stone inside. These it swallows whole, the stone passing out without difficulty. I hope to erect an aviary shortly, when I may have some- thing to write on birds in captivity, a subject which has not yet, I think, been touched and which has its interesting side, although the wild bird, I admit, is a more interesting and instructive study. L. M. Seth-Smith. March 8, 1914. Jackal I have recently had a report from the District Commissioner, Kericho, that the jackals in his district are very destructive to the mealie crop. I also remember being shown apples that had been partly eaten by jackals. Any notes on this subject would be interesting. A. B. Percival. Jackal Inter-breeding with Domestic Dog I have frequently heard of this happening, but have never come across a case ; any information on the subject would be interesting. A photograph of the progeny would add to the value of the notes. EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK 151 Locusts There are quite a number of the yellow locusts about Nairobi at present, November 28, 1918, but I have not seen any swarms of locusts for many years. In, I think, 1908 a big swarm settled on the hill, Nairobi. Are they numerous in any part of British East Africa or Uganda ? A. B. Percival. Anderson’s Peon At Burkau (Port Durnford), December 22, 1912, I saw the rare Anderson’s Peon on three successive nights but was unable to get a shot at it. The first night it swooped at and captured a bat, quite close to me. I think these birds must be more numerous than is generally supposed. I have seen them on the Zambezi, at Mombasa, Takaungu, Port Durnford, and near Taru water-holes. Are there any other night-flying hawks known ? A. B. Percival. Distribution of Game Birds Notes on the distribution of the various game birds would be interesting. Following are known districts in which the various species are found : Francolinus Coqui. — Along the island edge of the Tropical Belt and from there as far as Kisigau through the Taru desert. F. Hubbardi. — Rift Valley ; Fort Hall ; Machakos. F. Uluensis. — Athi plains ; Loita and Lemek valley ; north of Kenya. F. Elgonensis. — Slopes of Elgon ; Aberdare Range. F. Kikuyuensis. — Uasingishu plateau ; Sotik. F. Jacksoni. — Aberdare Range ; Kikuyu escarp ; Mau. F. Shuetti. — Edge of Kikuyu forest ; edge of Mau forest. F. Hildebrandtii . — Rift Valley ; Northern Euso Nyiro. 152 EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK F. Granti (dry-country bird). — Northern frontier ; Tam desert ; Jubaland ; Makindu. F. Kirki. — Reported from Taru desert. F. Gedgi.—tf) A. B. Percival. Breeding of Game Birds Reference Note XV. Francolinus Granti. — Kabulamuliro, Uganda, March 15, 1912 ; I collected a pair between Fort Hall and Embu in June 1918 ; also obtained along the Nile at Gondokoro. F. Hubbardi. — Rift Valley, breeding in October. F. Shuetti. — Kikuyu; also collected specimens in Uganda, breeding August to September ; two clutches of four, also young birds, at Kabulamuliro, Uganda, on March 15, 1912, and at Mpumu and Kyetume, near Kampala, April 16, 1910. F. Icterorhynchus. — A pair shot Mpumu, near Kampala, February 13, 1910. F. Levaillanti. — Mpumu, Uganda. Pternistes infuscatus. — Kikuyu ; Embu ; Fort Hall ; Rift Valley — breeding August. F. Lathami (forest bird, rare). — Mabira Forest, Uganda — breeding September 1914. Young. Notes also on breeding seasons of game birds would be interesting ; also on courting habits. Is it usual for the females of game birds to utter the same call note as male, as is the case in Pternistes infuscatus ? V. G. L. VAN SOMEREN. Sama Water-Melon A Masai brought in a fine specimen of the Sama, the wild water-melon of the Kalahari, planted by Mr. Woosnam a couple of years ago, and reports that there are quantities of it, and that the game are eating it freely. This looks as if it had got a good hold on the country. I have now sent seeds to Jubaland and various dry districts. A. B. Percival. December 12, 1913.' EXTRACTS FROM MEMBERS’ NOTE-BOOK 153 Birds Singing at Night Have any members heard birds singing or warbling at night ? On four different occasions I have heard Pycnonatus layardi (yellow- vented bulbul), warbling long after darkness had set in. Are there any members interested in bird photography ? V. G. L. VAN SOMEREN. Mimicry I observed in April 1912 a case of mimicry which is interesting, but as I was going on leave in a day or two I could not complete the observation. On an orange tree were two or three green caterpillars, apparently of the common hawk species, green, with the hump over the head and tail. I approached to take the specimens, when one opened suddenly a slit below the apparent mouth in the ordinary caterpillar and shot out a reddish forked tongue. It gave me the idea at once of mimicry of the snake in self-defence against a bird. W. M. Falloon, Longevity of Snails Can anyone give me any help towards settling the life of a snail here ? Is it a period of six or twelve or more months according to the bi-yearly fires ? It seems to me the shells hibernate twice during each dry weather and that most of the adult ones are burnt. W. Marcus Falloon. Yellow Copepoda In September 1910 I collected from the water-holes of Boma Uponde (between Malindi and Fundi Isa) some small Crustacea (Copepoda, ? Cyclops ) but of a brilliant yellow colour. Two slides mounted in Canada balsam, October 10, 1910, have not yet lost in any way the natural yellow colour. 154 CORRESPONDENCE I would be glad to know if this yellow colour has been observed before and what causes it. It has been suggested to me by a friend that lead in the water might account for it. J. K. Creighton. February 2, 1914. Cannibalism in Serval Cats Two adult Serval cats — male and female — which had been kept in a cage about eight feet long from their kittenhood, were on perfectly friendly terms with each other, except at feeding time when the male became aggressive. The cats were fed about 6 p.m. daily. On one occasion, in order that a visitor might see the cats at their meal, they were fed several hours earlier than usual. The next morning the female was discovered dead, with part of her neck and shoulder eaten away. The carcase was allowed to remain in the cage all that day, when the male was observed to practise cannibalism. Up to the day of her death the female was perfectly healthy, so I think it may be presumed that she was killed by her mate, prior to being partially devoured by him. It is quite possible that the alteration in the meal-time may be responsible for the tragedy. E. W. Harper. Nairobi, March 13, 1914. CORRESPONDENCE (To the Editor) Dear Sir, — Dr. Duke has asked me to direct your attention to an inaccuracy in Mr. Woosnam’s article in your No. 7, Yol. IV, dated December, entitled ‘ The Question of the Rela- tion of Game Animals to Disease in Africa.’ It is stated on page 9, para, (ii.) that ‘Up to the present no wild animal has been found naturally infected with a trypanosome of sleeping sickness.’ If he had read further the reports by Dr. Duke to the Royal Society he would have seen that Duke found T. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, NAIROBI 155 gambiense in a Tragela'phus Syekei on Damba, and though, in present circumstances, it was impossible for him to clinch the proof by injecting it into a human subject, the proof has now, he tells me, been established by the fly boys working on Damba contracting the disease. The question is discussed at length by Duke in a paper, Proc. Boy. Soc. B. 85. The situtunga was examined in September 1911. It is a pity in an important subject like this for any issues to be obscured to the public by the omission of any of the cons to his argument. Yours truly, Dr. Y. G. L. van Someren. LIST OF DONORS TO THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, NAIROBI. Capt. Attenborough, one Gargany Teal. F. M. Craigh, one large Stick Insect. J. Cushney, jun., six Mole Rat Skins, one Cat Skin, and collection of fifty Birds from Lumbwa, including many interesting forms. B. Fairfax Francklin, one Black Sparrow Hawk, one European Kestrel. A. E. Fischer, many most interesting Mineral specimens from British and German East Africa, all named, one Stone Mortar or Bowl from Lumi, two Lesser Kestrels. Dr. Milne, one Civet Cat Skin. Russel Roberts, one Snake. Fritz Schindler, one Lien Skull. Dr. van Someren, one Young Gennet Cat. A. M. Champion, one Elephant Shrew. J. Creighton, one African Short-Backed Frog. H. Tarlton, one Open Bill Stork. J. H. Twigg, one Oryx, one Buffalo, Lesser Kudu, Granti, Palla, Topi, Waller’s Gazelle, Water Buck, Bush Pig, Grant Hog. A fine collection of good heads with masks. 156 ANNUAL REPORT, 1918 Martin Seth-Smith, one Peregrine Falcon, one Small Gos- hawk. The Officers of H.M.S. Forte, one Coast Bush Pig. Thanks are due to Capt. Orr for taking out a Collector, employed by the Society, to the Maraquet and Euso Nyiro countries. ANNUAL REPORT, 1918. The increase in membership commented upon in the Report for 1912 has been maintained ; the number of new members joining the Society during the year has been larger than in any previous year since the formation of the Society, resulting in a total membership of 120, which the Committee views with satisfaction having regard to the considerable losses sustained through removal and death. The Committee has to record a very handsome augmenta- tion of the funds of the Society through the kindness of two members, Mr. R. J. Stordy and Mr. A. B. Percival, who during the year each gave most interesting lectures in the Assembly Rooms in aid of the funds. The lectures were illustrated by lantern views and were much enjoyed by large and appreciative audiences. The Committee wishes to express its gratitude to these gentlemen for the help they have rendered to the Society, also to the Assembly Rooms, Limited, who lent the Hall free from all charges for Mr. Stordy’s lecture. The Journal continues to meet with general appreciation, and latterly, it is satisfactory to report, contributions have been coming in from members more freely. Two copies of the Journal will be placed in the members’ hands for 1918. No. 6 has already been distributed, and No. 7 is shortly expected from the publishers and will have been distributed before this Report appears in print. Journals Nos. 8 and 9, it is hoped, will be published during the ensuing year. Note-books are being circulated, one amongst East Africa members and another amongst Uganda members, but at ANNUAL REPORT, 1918 157 present they are only being sent to members who have evinced a willingness to contribute notes for the Journal. Any members who are wishful to add short notes of interest- ing observations, and who will send their names to the Honorary Secretary, will receive the books in due course. It is a matter of considerable gratification to the Committee to be able to report that His Excellency Sir H. C. Belfield, K.C.M.G., takes a keen interest in the Society and has already collected a considerable fund towards permanent museum buildings and the cur at or ship, for which the Committee is very grateful. This fund being earmarked entirely for the purposes named and being banked as a separate fund does not appear in the balance-sheet herewith presented. A plot of land near Sixth Avenue, in a most central and advantageous position, has been reserved by Government for museum buildings. Contributions of specimens for the Museum continue to flow in, and the Committee is on the eve of concluding arrange- ments with the landlord for an extension of the present rented building, as, owing to the comparatively restricted space at our disposal, it is impossible to make arrangements for adequate display of specimens. It will also be necessary for further provision to be made for specimens in the way of new cases. A large forty-drawer cabinet for insects is on order and will be completed shortly. A cabinet for botanical specimens has just been completed and has been placed in the Museum. The Committee again tender the hearty thanks of the Society to those of the members and other individuals who have assisted during the year by donations to the funds of the Society, or specimens to the Museum, contributions of MSS. to the Journal, lectures given in aid of the Society’s funds, or assistance rendered in the Museum. Nairobi, February 4, 1914. John Sergeant, Honorary Secretary. EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. BALANCE SHEET FOR 1913. D H i— i Q £ H Ph X W rH o o CO io CO 05 o O o o 05 -ft 00 lO o lO 04 ft ft o © o o 1C o c b ft ft ft cb cb rH ib © © o 05 rn tH 00 CO PH CM CO CO t— d 05 CO co P3 00 ^ ft Cl ft. CO • o 43 e+H CO T 1 05 d rd 1 — 1 1 — 1 p *. 05 Co rH • tH 'xn ’ * * * • • • • CO ft 1—1 ft-P P O © ft ?H ft & CO < ft O ft ft hh P ° J b£) ’ft P P •P > SP $ s>> P Ph Ph © P ^ ft ft ft © © ph ho P P -+H +3 © to © o ft ft p 2 ft ft ft ^ to rc3 © >> Ph P to © © © M ft ft ft © 5 p O EH GO ft CO ft t- o O o o o o o CO 05 ft © © o o o o 05 o ft Cl »b ib © o rH o cb ZD Cl L— o Cl CO lO 05 1C L- 05 tH co d d lO d rH tH rH Ph to t- . . CO p m . m ° if # © © 05 • « rH • 1— i • • • H3 p • • HH> C4H P P ft © 1 — 1 lO 05 1 — 1 ft © cb u co Eh PM 1—4 H O H ft - ft CO © 05 ££> t— I _P - ft ■t-H P P h h= p P § 2 * I «HH © «+H © o p ^ p p ft ft ft © P SH ft s ft n ft to CM ft tH rH /-tn o * o e+H £P * P P ft © g £J p p § s CO 1 — I 05 to p .2 ft to .ft P s o © •rH tO *£ ft P to P O rH ft 05 v to „ P CM q 1 — I • rH 05 l-l .ft Ph © cS ft P ZQ GQ ^ P s d ft P P ft ^ 05 © rH ^ . a ^ § . © ba p § « 4 S J i-H to PH © P a © 05 © © P „ c3 ^ > _ ft ft P P ft © t> O M CO PH © ft a © © © ft to #1 14 P ^ ftft f j | £ ^ ZD. Bs.5, 825-48 Rs.5, 825-43 Audited and found correct, John Sergeant, S. J. Howarth. Acting Honorary Treasurer. Nairobi, January 31, 1914. MEMBERS, 1913 159 MEMBERS, 1918. 1. Aders, Dr. A. D. 2. Anderson, T. J. 3. Association, The Cot- ton Growers’ (Hal- walud) 4. Balbo, Rev. Er. 5. Barbezat, L. 6. Barclay, Arthur V. 7. Barnes, James 8. Barton, Capt. E. R., C.M.G. 9. Battiscombe, E. 10. Belfield, Sir Henry Conway, K.C.M.G. 11. Black, M. A. 12. Blanc, Baron M. 13. Boileau, E. K. 14. Bowker, Russel 15* Branwhite, H. 16. Brougham, The Hon. H. 17. Burmeister, Erancis 18. Buxton, G. C. 19. Caine, L. E. 20. Campbell, Thomas 21. Carnegie, Major the Hon. R. E. 22. Champion, A. M. 23. Chaplin, C. 0. 24. Cobb, E. P. 25. Creighton, J. K. 26. CUNINGHAME, R. J. 27. Davis, A. 28. Deakin, R. H. 29. Dean, R. M. 30. Dent, E. J. 81. Dobbs, C. M. 32. Dowson, W. J. 33. Draper, W. H. 34. Drought, James J. 35. Drury, Dru 36. Dunderdale, Dr. Geoffrey 37. Ewart, R. M. 38. Ealloon, Rev. W. M. 39. Eisher, A. E. 40. Freeman, F. C. P. W. 41. Gibson, A. B. 42. Giles, C. M. 43. Gosden, F. J. 44. Grant, D. S. K. 45. Hampson, Geof. 46. Harper, E. W. 47. Harris, H. Harrison 48. Hinde, S. L. 49. HoBLEY,TheHon. C. W., C.M.G. 50. Hobley, Mrs. C. W. 51. Hunter, A. C. 52. Jackson, Sir Frederick J., K.C.M.G., C.B. 53. Jackson, W. B. 54. Joyce, F. H. de V. 55. KEMPTHORNE,Capt.H.N. 56. Kettle, H. B. 57. Kittenberger, Dr* K. 58. Klein, A. J. 59. Knowles, F. A. 160 MEMBERS, 1913 ©<4 60. Lambertye, Comte Emanuel de 61. Lowe, Rev. W. P. 62. Luckman, Capt. A. 0. 63. Lynde, W. M. 64. Marquordt, Fred 65. Marsh, Dr. A. H. 66. Martin, I. G. 67. McCreary, George E. 68. Milne, Dr. A. D. 69. Montague, M. S. H. 70. Montgomery, H. R. 71. Montgomery, R. E. 72. Murison, His Honour Judge 73. Newland, Mrs. V. M. 74. Newman, B. 75. Osborne, G. H. 76. Oxley, F. 77. Panting, C. J. B. 78. Partington, H. B. 79. Peel, Right Rev. Bishop, D.D. 80. Peffers, John T. 81. Percival, A. B. 82. Perlo, Right Rev. Bishop 83. Platts, W. A. F. 84. Poer, H. C. C. DE LA 85. Poncins, Yicomte Ed- mund de 86. Rainsford, R. F. 87. Reynolds, C. H. 88. Riddell, W. H. 89. Rogers, Rev. K. St. A. 90. Ross, W. McGregor 91. Salkeld, Capt. R. E. 92. SCHINDELAR, F. 93. SCHOLEFIELD, S. W. J. 94. Sergeant, H. A. 95. Sergeant, J. 96. Seth-Smith, Donald F. 97. Seth-Smith, L. M. 98. Sewell, Mrs. F. W. 99. Simson, Leslie 100. Sjogren, Ake 101. Smallwood, The Hon. H. A. 102. Someren, Dr. V. G. L. VAN 103. Spurrier, Dr. H. D. 104. Stone, R. G. 105. Stordy, R. J. 106. Tait, William 107. Tarlton, Messrs. New- land, & Co. 108. Tomlinson, His Honour Judge 109. Turner, A. G. Allen 110. Twigg, J. H. 111. Waddell, Alexander 112. Waters, Dr. Wynstone 113. Watson, C. R. 114. Watt, H. L. R. 115. Weeks, R. 116. Wells, H. Thompson 117. Wiggins, Dr. C. A. 118. Wilks, B. C. 119. Woosnam, R. B. 120. Wright, W. S. INDEX TO THE EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA JOURNAL Parts 1-8 INDEX TO PAETS 1-8 African Fish and Artificial Flies . Annual Reports : PART 6 PAGE 58 1910 3 2 1911 ....... 5 13 1912 7 90 1913 ....... 8 56 Anthropometry — a Note on . 3 8 Arrow — Evolution of the .... 6 31 Axe — a Stone ...... 6 60 Balance Sheets : 1910 2 116 1911 3 78 1912 7 92 1913 8 158 Baringo District — Fauna of . 3 63 Bats ........ 4 114 Beasts — unidentified ..... 6 48 99 99 • 7 85 Big Game and Tsetse Flies .... 4 117 and 7 3 Birds : Birds in Uganda Forests 3 4 Crested Cranes at Kericho 8 138 Curlew — The Stone .... 2 78 Francolins — East Africa and Uganda 1 7 Francolin, Hubbard’s — New Locality for. 4 135 Game Birds of East Africa and Uganda . 2 60 Honey Guides ..... 7 87 and 2 114 Ibis — the Hagedash, Notes on 1 44 Kingfisher — Brown-bellied African 8 95 Marabou Stork — Flight of 4 132 Migrants — European, in British East Africa 5 20 Migrants observed in Uganda 7 87 4 INDEX PART Birds : Nesting Habits of Some East African Birds ... 6 Nesting of Some Birds ....... 6 Ploceus inter scapular is ....... 7 Snipe — East African ....... 8 Stone Curlew — East African ...... 2 Stork, Marabou — Flight of ...... 4 Weaver Birds — Three New East African .... 8 Bongo — immature ........ 7 Bongo, killed at Kericho ....... 6 Bowl, Stone, and Ring found in Sotik ..... 8 Bright’s Gazelle — Distribution of . . . . . .3 Butterflies : Butterflies of East Africa ...... 7 Butterflies — Some East African ..... 1 Junonia— Seasonal Variation of ..... 3 Migration of Butterflies ...... 3 Mimicry in E.A. Butterflies: ...... 2 Polymorphic Butterfly — an interesting .... 8 Scents of Butterflies ....... 8 Catha edulis ......... 4 Cell — The Organic. Pt. 1 . . . . . . . 6 ,, ,, Pt. 2 . . . . . .7 „ „ Pt. 3 8 Chameleons — Random Notes on . . . . . .2 Chemosit, the ......... 8 Circumcision — Kikuyu Ceremonies ..... 6 Classification of E.A. Sea Fishes ...... 7 Cobras — Spitting ........ 4 and 5 Collecting Sea Fish at Mombasa ...... 5 Correspondence ......... 8 Cranes, Crested — at Kericho. ...... 8 Curlew, Stone — East African ...... 2 Diatomite — Microscopic Structure of . . . . .2 Dinotherium Hobleyi ........ 4 Duiker — Harvey’s ........ 3 Early Man in British East Africa ..... 5 Editorial .......... 5 Editorial Note on Insect House at the Zoo .... 7 Elephant : Of the Baringo District ....... 3 On the Uasin Gishu Plateau ...... 1 Solitary, in Kavirondo ....... 5 The Water ......... 4 Elgon, Peoples of S.E. Slope of Mount ..... 6 European Migrants in British East Africa .... 2 PAGE 44 56 76 141 78 132 134 81 59 145 73 52 41 14 72 81 131 144 126 9 24 98 108 127 41 47 134 61 4 154 138 78 107 112 71 20 65 89 63 49 64 97 16 101 INDEX 5 PART Fauna, Smaller, of Mount Elgon ...... 2 „ of the Baringo District ...... 3 Felis Serval — Melanism in ...... 2 Fish : African, and Artificial Flies . . . . . . 6 Classification of E.A. Sea Fishes ...... 7 Collecting at Mombasa ....... 5 Collecting and Preserving ...... 2 Culture in British East Africa ..... 4 In Lake Magadi ........ 4 Lake Victoria Nyanza, Fishing in . . . . .1 Lung- — Sent alive to the Zoo ..... 7 Notes on — in B.E.A. and Uganda ..... 8 Preservation of in Jore’s Solution ..... 5 Trout, in B.E.A. ........ 1 Flies — Tsetse and Big Game ...... 4 and 7 Flies, Biting, Notes on Some of the Principal, of B.E.A. . . 4 Francolins, East Africa and Uganda ..... 1 Francolin — Hubbard’s, New Locality for .... 4 PAGE 92 63 109 58 47 4 75 80 95 44 82 121 39 56 117 3 87 7 135 Game : Animals — Two Rare East African . Big Game and Tsetse Flies Bongo — immature .... Bongo shot at Kericho . Bright’s Gazelle — Distribution of Distribution of Game in Uganda Duiker — Harvey’s .... Elephant : On the Uasin Gishu Plateau . Of the Baringo District . Solitary, in Kavirondo The Water .... Fauna, Smaller, of Mount Elgon ,, of the Baringo District Felis Serval — Melanism in Game on the Coast and its Depredations Game of Jubaland, Notes on . Game of Uganda, photographs Giraffe — Reticulate Grant’s Gazelle — a Variation in In Relation to Disease in Africa Jackals — Destruction of Maize by . Lions — killing Giraffe Lophiomys (Tree Rat) . Pigs — Some East African Potto — Kavirondo Rhino and his Curious Diet . Unknown Animal on the Uasin Gishu 8 124 4 117 and 7 3 7 81 6 59 3 73 3 18 3 71 1 49 3 63 5 64 4 97 2 92 3 63 2 109 3 67 8 17 3 Front. 6 55 2 110 7 3 5 62 6 55 4 126 3 40 2 111 4 133 4 123 6 INDEX Game : PART PAGE Unknown Beast on the Magadi Railway . 6 53 Waterbuck — White ..... 2 110 Waterbuck — Lorian White .... 3 74 Zebra, Saddle-backed ..... 4 134 Geophagism ....... 7 80 Giraffe, Reticulate ...... 6 55 Gwasi and Kisingiri Districts of South Kavirondo . 8 129 Harvey’s Duiker, Remarks on 3 71 Honey Guides ....... 2 114 and 7 78 Hubbard’s Francolin — New Locality for 4 135 Jackals — Destruction of Maize by 5 62 Jore’s Method of Preserving Natural History Specimens 5 37 Jubaland — Notes on Game Animals in . 8 117 Junonia — Seasonal Variation of 3 14 Kalahari Desert, Melon of the .... 6 25 Karianduss Deposits in the Rift Valley 1 52 Kavirondo Potto. ...... 2 111 Kenia, Mount — Two Finds on ... 3 60 Kikuyu Circumcision Ceremonies .... 6 41 Kikuyu Skull, Report on .... 4 99 Kingfisher — The African Brown -bellied 8 95 Kisingiri and Gwasi Districts of South Kavirondo . 8 129 Lake Rudolph ....... 3 47 Lions — killing Giraffe ...... 6 55 Lists of Members ...... 1 6 99 99 •••••• 2 115 99 99 6 70 99 99 •••••• 8 159 Lophiomys (Tree Rat) ...... 4 126 Lorian Swamp — Journey to . 4 127 Lorian White Waterbuck ..... 3 74 Lung Fish sent alive to the Zoo .... 7 82 Magadi Railway, An Unknown Beast on the. 6 53 Maize — Destruction of, by Jackals 5 62 Marabou Stork — Flight of 3 76 and 4 132 Melanism in Felis Serval ..... 2 109 Melon of the Kalahari Desert .... 6 25 Mendel’s Principles of Heredity .... 3 52 Microscopic Structure of Diatomite 2 107 Migrants observed in Uganda .... 7 87 Migrants, Bird — European in B.E.A. 5 20 Migration of Butterflies ..... 3 72 Mimicry in East African Butterflies 2 81 INDEX 7 Miocene Beds of the Victoria Nyanza Mite found on Young Porcupine Museum, List of Donations to PART PAGE 6 2 7 81 3 76 and 8 156 Nature Study .... Nesting Habits of Some E.A. Birds Nesting of Some Birds. 1 23 6 44 6 56 Oligoneuria — New Species of Organic Cell : Pt. 1 . Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Otter — killed near Naivasha . 6 58 6 9 7 24 8 98 7 85 Palaeontology, Vertebrate — On the Importance of Africa in 4 Parasite on Pigs ......... 3 „ on Porcupine ........ 7 „ on Rat ......... 4 Pediculus capitis ........ 8 People of the S.E. Slopes of Mount Elgon .... 6 Pigs, Some East African ....... 3 Plants — Collecting and Drying ...... 4 „ Distribution of, in B.E.A. ..... 1 „ List of, in P.C.’s Garden, Nairobi .... 5 Ploceus inter scapular is ........ 7 Potto — the Kavirondo ....... 2 Potto of Kakumega Forest ....... 8 Protozoa, Pathogenic, in B.E.A. , Notes on . . .3 109 40 81 131 145 16 40 93 34 57 76 111 124 22 Red Water ......... 8 142 Rhino and his Curious Diet ....... 4 133 Ring and Stone Bowl found in Sotik . . . . .8 145 Ripplemarks on Mount Kenia ...... 3 60 Rules of the Society ........ 4 136 Saxony to Njoro ........ 4 Scents of Butterflies ........ 8 Seasonal Variation, with Special Reference to the Genus Junonia 3 Shells, New? found at Nairobi ...... 4 Skull from B.E.A., Report on Kikuyu ..... 4 Snakes : Snake-bite, Strange Case of ...... 1 Snakes of B.E.A. ........ 5 Spitting Snakes ........ 7 „ Cobra .4 „ Cobras ........ 5 „ Snakes in Pemba ...... 8 Tree or Green Mamba ....... 6 131 144 14 133 99 57 43 77 134 61 140 61 8 INDEX PART Snipe, East African ........ 8 Spiders, Notes on ........ 4 Squirrel, Flying, of Kakumega Forest ...... 8 Tana Valley — Tribes of ....... 7 Thowa River ......... 5 Tree- or Green Mamba ....... 6 Tree-Rat ( Lophiomys ) ........ 4 Tribes of the Tana Valley ....... 7 Trout in B.E.A. ......... 1 Tsetse Flies and Big Game ....... 4 Unknown Animal on the Uasin Gishu ..... 4 Unknown Beast on the Magadi Railway .... 6 Variation in Gazella Granti ...... 2 Vertebrate Palaeontology, Importance of Africa in . . . 4 Victoria Nyanza, Miocene Beds of ..... 6 Waterbuck — White ........ 2 „ Lorian White . ... . . . 3 Water Elephant ......... 4 Weaver Birds — Three East African ..... 8 Zebra, Saddle-backed ........ 4 PAGE 141 128 126 37 13 61 126 37 56 117 123 53 no 109 2 no 74 97 134 134