The ORKa^ of Featheks from the Scales of Reptit.es. 75 



more complex in structure, and ultiniately a compact web or vane 

 was formed wlien fli(>'ht became possilde. The under covering- of 

 small down feathers found in most birds, but only around the large 

 wing' and tail feathei's of the ostricli, represents the persistent prirni- 

 five covering of birds, though the feathers have become structurally 

 more complex, and the scales have disappeared. The outer covering- 

 of large contour feathers, specially developed as remiges on the 

 wings and as rectrices on the tail, is a secondary acquirement of birds, 

 but it has not displaced the first covering, though almost so in the 

 ostrich . 



In the course of its development therefore the ancient ostrich 

 presents us with evidence showing how the horny scales derived from 

 reptiles have become transformed into the glorious plumes of birds 

 by a complex process of fraying-out of scale upgrowths ; and another 

 stage in the evolution of birds from reptiles is thus solved. It is 

 manifest that ostrich plumes, of such great commercial importance 

 to South Africa, and employed for decorative purposes the world over, 

 are really nothing more than the highly sjiecialized frayings of 

 scales. 



j I am under obligation to Mr. F. C. Smith, Lecturer iu 

 Ostriches, for most of the material required for the investigation, 

 and Mr. J. AValker has assisted me with some of the draAvings.] 



Citrus Export: Advice on many Points. 



Under the above caption in last month's issue of the Journal, 

 reference was made to the literature issued by the Department for the 

 guidance of citrus growers. A quotation Avas made from one of our 

 bulletins that "the markets of Europe and Xorth America are open 

 to the South African fruitgroAver.'' It must be remembered, however, 

 that so far as the United States are concerned there exists to-day an 

 embargo on the importation of South African citrus fruits oAving to 

 the presence of citrus canker in the Union. As is Avell knoAvn, how- 

 ever, the Department has this disease Avell in hand : it is confined to 

 limited areas in the Pretoria and Rustenburg Districts, the danger 

 of recurrence is small, and it is hoped soon entirely to eradicate it. 



Honey Production: Bright Prospects. 



In a letter to the Trade Commissioner, London, the Secretary 

 of the Apis Club. Port Hill House, Benson, Oxon, England, writes : 



" In view of our international activities Ave shall be publishing 

 notes encouraging the development of the bee-keeping industry in 

 the Union. We learn from several of our members that the condi- 

 tions are so favourable for developing bee-keeping on commercial 

 lines that there is every prospect of making South Africa, from a 

 honey production point of view, a second California. If m any 

 way we could be of service to South African bee-keepers we Avould be 

 glad to hear from you." x. i • ii 



It is interesting to hear from outside sources of me favourable 

 light in which the Union's honey-producing possibilities are viewed. 

 Nor is the prospect too optimistic, for, aided by the South African 

 Association of Bee-keepers (P.O. Box 6057, Johannesburg), there i> 

 BA^ery reason to expect rapid development in the industry in this 

 country. 



