12 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



further journey of four days by road and rail the traveller can easily 

 arrive at Mafeking, on the South-western confines of the Kalahari. 

 It would, therefore, be possible within a couple of years after the 

 establishment of such a preserve, for a limited number of sportsmen 

 to be in a position to visit the '' desert," and there obtain several 

 specimens of the larger antelopes, and still leave plenty for the 

 future. 



The chief enemy with which the larger fauna have to contend 

 is undoubtedly man, but with regard to the feathered game, in 

 addition to the same insatiable opponent there are many other and 

 not less merciless adversaries which Nature has ordained as agents 

 for their destruction. Travellers have often expressed surprise that 

 in remote places, and where all the circumstances and surroundings 

 appear to be favourable for their reproduction, game birds do not 

 show any sign of an increase. This, however, can hardly be won- 

 dered at when it is remembered that, in addition to the smaller 

 felidcR and the numerous varieties of viverra (and notably those of 

 the mongoose tribe), there are no less than fifty-two species of 

 hawks and eagles, as well as thirteen different kinds of owls, which 

 are engaged in waging incessant war against them. The preserva- 

 tion of game in England would never have been brought to its 

 present state of perfection if the landed proprietors (and, in some 

 instances. Government legislation) had not adopted effectual means 

 for the eradication of those predatory birds, weasels, stoats, etc., 

 which are common enemies to the preserves. It would be un- 

 reasonable to suppose that any Government would encourage the 

 wholesale destruction of the mongoose, owing to its snake-killing 

 propensities, but even the most enthusiastic ornithologist could 

 scarcely object to a thinning off of the extraordinary numbers of the 

 birds of prey which are a constant pest throughout South Africa. 

 We therefore venture to suggest a remedy, which may be found to 

 answer to this desire. Let the respective Governments at the Cape 

 offer a small inducement, by way of reward, for the production 

 before any magistrate, field-cornet, or other person in authority, of 

 the eggs or the complete skin of any of the undermentioned. This 

 plan will appeal to the proverbial cupidity of the natives, and, at a 

 fractional cost to the Governments, should result in a gradual 

 diminution of the evil complained of. The appended list is collated 

 from Messrs. Layard and Sharpe's " Birds of South Africa," and those 

 marked * should be specially singled out for destruction : — 



