xvi. Introduction 



My own collecting expeditions in Tunisia have extended over 

 a period of about ten years, and apart from the ornithological know- 

 ledge and interest accruing therefrom, they have afforded me intense 

 pleasure and delight. 80 pleasant and delightful have my experiences 

 been, that I can heartily recommend a trip into the interior of the 

 Regency to anyone fond of natural history and sport who wishes 

 to enjoy a few weeks of rest and quiet out of Europe, Init not too far 

 from home and civilisation. 



Naturally, since Tunisia has been under P^rench protection, and 

 European civilisation, A\ith the " iron horse" as its pioneer and chief 

 auxiliary, has penetrated the savage wilds and fastnesses of many 

 previously all but unknown inland districts, a change has been 

 wrought in various ways, chiefly, no doubt, to the advantage and 

 personal comfort of the ordinary traveller, though to the detriment 

 of the sportsman and naturalist. 



The fauna of the country, particularly its larger Caniivora and 

 Raptores, have been most affected by the inroads ot civilisation, and 

 the sportsman to-day must not expect to hear Lions roaring at night, 

 or to come face to face with one of these animals, as did Canon 

 Tristram, some fifty years ago, not far from Tebessa in the Eastern 

 Atlas ; or even to meet with the fresh footprints of a Lion, as I myself 

 did not more than fifteen years ago in the forest of Ghardimaou. He 

 may, it is true, still come upon a Panther, of which there are a few 

 left in the country, but the chances of his doing so are remote, and 

 he had better turn his attention to other game, such as the Barbary- 

 Sheep, the " Edmi " (Gazella cuuieri) and Wild-boar, of which, as 

 well as of feathered game, there is no lack in the hilly districts of 

 the Atlas. The common Dorcas Gazelle is abundant on the plains 

 further south, and still further south, in the true desert, may be found 

 the pale Loder's Gazelle (G. leptoceros) and the Addax Antelope 

 (Addax naso-maculatus) . 



As a country for Caravan-travel and nomad-life the Tunisian 

 Regency is perhaps unrivalled, its climate throughout a considerable 

 portion of the year being all that could be desired, and its safety and 

 freedom from hostile or fanatical natives absolute, provided the French 

 military outposts in the south be not overstepped. Its accessibility 

 and its roads, save in some few districts, are excellent, while means 

 of transport are easily obtainable, and hospitality, both on the part 

 of the French authorities, military and civil, as well as on that of 



