NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



of any course of action are so grave or alternatively 

 so costly, that with the time at its disposal and the 

 material available any exhaustive inquiry by the 

 Committee was impossible. The Executive might 

 consider the advisability of appointing a Commis- 

 sion to make a more detailed investigation." 



The problem was a thorny one. Sentiment was 

 strong in favour of the preservation of the Elephants, 

 they being the sole survivors of the race which in- 

 habited South Africa in large numbers in bygone 

 days. The situation was an impossible one. The 

 land near the Addo Bush was being slowly but 

 steadily developed and occupied by settlers, and it 

 was apparent that a herd of Elephants could not 

 possibly be allowed to exist in the midst of these 

 settlements unless their needs were adequately 

 provided for. Apart from the destruction of the 

 herd, the only other solution was to enclose a 

 sufficiently large portion of the Addo Bush with an 

 elephant-proof fence, and secure a permanent water 

 supply for the beasts therein. Boring was suggested. 

 Another plan was to construct a water-furrow from 

 Sundays River. Various other schemes in regard 

 to fences and water were discussed. Meantime the 

 farmers clamoured for the destruction of the 

 Elephants. Resolutions were sent to the Adminis- 

 trator of the Cape Province, and deputations from 

 Farmers' Associations interviewed him. Eventually 

 it was decided that seventy-five Elephants be slain 

 as a beginning. 



274 



