BOTANY 177 



in regions of virgin forest, such as the Lily Vlei Nature Reserve 

 in the Gauna Forest near Knysna. In a recent report on forestry 

 in Tanganyika, Professor R. S. Troup (1936) has emphasized the 

 desirabiHty of forming nature reserves of this kind in that territory, 

 and has suggested definite areas for the purpose. Another botanical 

 reserve of great value is the Pare National Albert in the Belgian 

 Congo, which will preserve the mountain forests, as well as the sub- 

 alpine and alpine flora of the volcanoes in the neighbourhood of 

 Kivu. 



At the recent international conference on the preservation of 

 African fauna and flora (1934) a list was made of particular 

 plant species threatened with extermination: one plant only, the 

 famous Welwitschia, a member of the coniferous group, but show- 

 ing remarkable affinities with the true flowering plants, was placed 

 in class A, as warranting complete protection. The wider aspects 

 of the subject were little discussed, and it was decided that the 

 reservation of areas where exotic plants would not be allowed was 

 the only practical step to be taken. It is to be hoped that during 

 subsequent conferences on the subject more attention will be paid 

 to the flora. 'As the primeval forest is destroyed the ancient ver- 

 dure of the earth is lost for ever. The trees depart in flames and 

 no mantle descends to clothe our ignorance.' 



