IX 



criminate importation of foreign birds, such as the European 

 House-Sparrow and Starling. 



In connection with these two latter species, Dr. GuNNiNG 

 expressed considerable fears as to their early extension of 

 range throughout South Africa, and also stated that, as an 

 instance of curious change of habits, he had been informed 

 on indubitable evidence that some Vultures, presumably 

 Gijps koUd, have recently begun to prey upon living animals, 

 such as newly-lambed ewes and their young. 



The Chairman then delivered the following address : — 

 Gentlemen, — 



I have been asked to give you a short address on 

 the recent Ornithological additions to the Museum, but 

 there is so little time at my disposal that I fear I must bo 

 very brief. There are a few valuable additions which I hope 

 to enumerate later on. I have prepared a list of all South 

 African birds which are at present in the Museum, both 

 mounted as well as unmounted, which I hope may shortly be 

 printed either in the first number of the 'Annals of the 

 Transvaal Museum ' or in our Union's Journal. Another 

 list of the South African birds which are or have been 

 domiciled in our Zoological Gardens is in course of pre- 

 paration ; and the two combined lists will form a complete 

 enumeration of all South African birds which have come 

 under our observation during the past six years. The 

 oological collections have been lately enriched very mate- 

 rially by the acquisition of the fine collection made by 

 Mr. Ivy, of Grahamstown, C.C. ; and within a short time 

 South African ornithologists will, it is hoped, be enabled to 

 see at a glance what forms are here available for study, and 

 can also see which species are still unrepresented. With 

 this knowledge, the National collections will be no doubt 

 augmented greatly by the assistance of all South African 

 students of ornithology, who of course earnestly desire the 

 presence here of full and proper means for pursuing their 

 work. 



For some considerable time past I have endeavoured to 



