276 
L.—WELWITSCHIA MIRABILIS. 
We have received from Professor H. H. W. Pearson, Director 
of the National Botanic Garden, Kirstenbosch, South Africa, 
a few weeks before his death, a copy of the S.W. African Pits 
tectorate Government Gazette of September 15th, 1916, contain- 
ing the proclamation making provision for the reservation of 
Welwitschia mirabilis. It is a matter of the greatest satisfaction 
that it has been found possible under the stress of military occu- 
pation to make what we trust will prove adequate provision for 
the preservation of these unique specimens. 
The following is the text of the Proclamation :— 
Proclamation. 
BY HIS HONOUR EDMOND HOWARD LACAM GORGES, 
A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL VICTORIAN ORDER, 
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PROTECTORATE OF 
SOUTH-WEST AFRICA.IN MILITARY OCCUPATION 
OF THE UNION FORCES. 
No. 10, 1916.] 
_ WHEREAS it is desirable to make provision for the preserva- 
tion of the Welwitschia plant (Welwitschia mirabilis) (Native 
name *‘ Garob’’) which has a known habitat in the locality of 
and in ‘the Kaokofeld, and may occur elsewhere in the Pro- 
tectorate of South-West Africa; i 
NOW THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the powers 1m 
me vested, I do hereby declare, proclaim and make known ‘as 
follows : : 
person, who, without authority from the Adminis- 
trator (the burden of proof whereof shall be upon such person), 
yijures, uproots or destroys any Welwitschia plant or removes 
from any such plant any portion thereof, shall be guilty of an 
offence. 
2. Any person, who, without authority from the Administra- 
tor (the burden of proof whereof shall be upon such person) is 10 
possession of any portion of any Welwitschia plant, shall be 
guilty of an offence, unless he shall have obtained such portion 
before the date of promulgation hereof. 
3. Any person who sells or attempts to sell, or purchases oF 
offers to purchase any Welwitschia plant or any portion thereof 
shall be guilty of an offence. 
4, person who causes 
do any act prohibited by 
mation shall be gui 
or procures any other person 
the preceding provisions of this Procla- 
xy pe pois of ar offence. 3 ila 
thie De ton ound guilty of an offence under the rovision 
of this Proclamation. shall N liable to a fine of £500 (Five 
