130 Plants and their Ways in South Africa 



a natural condition but one largely brought about by the agency 

 of man. When Vasco da Gama came to South Africa he named 

 it " Terra de fume " from the fires. From the time when the 

 Hottentot and Bushman were the sole inhabitants of South 

 Africa, grass fires have gradually destroyed the forests. Trees 

 that once occupied large areas now survive only along mountain 

 streams. Cunonia capensis, L., a handsome evergreen tree 

 growing by the borders of streams throughout Cape Province 

 and Natal, is one of these survivors. 



Farmers point out barren areas which in their childhood 

 days were well covered with large trees. 



" One of the early Dutch Governors made a rule that in 

 thinly wooded districts, every farmer in felling a tree should 

 plant two saplings in its place." ^ 



Fortunately the Forest Department is doing valuable work 

 in restoring and producing forests. 



1 Quoted from Dr. J. Brown by F. R. Sim, F.L.S., F.R.H.S., in " The 

 Forests and Forest Flora of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope ". 



