64 THE SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF 



the intersection of the ninth north parallel with the forty-fourth 

 meridian east. The southern boundary would run from this point 

 eastward along the ninth parallel to the southern edge of Tuyo 

 Plain at Edanka Tuyo, thence due north through the old boun- 

 dary at Talawayer to the Jerato Pass, and so through Mandera 

 to Lafarug. 



* It may be considered that this area is very large, being about 

 80 miles by 64, and containing as it will some 5,000 square miles; 

 but it must be remembered that Somaliland is in a very special 

 position. The inequality of grazing, the vicissitudes of the 

 seasons, the frequent failure of rain, the periodical sweeping move- 

 ments of the nomad tribes, and the fact that there is a constant 

 demand for oryx-hide shields, ostrich feathers, and gerenook 

 prayer-carpets, compel the wild animals to annually move about 

 over a larger tract of country than I imagine is the case elsewhere. 

 From what I know from personal experience of the conditions in 

 the Masai plains of East Africa, I am inclined to think that game 

 wanders at least 100 miles there, and in Somaliland the conditions, 

 compelling an annual change of locality, operate with, I believe, 

 greater force. 



' The expense of maintaining and properly supervising the two 

 reserves should not exceed £500 per annum, allowing native game 

 rangers, and an extra Political Officer in the west, who will, more- 

 over, be available at all times for political work. 



* As regards any further measures which may be advantageously 

 taken for the protection of wild animals, I propose that the sale of 

 all horns and skins and ostrich eggs be prohibited at Aden, as well 

 as on the Somali coast, and I will address the Resident at Aden on 

 this matter. Many heads and ostrich eggs are taken over from 

 the British coast eastward of Berbera, to which part we have not 

 yet extended our administration, except at Ivaram and Hais. 



* Jackals and hyaenas should be kept down. 



* Summarising the above, we have, in addition to the Game 

 Regulations, the following measm-es, the first three of which are 

 now already in force : — 



' 1. An annual close season, from the 15th of March to the 

 15th of June. 



' 2. A rotation of royal game, kudu being particularly carefully 

 watched. 



* 3. The keeping down of hyaenas, jackals, and rhinoceros-birds 

 within harmless numbers. 



* 4. The extension of the Hargeisa Reserve. 



* 5. The expenditure of £500 per annum, and the addition of 

 a Political Officer to take special charge, with a native staff. 



' 6. The prohibition of the sale of horns, skins, and ostrich 

 eggs at Aden. 



' 7. The total prohibition of the hunting of elephants and harte- 

 beeste for a series of years. ' 



