ItT o t i c e s 

 on the migration of birds in Durban Natal 



given by letter of 



Colonel J. H. Bov^ker F. Z. S. 



Durban Club. Durban. Natal. 



July 26th 1886. 



My dea r Sir ! 



I must apologize for not writing before, but at the 

 sametime I have great pleasure replying to your letter and 

 will do all I can to add, to what is wanted in noting the 

 migration of Birds and I do not see, why the bird exodus 

 from North to South should not predict storm or sunshine 

 as well as the Telegraph wires. South Africa is an extra-tropical 

 country and birds have not the necessary migration as in 

 cold climates, but we have another reason and that is the 

 long droughts during which time all migratory birds as well 

 as the bees leave us for some more genial climate. The 

 wild game also may be included, as the springbuck is well 

 Icnown to watch the track of a thunderstorm and the light- 

 ning and move away to the green grass followed quickly 

 by the Bushman hunter, who knows well that if he does 

 not do the same he will lack a breakfast in a few days 

 time. The migratory Booers of the Karroos did the same 

 and followed for the west waters and grass for their flocks. 

 There is however one serious exception to this and that is 

 the locust, who makes his appearance when least wanted 

 in wet season and herbage. Plentiful he is not seen, but 

 only during the time when he may beexpected; but I am 

 happy to say that the locust advent about fifty years ago 

 has not been followed up by successive flights but on the 



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