86 Mr. W. L. Sclater— Saldanha Bay 



of the flat interior of both Schaap and Meu Islands. The 

 larger Gull (Larus dominicanus) breeds in October, as I was 

 informed, while the smaller (L. hartlaubi) nests in June. 

 In addition to the Gulls there were a number of Black 

 Oyster-catchers, or " Tobies," as they are called locally 

 (Hnnnatopus moquini). These were generally seen in pairs 

 standing about the rocks, and were too cautious to allow 

 a very near approach. We also saw quite a number of 

 Egyptian Geese {Chenalopex cegyptiacus) , called Spur-winged 

 Geese locally, Rock-Doves {Columba phmonota) , which breed 

 in an old serai-submerged hulk not far away, Sauderlings 

 (Calidris arenaria), and Sand-Plovers (JEgiulitis margi- 

 natd), besides Wagtails {Motacilla capensis) and Seisjes 

 {Serinus). 



These two islands share with Robben Island in Table Bay 

 the distinction of being the only places where the European 

 rabbit has established itself in South Africa. They are very 

 plentiful here, but difficult to shoot as the vegetation is thick 

 and high. The history of their introduction is not known, 

 but they have been on the islands since the time of 

 Levaillant, one hundred and twenty-three years ago, and it 

 would be interesting to compare them with those inhabiting 

 England to see whether their long isolation has produced 

 any effect on their structure. 



Beyond the islands the bay extends for another eight or 

 ten miles up, where it is called the lagoon. The water here 

 becomes a good deal shallower, and there are many sandbanks 

 of considerable size. On the banks here, when covered with 

 from eight to twelve inches of water, there are vast flocks of 

 Flamingos (Phcenicopterns). They can be seen at a great 

 distance, and then appear like a row of white dots on the 

 surface of the water. On a nearer approach their shape and 

 attitude can be more clearly made out, and they are seen to 

 be wading to and fro searching for food with their heads 

 down on the sandy bottom. If a shot is fired at them they 

 rise and fly off to another part of the lagoon, and it is only 

 when this occurs that the crimson and black of the wings 

 become visible. When flying their appearance is very 

 peculiar, as the neck is stretched out straight in front and 



