160 BEPORTS ON THE STATE OF SCIENCE. 





Geographical and Geological Terms used locally in South Africa. — 

 Report of the Committee, consisting of Mr. G. W. Lamplugh 

 (Chairman), Dr. F. H. Hatch (Secretary), Dr. G. Corstorphine, 

 and Messrs. A. du Toit, A. P. Hall, G. Kynaston, F. P. Men- 

 nell, and A. R. Rogers, appointed to determine the precise 

 Significance of Topographical and Geological Terms used locally in 

 South Africa. (Drawn up by the Secretary.) 



During the year Messrs. Rogers and du Toit have sent in some correc- 

 tions, and Mr. du Toit has contributed a few fresh words. These have 

 been embodied in the present Report. 



Two classes of words are at present being catalogued : — 



I. Topographical terms. 

 II. Names of rocks and minerals. 



Most of the words hitherto catalogued are of Dutch origin, but some 

 Kaffir and Bushman words have also been included. 



Class I. — Topographical Terms. 



Aar — 



Is the name given to any feature on the surface which is very long compared 

 with its breadth. Applied to the outcrop of a dyke, to a low ridge of 

 tufa, to a slight depression, or most frequently to a line of country 

 characterised by a particular kind of bush. 



Baai — 



A bay on the coast, e.g., Saldanha Baai. 



Bak— 



A basin or basin-shaped hollow. 



Bank — 



A low ridge rising suddenly, e.g., Vaalbank. 



Banken, plural of Bank — 



A term used to denote a step-like feature, hence lanken type of scenery, 

 e.g., in the high veld portion of the Lydenburg district of the Transvaal, 

 due to alternations of harder and softer beds with a low dip. 



Berg, plural Bergen — 



Mountain : the term ' de Berg ' is especially applied to the great eastern 

 escarpment of the Transvaal plateau. 



Bosch — 



Bush or wood, e.g., Blaauwbosch. 



