112 Mil. JOHN HEWITT 



tractive to mariners: perhaps thev loiiiid penguin egga 

 and voung bird.* an agreeable addition to iln^ir ni<»noton- 

 ous fare ! 



Mr. Walker has referred me to a significant passage 

 in the account of the first voyage of N'asco da (lama 

 (1497). Concerning the penguins of Mossel l>ay, the 

 ancient writer says: — 'There are birds as big as ducks 

 but they cannot tiy^ because they have no feathers in 

 their wings. These birds, of whom we killed as many 

 as we choose, are called Fotylicayos, and tliey bray like 

 asses.' This presumably is the first reference in litera- 

 ture to penguins, although they may have l)een actually 

 discovered in 1485 by Diogo Cao at Cape Cross. 



Another point in favour of the accepted identiUcation 

 of this island has been emphasized by Canon E. Ford. — 

 tliat St. Croix undoubtedly affords the safest anchorage 

 in Algoa Bay. 



1 completed a round of thrilling experiences by visit- 

 ing the new Museum at Port Elizabeth. The recent im- 

 prc^vements in the exhibited collections were all 

 thnrouglily appreciated. T also saw the famous ser- 

 pentarium, and along with other visitors, experienced 

 the charm of the Serpent! 



