TABLE BAY 71 



albatroses followed us until we were within sight 

 of Table Mountain, when they disappeared, and 

 their place was taken by the " Cape hen."* 



Table Mountain was quite clear and free of 

 clouds, and the sea was a flat calm as we turned 

 into Table Bay. When we anchored in the Bay, 

 at some distance from Cape Town, we found that 

 cormorants were swarming in incredible numbers 

 right up to the shipping. 



During our stay at Cape Town the " Valhalla " 

 was dry-docked for scraping and painting, and 

 this necessitated our leaving the ship and taking 

 rooms in an hotel. Eleven days were spent here, 

 and we made several most interesting excursions 

 in company with Mr. W. L. Sclater, who was at 

 that time the director of the Cape Town Museum. 

 Under his guidance we climbed Table Mountain, 

 but by far the most interesting experience was 

 a trip to Dassen Island. 



This island is situated about 35 miles from 

 Cape Town and is of great importance, not only 

 on account of its fine lighthouse, but also owing 

 to its being a Government " bird-preserve." 



Cormorants' guano and penguins' eggs are 

 collected on the island in great quantities and 

 shipped to Cape Town. 



Having obtained special permission to visit the 

 island we left Cape Town on February 3rd in the 

 Government tug "Magnet," which was carrying the 



* Majaqueus cequinoctialis. 



g2 



