GUINEA-FOWL 49 



It is only found in a few of the forest districts north 

 of Durban, whence it extends northwards to the Zambesi. 

 It is a denizen of thick bush. 



Before closing our chapter on the friends of the agri- 

 culturist, a few remarks on the protection of birds might 

 not be out of place. Some the Locust-birds proper 

 should be absolutely protected by law, but as regards the 

 Guinea-Fowl, Francolin and Bustards, the question is a 

 more difficult one. Some enthusiasts would suggest that 

 these birds be also placed under the above enactment, but 

 what about the "sportsman?" He will surely protest 

 most vehemently against such an action, and with reason. 



We think that a compromise might be a rational solu- 

 tion of the difficulty, viz., that although these birds may 

 be shot for sport, they should not be allowed for purposes 

 of barter. They should be prohibited from the stock-in- 

 trade of the game shops. This would in a great measure 

 stem the tide of destruction, as no true sportsman would 

 butcher birds which he knows are of economic value, 

 and the few in comparison shot merely for sport would 

 not make any appreciable difference. 



Legislation is no doubt necessary, but to make it 

 thoroughly satisfactory and workable the public must be 

 educated up to a knowledge of the usefulness of our little 

 feathered friends. 



