12 Mr. Austin Koberts on 



there is so much of interest on every side. With tlie object 

 of protecting the wild life, he has practically exterminated 

 the destructive jackals in the neighbourhood ; this he has 

 done by leaving poisoned birds about the veld and near the 

 footpaths, the etficacj of which is fully testified to by 

 the number of skeletons to be found near by. Thanks 

 to his protection, all manner of small game is to be seen 

 and does not display the timidity one finds in other parts 

 where it is hunted. Wild osti'iches are increasing, koodoo 

 are to be seen, and korhaan, i)artridge, steenbok, duiker, 

 and hares are plentiful. 



These i)oints are soon made evident to lis when we have 

 encamped, and it is not long before we are searching for 

 nests. At first we see so many about that we do not know 

 how or where to begin ; but after a few trips we soon learn 

 which species are breeding at certain times, and where 

 to search for their nests. During the first day's collecting 

 we are practically learning; for though many nests may be 

 seen among the branches, it is our sad experience to find 

 that most of them are old ones. The lesson is a severe one 

 at first, for the trees most favoured bear terrible hooked 

 thorns that seem to defy all access to the nests. Having 

 perha})S incautiously ventured to thrust an arm amongst the 

 tangled branches to get at a nest, one soon finds that it is a 

 veritable trap. Draw the hand back and turn it whichever 

 way one will, there are sure to be a number of twigs armed 

 with sharj) hooked thorns ready to prevent one from getting 

 free ; and in the end one has very carefully to disentangle 

 each thorn and break it off or push it out of the way and 

 slowly and gently withdraw one's hand, otherwise the arm 

 will be terribly lacerated and clothes torn to shreds. This 

 is no exaggeration, and we must be specially prepared 

 and experienced if we wish to meet with any degree of 

 success. A sharp pocket-knife is necessary to cut away 

 the twigs lj(!fore venturing to thrust one's hand near the 

 nest ; a hatchet for larger branches and trees ; strong 

 kharki drill to stand the wear and tear; and a stiff 

 " Biiden-PowcU " felt hat to save the head when climbin<r. 



