The Conquest of the Desert 



discoveries with one another and to publish 

 them to the world." 



Some years ago the dairymen of the Dominion 

 of New Zealand presented a silver salver to the 

 inventor of the Babcock Test in recognition of 

 his splendid services to their industry, while the 

 members of the Legislative Assembly of Wis- 

 consin caused his name to be inscribed on their 

 Parliamentary rolls as the man who has made 

 their state the most famous milk region in the 

 great republic. But to our mind the eradica- 

 tion of the devastating tick is a far grander 

 achievement than the invention of a test for 

 butter fat. It is the custom of our Empire to 

 honour those soldiers who have rendered con- 

 spicuous service to the nation by a vote of 

 thanks passed in the Imperial Parliament. 

 But peace has her victories no less renowned 

 than war ; and we believe that the best reward 

 which could be given to Baynes, Alexander, and 

 Watkins-Pitchford would be a vote of thanks 

 passed by the Union Parliament. Such public 

 testimony would not only be a graceful tribute 

 to the Province of Natal, but would plainly 

 indicate that our legislators recognise the price- 

 less service that these citizens have rendered to 

 the Union of South Africa. Be that as it may, 



132 



