NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



satisfied. The Elephant is a sagacious animal and 

 will soon learn where safety exists and where the 

 danger zone commences. The only question is 

 one of water, and this should be provided. Your 

 correspondents should remember that up to now 

 the Addo Elephant has been a protected animal, 

 whereas under the new conditions his life will be 

 forfeit the moment he leaves the Reserve. The 

 above should allay all fears of the farmers. The 

 Provincial Council has the whole matter in hand, 

 and members will have an opportunity in March 

 to approve or disapprove of what the Administrator 

 proposes." 



However, the farmers in the neighbourhood of 

 the Addo are determined that the herd shall be 

 completely exterminated. Major Pretorius says 

 the farms Mentone and Strathmore will not pro- 

 vide food for more than sixteen Elephants, and 

 that unless an elephant-proof fence is put round 

 the reserve, and two Keepers or Rangers appointed, 

 the Elephants will stray iand be shot. Within four 

 years, Major Pretorius declares, there will not be a 

 single Elephant left. 



276 



